Step one. Bought the van.
Hello Everybody, First post. I camp a lot in tents but after spending three days straight in a tent in the rain at Dolly Sods I swore I'd make a change. Here it is. Bought it Wednesday. Dro...
Forum Discussion
Hello Bananadanna,
I have to blame/credit you with helping me get starting down this path. I was inspired when I saw all that you were able to do without benefit of a garage or other dedicated work area. It looks like you just worked on the street in front of your house, and in the winter to boot. I have a small garage that won't hold the van but will at least give me a space to work from.
Hey Landyacht318,
Thanks for the info. I've made changes to the wiring plan based on your advice. In regards to the 15 amp charger I only have one thing to say:
D'OH!
A 15 amp DC charger doesn't draw 15 AC amps. I should have realized that. Don't know what I was thinking. This particular charger will draw 4 amps. On the plus side it means I can run most my AC appliances and the charger at the same time from one 15 amp shore power circuit. Just have to remember not to use the microwave. Needed to add an extra outlet to shore power so I can plug three things in at once. The charger is already on order so too late to change it. Thanks for straightening me out.
Hey Diyvanner,
I was originally planning on installing an isolator until I started crawling around the engine. This is my first van and I didn't realize how crowded everything is in the engine compartment. I could have made it fit but by using a battery separator it makes the fitting and wiring much simpler. An added benefit, if I'm understanding the Sure Power Model 1315 manual correctly, is that while I have the van house battery charging it will also charge the starting battery. This will be helpful in the winter when the van won't be driven too much.
Some van work pics from today:
I have to blame/credit you with helping me get starting down this path. I was inspired when I saw all that you were able to do without benefit of a garage or other dedicated work area. It looks like you just worked on the street in front of your house, and in the winter to boot. I have a small garage that won't hold the van but will at least give me a space to work from.
Hey Landyacht318,
Thanks for the info. I've made changes to the wiring plan based on your advice. In regards to the 15 amp charger I only have one thing to say:
D'OH!
A 15 amp DC charger doesn't draw 15 AC amps. I should have realized that. Don't know what I was thinking. This particular charger will draw 4 amps. On the plus side it means I can run most my AC appliances and the charger at the same time from one 15 amp shore power circuit. Just have to remember not to use the microwave. Needed to add an extra outlet to shore power so I can plug three things in at once. The charger is already on order so too late to change it. Thanks for straightening me out.
Hey Diyvanner,
I was originally planning on installing an isolator until I started crawling around the engine. This is my first van and I didn't realize how crowded everything is in the engine compartment. I could have made it fit but by using a battery separator it makes the fitting and wiring much simpler. An added benefit, if I'm understanding the Sure Power Model 1315 manual correctly, is that while I have the van house battery charging it will also charge the starting battery. This will be helpful in the winter when the van won't be driven too much.
Some van work pics from today:
