Van Toys

[wozz]

im in the process of purchasing a new larger van and i wish to have a few toys in the new one.

This may sound silly but i was wondering if its possible to have a small microwave in the van (only small stuff some pasta i may bring or a sausage roll or two). ive seen some really expensive 12v microwaves on ebay, or is a inverter the way to go? whats sort of size / price one am i looking at. I also dont want to knacker the battery too much.

Ive seen the railway welfare units with microwaves and such but they may use generators.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

 

[Andy™]

i have a 800w inverter (well, 300w for chargers at the min, the 800w inverter died)in my van. there is also a second 70AH 12v battery in the van so there is more battery power before battery is too flat to start van. i also have a genny so can easily plug in anything like kettles etc

 

[Apache]

I think you'd get better with a normal microwave and a cheap genny! You can get then from

 

[wozz]

i have been looking and the compact microwaves for caravans are 500w out put but 900w input! i think i would need a expensive inverter for that!

the idea is to save money by not buying food as i get bored of sandwiches. so it will be a false economy if things get too expensive.

Will putting a load close to the maxiumum output of inverter shorten its life alot?

 

[Andy™]

it may shorten the life. probably easier to just get a genny or take it to a socket

 

[green-hornet]

When I worked away I had an inverter which I could use with my tv, microwave and a fridge.

The fridge was on all the time, the tv occasionally, the microwave now and again, and the kettle often

I had it wired into the charging system direct by a local vehicle electrician.

It worked a treat, but make sure you have a backup battery.

 

[wozz]

jesus! how big was that inverter? was it a little microwave?

i wouldnt mind a little fridge aswel, but bit worried about straining the battery.

did you have a split charging system for the second battery?

 

[Andy™]

jesus! how big was that inverter? was it a little microwave?i wouldnt mind a little fridge aswel, but bit worried about straining the battery.

did you have a split charging system for the second battery?

the battery in mine is connected directly to the existing battery, but if im running loads of long periods, i can switch to second battery only, leaving main battery charged to start engine

 

[wozz]

hmm interesting stuff, i may have some more questions for you when i get the van and start playing with it.

still deciding on what to have in there...

 

[Andy™]

the best thing is an inverter with an hour time switch - plug your batteyr chargers in and never have a flat battery at a job again. unless the person your with puts flat batteries on the shelf and doesnt put them on charge....

 

[Apache]

One of our members has a battery saver device that cuts power to the inverter when the battery voltage drops.

Might be M107...........

 

[Andy™]

One of our members has a battery saver device that cuts power to the inverter when the battery voltage drops. Might be M107...........

i have one on the sink, and one on the fridge. never bothered with one for the inverter (i have modded/added loads of wiring etc to my van!)

 

[Badger]

[quote name='Andy

 

[Andy™]

so thats the reason the street lights go dim then is it :^O :^O

thats just admin busy in his shed again. the entire world dims when he starts something!

even with all the extra stuff in the van, ive never had a flat battery yet. if i didnt have the cutout on the sink/fridge i probably would have many times though

 

[green-hornet]

The inverter I bought cost an arm and a leg but was worth it.

Also it did, if the battery level fell below a certain level, cut out. This is a normal safety precauation on all quality units.

 

[wozz]

Andy what have you done extra with your van electrics? im after ideas now...

 

[Andy™]

Andy what have you done extra with your van electrics? im after ideas now...

lets see....

additional battery in back. feed from main battery is 6mm