Having batteries, doesn’t automatically mean access to 12V. Thus, two access points are planned in the van. One 12V socket is located at the solar components (controller, charger, inverter, etc.) compartment, under the bed. It’s immediately next to the pull-out shelf and serves to power my laptop. 12V Power Socket It’s a standard 12V… Continue reading Wiring(4)
Author: van
Wiring(3)
Another post on wiring of the van. Two heavier wire gauges will support the appliances to be installed on the driver’s side. Appliances Most of the wiring has now been done on the passenger side, except for the #4. The focus is now on the appliances that will be featured in the row of… Continue reading Wiring(3)
I Like Dirt
I never liked tile or vinyl floors. Of course, the quality of vinyl flooring has improved substantially over the years, yet getting up in the morning and having my warm feet struggle with the coolness that a tile floor can bring, still raises my anxiety level. And then there is the cleaning: whether it’s a… Continue reading I Like Dirt
Wiring (2)
Continuing with the wiring of the van, gives me the opportunity to search for and order some of the materials, needed in the coming weeks. My list currently consists of wire connectors, heat shrink, 12V outlets and power inlet. I still haven’t found decent and affordable 12V LED light fixtures either. LED Lights Several… Continue reading Wiring (2)
New Class B Van w/Slide-Out
Do you feel it’s time to move up the ladder and replace your old conversion van with a Class A or Class C RV? Always dreamt of a nice slide-out? You can reserve your special edition Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at Leisure Travel Vans for fall delivery. But don’t forget your wallet, prices start above $100,000.… Continue reading New Class B Van w/Slide-Out
Wiring
While working on the multi-use cabinet, I started with some of the wiring. Before I can continue building new cabinets, the majority of the electrical wiring has to be installed. Battery Monitor The monitor will be located on the wall next to the side doors and connected to the batteries with 4 small… Continue reading Wiring
Ford Transit Styling Revealed
The new Ford Transit Custom has begun production in Europe. It is the smaller front-wheel drive variant of the van. The North American-spec Transit van will have a heavier-duty rear-wheel drive for greater payload and hauling capacity but the look and styling of the front and rear-drive models should be nearly identical. Ford will… Continue reading Ford Transit Styling Revealed
Power Monitoring
The introduction to off-grid power (upgrading to off-grid power, power storage and power generation) is concluded with a post about monitoring and maintenance. With all this knowledge we can finally begin with the installation. Daily monitoring the off-grid system is crucial for the longevity of the system. Maintaining a sufficient battery charge will extend… Continue reading Power Monitoring
Power Generation
After upgrading to off-grid power and power storage, this post elaborates on the available power generating tools for a small RV. The electrical calculations are comprised into a detailed schematic overview, that serves as the basis for the installation. Alternator The extra power from the alternator can be directed to the battery bank, to… Continue reading Power Generation
Power storage
Now that the different parts of the electrical system have been established, the first thing to do is calculate the number of batteries needed to support the daily energy use. Here a lot of time goes into researching all appliances that will ultimately be installed. Adding up their amperage use, will yield our daily… Continue reading Power storage