Tag: 12V

Making Sense Out Of Vehicle Sensors

The first few projects for the van conversion are being planned and it is time now to dig into the installation details of the rear sensors. The rear proximity sensor forms an extra layer of protection when backing up the van, in addition to the factory installed backup camera. It supplements the visual data from… Continue reading Making Sense Out Of Vehicle Sensors

Mod: 12V Power Outlet To Dual USB

My new Ford Transit cargo van comes with two 12V Power Outlets in the center console. These outdated power sources must be exchanged for USB outlets that allow you to charge your electronic gadgets. Replacing one of the 12V outlets in the center console for a Dual USB outlet, should be a fairly simple modification… Continue reading Mod: 12V Power Outlet To Dual USB

Why I Order Chinese And Get It Delivered

Buying overseas goods has become much easier and we can take advantage of that during our RV conversion. The inherent risks are manageable and the savings substantial. As the start of the cargo van conversion comes closer, it’s time to get the first mods. Lots of materials will have a local supplier, such as your… Continue reading Why I Order Chinese And Get It Delivered

How To Guide: Parking Sensors and Vehicle Cameras

Before the starting the conversion of the new Ford Transit cargo van (ETA October 2015), I’d like to add a few electronics gadgets. Being frugal or cheap by choice, I declined one or two factory options with the purpose of saving some money in addition to creating a more personalized solution. Reverse Sensing System As… Continue reading How To Guide: Parking Sensors and Vehicle Cameras

RV Electrical System: My Setup

PREVIOUS: RV Electrical System: Sizing Now that we have a good understanding of the intricacies of a well-designed electrical/solar system for an RV, it’s time to select the actual components for my upcoming Ford Transit cargo van conversion. Considerations The goal I’m striving for, is a fully electrical, self-sufficient van/RV that can handle a minimum… Continue reading RV Electrical System: My Setup

DC-Powered Air Conditioner

Sharp will launch its first DC powered air-conditioner later this year. Marketed to the solar home crowd, this and other DC appliances may find their way into your RV. With the increasing use of solar panels worldwide, manufacturers are beginning to explore more and more DC devices for the home. The major advantage is a… Continue reading DC-Powered Air Conditioner

RV Electrical System: Sizing

PREVIOUS: RV Electrical System: Batteries & Solar Panels Sizing Sizing the electrical system in your RV means choosing the different components and making sure they work well together, while their relationship in terms of quantity, size and number is well proportioned. Setting up solar is fairly simple, yet involves many interdependent parts and unless done… Continue reading RV Electrical System: Sizing

RV Fridge Checklist: How To Store Your Food On The Road

RV fridges come in all sizes, and more importantly as a single 12V or three-way unit. For years, the three-way fridge has been the traditional unit for use in RV’s, yet it had two major drawbacks: The absorption type fridge requires leveling of the vehicle. It has complicated power source requirements: 12V + 120V wiring… Continue reading RV Fridge Checklist: How To Store Your Food On The Road

Is The RV At The Forefront Of Low Voltage Home Wiring?

There are many similarities between a solar installation in an RV and a regular single-family home. OK, some differences are quite fundamental, like the total number of available PV panels and their orientation, yet with respect to the system wiring, differences are less apparent. The RV and the Marine environment have accumulated heaps of solar… Continue reading Is The RV At The Forefront Of Low Voltage Home Wiring?