using an invertor

Thomas-the-Terrano2 · 22-09-2009, 09:42

been thinking about using an invertor in caravan.

previously run it from a 12v 2 pin socket thru a
cigar adaptor. thing is if want to run several low
watt items need to use a multi way gang adaptor.

SO, what about connecting its 240v output back into
van's mains, ideally thru van's inlet which will then
give limited 240 to all sockets and presume benefit
from going thru the curcuit breakers.

further if an auxilery battery was in car and fed to van
via these circuits and subject to being well charged
would it be able to charge the van's inboard battery
via the van's charger. thinking that when on a non
hookup site/rally if go out in car the car's aux battery
will be topped up and save draining van's battery.

Terranosaurus · 22-09-2009, 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas-the-Terrano2

further if an auxilery battery was in car and fed to van
via these circuits and subject to being well charged
would it be able to charge the van's inboard battery
via the van's charger. thinking that when on a non
hookup site/rally if go out in car the car's aux battery
will be topped up and save draining van's battery.

It would work but would be horrendously inefficient - big losses in inverter (think how warm they get), further losses in battery charger, general losses in charging batteries anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if you weren't down to about 50%.

Better to run stuff of the aux battery in the car whenever possible, but be careful doing that too unless you're wiring is really serious stuff. Even a 1amp load on your inverter will draw over 20amps from the 12v system.

What do you use your inverter for and can you not run them off 12volt instead.

zippy656 · 22-09-2009, 10:33

or just find a little genorator for the times you need that extra.

Thomas-the-Terrano2 · 22-09-2009, 10:34

small items, laptop charger say 90w, lcd tv 50w, sky box very little. mainly would go 240
to avoid having to buy items with 12v feed which tend to be higher/over priced.

Thomas-the-Terrano2 · 22-09-2009, 10:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippy656

or just find a little genorator for the times you need that extra.

yep coming round to idea of a genny, one of these light weight suitcase jobs designed
with electronic stuff in mind. suspect when it hits the fan on a cold dark site only a
gen will get things moving regardless of how many batteries or solar panels you have.
plus these extra batteries addup in weight too suspect equiv to a small gen.

zippy656 · 22-09-2009, 10:44

dont watch tv or play with a PC, talk to the Mrs maybe read a book or play card game...

LOL

Thomas-the-Terrano2 · 22-09-2009, 10:54

we do, or use the ds etc. tbh its more for the longer stays though done without
before generally at half term or later been on a club site with hook up so not an
issue. and of course as nights draw in using more power for lights etc. even the
flush in this van is elecy along with ignitor for cooker so cant run out of 12v.

zippy656 · 22-09-2009, 10:58

oh to have an electric flush loo!!!

lacroupade · 22-09-2009, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas-the-Terrano2

yep coming round to idea of a genny, one of these light weight suitcase jobs designed
with electronic stuff in mind. suspect when it hits the fan on a cold dark site only a
gen will get things moving regardless of how many batteries or solar panels you have.
plus these extra batteries addup in weight too suspect equiv to a small gen.

That'll please the neighbours LOL

dinky · 22-09-2009, 12:37

Electric flush alright until pump packs up in winter.also have to keep cleaning out holding tank twice a year to stop algea build up blocking pump.

Paul · 22-09-2009, 17:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinky

Electric flush alright until pump packs up in winter.also have to keep cleaning out holding tank twice a year to stop algea build up blocking pump.

Ours is feed from the on board tank so no holding tank to clean

22-09-2009, 09:42	#1
Thomas-the-Terrano2 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackenthorpe Sheffield Vehicle: Terrano2 R20 lwb 2.7TDi Posts: 5,234	using an invertor been thinking about using an invertor in caravan. previously run it from a 12v 2 pin socket thru a cigar adaptor. thing is if want to run several low watt items need to use a multi way gang adaptor. SO, what about connecting its 240v output back into van's mains, ideally thru van's inlet which will then give limited 240 to all sockets and presume benefit from going thru the curcuit breakers. further if an auxilery battery was in car and fed to van via these circuits and subject to being well charged would it be able to charge the van's inboard battery via the van's charger. thinking that when on a non hookup site/rally if go out in car the car's aux battery will be topped up and save draining van's battery. __________________ M6YTB / 20YTB '60' 2010 Ford C Max Zetec 1.6i, black '56' 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0TD, silver 2021 Bailey Pegasus Grade SE Turin caravan Smile, its more likely to confuse. One Life, Don't Just Live It, Drive a Nissan, or ...... a Jeep. Owner of Nissan 4x4s 2005 to 2019, and maybe in the future too!

22-09-2009, 10:34	#4
Thomas-the-Terrano2 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackenthorpe Sheffield Vehicle: Terrano2 R20 lwb 2.7TDi Posts: 5,234	small items, laptop charger say 90w, lcd tv 50w, sky box very little. mainly would go 240 to avoid having to buy items with 12v feed which tend to be higher/over priced. __________________ M6YTB / 20YTB '60' 2010 Ford C Max Zetec 1.6i, black '56' 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0TD, silver 2021 Bailey Pegasus Grade SE Turin caravan Smile, its more likely to confuse. One Life, Don't Just Live It, Drive a Nissan, or ...... a Jeep. Owner of Nissan 4x4s 2005 to 2019, and maybe in the future too!

22-09-2009, 10:54	#7
Thomas-the-Terrano2 Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackenthorpe Sheffield Vehicle: Terrano2 R20 lwb 2.7TDi Posts: 5,234	we do, or use the ds etc. tbh its more for the longer stays though done without before generally at half term or later been on a club site with hook up so not an issue. and of course as nights draw in using more power for lights etc. even the flush in this van is elecy along with ignitor for cooker so cant run out of 12v. __________________ M6YTB / 20YTB '60' 2010 Ford C Max Zetec 1.6i, black '56' 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0TD, silver 2021 Bailey Pegasus Grade SE Turin caravan Smile, its more likely to confuse. One Life, Don't Just Live It, Drive a Nissan, or ...... a Jeep. Owner of Nissan 4x4s 2005 to 2019, and maybe in the future too!

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22-09-2009, 10:33	#3
zippy656 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Devizes Wiltshire Vehicle: Nissan Note Ntec 1.5 Posts: 14,138	or just find a little genorator for the times you need that extra.

22-09-2009, 10:44	#6
zippy656 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Devizes Wiltshire Vehicle: Nissan Note Ntec 1.5 Posts: 14,138	dont watch tv or play with a PC, talk to the Mrs maybe read a book or play card game... LOL

22-09-2009, 10:58	#8
zippy656 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Devizes Wiltshire Vehicle: Nissan Note Ntec 1.5 Posts: 14,138	oh to have an electric flush loo!!!

22-09-2009, 12:37	#10
dinky Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SOUTH YORKSHIRE Vehicle: t20 lwb Posts: 1,238	Electric flush alright until pump packs up in winter.also have to keep cleaning out holding tank twice a year to stop algea build up blocking pump.