Help with customizing the interior of van

[alstonj1]

just remember the conversion is 10:1 a 1.1 amp 110volt translates to 11 amps of dc well with in the range but the 5.6 amp running strictly off the battery is over 56 amp draw thats one heck of a drain even with the engine running .(unless your planning on covering that van like skylab with a solor array ).unless you plan on running the engine alot it aint worth it .buying a small generator would be the better option theres a lot of small ones out there fairly cheap now .

[slothappy144]

1000 watt Honda runs almost all day on a few gallon.

[Lazarus]

I do plan on haveing a small panle on the roof of the van. I think the 5.6 amps is the max at start up of the compressor. Then it is not running all the time. My slow drean battery is not telling me how many amps it will deliver and how long. I know I'm not saying it wright. So how do I figure how long the battery will last on a full charge before it needs to be recharged?

[alstonj1]

the easiest way is to set it all up out side the van and run it and see if infact it will start the fridge but unless your solar panel can meet the draw of the fridge it wont work . those are ment to charge the battery when not in use not under load . if it does start it cut the engine and start the timer you may need the output of both batteries (van and spare )to get it started and then one to run but when the fridge gets to temp the compressor will shut down and you wont have the capacity to restart it with only one . also if possible use an older dumber inverter that wont override if the voltage drops below 10volts or youll be dead in no time .good luck

found this might help you on start up power needed
To Calculate approximate Startup Load:


Multiply: WATTS X 2 = Starting Load
This formula yields a close approximation of the starting load of the appliance, though some may require an even greater starting load. NOTE: Induction motors such as air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and pumps may have a start up surge of 3 to 7 times the continuous rating. Most often the start up load of the appliance or power tool determines whether an inverter has the capability to power it.

For example, you have a freezer with a continuous load of 4 amps, and a start up load of 12 amps:

4 amps x 120 volts = 480 watts continuous
12 amps x 120 volts = 1440 watts starting load

You would need an inverter with peak-surge rating greater than 1440 watts.

FORMULA to convert AC Watts to DC Amps:

AC Watts divided by 12 x 1.1 = DC Amps
(this is the size vehicle alternator you would need to keep up with a specific load; for example, to keep up with a continuous draw of 1000 watts, you would need a 91 amp alternator)

that figures to about 188 or so amps at start up at 3 times the value or 2052 watts surge at start up .
heres the url it has a calculator to help figure out your needs.
http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/inv...l#what_it_does

[Lazarus]

Thanks I will have to try to figure this out when I have some time.