Caravan 240v / 12v electrics ?
Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 08:21
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Member - Lionel A (WA)
Always a sucker for lost causes, I have become the owner of an elderly, delapidated caravan.
It's a V..Ambasador.. if that means anything to anyone. alloy clad and I'd say about 70's vintage.
Going to gut it out completely and refurbish to a more modern standard.
When I come to up-grading the wiring, can anyone give me an idea of appliances / lighting which they run on 240v and those which are run on 12v ?
Cheers.....Lionel.
Reply By: Member - Lionel A (WA) - Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 08:54
Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 08:54
A little additional info:
The van will be used on the occassional weekend bushish
camp and a generator or 12v used.
When at home, will only be used when I'm in the dog-box, so thats every other weekend....lol.
Looking at a window mounted air-con also. May as
well be comfy whilst serving my time.
Cheers.....Lionel.
AnswerID:
380394
Follow Up By: Member - Wim (Qld) - Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 11:45
Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 11:45
Lionel.
As already posted, the electrical will need to be done by a licensed electrician.
Can I suggest you consider a small split A/C unit and not window unit.
You could mount the outdoor section on the "A" frame and find a suitable place for the indoor section.
regards
FollowupID:
647744
Reply By: Member - Kiwi Kia - Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 09:04
Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 09:04
Hi Lionel, It's a bit complicated to give you a lot of detail about what to do with the 230 volt side so I think you need to talk to a local electrician. Any 230 volt alterations will need to be certified so it would be a good idea to keep in touch with the person who will be doing the certifying then you will get it right the first time. You can still do the work yourself no problem.
KK
AnswerID:
380396
Follow Up By: Member - Lionel A (WA) - Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 09:12
Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 09:12
Thanks KK.
Lucky in having a sparky working in the shed next to
mine.
I'll do all the donkey work.
Cheers.....Lionel.
FollowupID:
647727
Follow Up By: dbish - Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 11:04
Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 11:04
Hi Lionel My van is a 1978 Millard vintage & im like you when i comes to
camping at my age ineed cooling when its HOT &heat when its COLD. I use small house hold Aircon in one front window & fan heater for the cold. Use 2600Watt geny to power them. Have 12V waeco 80Liter fridge powerd by 240V or 12v with 100w solar panel on roof only use a N70ZZ batery on A frame of van this works for me hope this helps U to decide what you will do.
FollowupID:
647739
Reply By: disco driver - Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 14:58
Tuesday, Aug 25, 2009 at 14:58
Hi Lionel,
Just a few thoughts to consider.
If you are gutting it completely, removing the internal lining etc, why not re-wire everything as 12 V. That way you can do it all yourself but will need the work to be checked by an auto sparky before using the van.
AFAIK most modern caravans are exclusively 12 V running from a couple of batteries in/on the van. Charging is either from the tow vehicle or from 240v through a smartcharger such as the C-Tec range or from solar panels.
You will still have to run gas lines for the stove and possibly the frig (depending on what you are using)
There are a number of 12V and/or caravan equipment suppliers for you to investigate.
Camec
12 Volt
Shop
Dometic
Eberhard.com
are a few I have looked at out of interest.
They seem to have everything you could need.
Hope this helps
Disco.
AnswerID:
380436
Reply By: Member - Lionel A (WA) - Wednesday, Aug 26, 2009 at 06:14
Wednesday, Aug 26, 2009 at 06:14
Thankyou Gentlemen, I like the idea of 12v gear as much as possible, makes the whole unit more portable.
May just look at a 240v for the air-con and will probably only use that when I bunk in it at home.
Cheers......Lionel.
AnswerID:
380513