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Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:58 pm

Just woundering if any one out there has any experiances with using a convertor to run 120V while on the road away from an out side power source. I'm looking to run a Rice cooker, ect. in my westy while parked camping, or even driving. I would like some words of wisdom if you have them. Thanks!

Thu Apr 29, 2004 6:57 am

I use those for work sometimes, they are very handy. The bigger the unit the more you will be able to do. I have a simple 500watt unit. I use it out in the field to run drills, saws, and other power tools, but the truck I use has 2 batteries so draining them is not a worry. During a power outage last summer I ran my PC for several hours with it hooked up to a battery in the house, I also hooked a home stereo up at one point to.

As far as camping I would say they are a good idea. You may want to get a second battery and make an isolated power source for running accesories with your invertor. A deep cycle battery or marine battery would be best, these have are designed to cycle from full to discharged. The isolated second battery would keep your van's battery from being constantly drained and recharged, and would ensure you always have enough juice to start the van. I have seen 12volt solar panels that are capable of recharging an automotive or deepcycle battery. If you put one of these on the roof of your van and plugged it in to keep the battery charged you could have a real set-up.

Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:12 am

Those are some good tips. The good news is my bus already has that second battery set up. I think my 1979 westfalia has this set up stock simply to run the stereo, interior lights and the pump for the sink. I would like to take it one step farther, and go ahead and get two Optimum batteries and may be an extra large alternator. Problem; I would rather have a little knowledge under my belt before I take on this project. Thanks for the reply any thing helps.

Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:54 pm

I will reply in the fat-chick bus forum