My new van buildout thread
I figure I will have a lot of questions so I should put them all in one thread :). I got a new van! Well, an old one, but new to me. It's in another state, and I won't see it in person for a few m...
Forum Discussion
Jack Mayer has covered a lot of what you need to know about installing converters, inverters, and solar (should you choose that), right here
If you're also going to install AC powered devices, then you'll need a load center that handles that. The typical RV load centers are "right sized" for most smaller RV applications. They come with AC load center and a 12 V distribution panel. Alternatively, you can buy a small AC load center and a stand-alone 12V distribution panel as pictured above.
To answer your questions about interfacing AC devices and DC rated loads: Most AC equipment is rated at lower amperage than a DC counterpart. An amp is an amp whether at 120V or 12V. It is the amount of work that it can do at the different voltages that is important. You can't use a 20 amp 120V device on a DC load of 100 amps. You will soon find out the expense of high amp 12V DC devices.
If you're also going to install AC powered devices, then you'll need a load center that handles that. The typical RV load centers are "right sized" for most smaller RV applications. They come with AC load center and a 12 V distribution panel. Alternatively, you can buy a small AC load center and a stand-alone 12V distribution panel as pictured above.
To answer your questions about interfacing AC devices and DC rated loads: Most AC equipment is rated at lower amperage than a DC counterpart. An amp is an amp whether at 120V or 12V. It is the amount of work that it can do at the different voltages that is important. You can't use a 20 amp 120V device on a DC load of 100 amps. You will soon find out the expense of high amp 12V DC devices.
