trarnold
Chicago
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Bought a van that is finished but in a basic way. That's fine. I want simplicity. My issue is electrical service. I can get a dual mode TV/DVD player and some other things that run on 12v so I can run things without being "plugged in". Rather than trying to run a seperate 110v system in wouldn't it be easier to install a second battery with an isolator and run everything off of 12v so that when parked in a place with 110v I can just hook it up to a trickle charger to keep the battery fresh and powered.
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Joined: 12/23/2007
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In a van, with limited systems, sure....but if you intend to install a roof A/C unit, or a fridge that would require 110VAC, you will want something to plug it in with.
You can just run an extension cord to power those things.
Yes, the 12VDC system will work for all the basics, and as mentioned, you can plug in a cord to the 110VAC to power up a charger or a converter, if you get more 12VDC systems.
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ
Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau 
RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293
The Pets
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sunkatcher
Fulltimer
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Generally speaking 12 volt equipment is much more expensive, harder to find and less reliable than 120v/ac equipment. For a lot less money you can install a small inverter that will power what you require at 110 volt. Once you decide what you want in your van add up the power requirement and look at a small inverter. Easy to locate and appliances are much cheaper.
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trarnold
Chicago
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But can I just run an extension cord and a multi plug off of the 30 or 50 amp service the campground has? If that's the case I'm good to go.
Trashed the idea of a powered fridge. Coleman has "extreme" coolers that actually last six days. I can throw 20 pounds of ice in every six days no problem.
Mostly want electrical service for lights, TV and maybe a coffee pot. Most meals will be cooked on a propane powered grill or from a restaurant. Guess I could get a small microwave if I can just run the campground 110 in to the van somewhere. The 12v appliances are very slow. It takes 19 minutes to perk 10 cups of coffee in a 12v coffee maker.
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RSchleder
iowa city, ia
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The answer is a definite YES! All you'll need is a heavy duty extension cord. A couple of converter plugs ( if you choose as backups) to allow you to plug in your 20 amp extension cord to a 30amp or a 50 amp campground service. However, I've never seen a campground electrical post that didn't have a 20 amp outlet in addition to the 30/50 amp, so chances are REAL good that you don't even need the converter plugs. If you do, have no concern as the 30/50 amp plugs supply the exact level of voltage as a 20 amp does. The 30/50 amp outlet just has more amp's available for the big rigs that are drawing a lot more current with everything they run within their coach.
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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If I understand the question, I think I'd go with the 'house' battery or maybe two, isolator, and maybe 1 or 2 different-sized inverters. You've _always_ got 12 volts with you regardless of where you are; you won't always have a 120V plug-in. You can get all the appliances you seem to want in 12V. Try the store at a truck stop's store, or google for 12Volt appliances. Add 3-4 fused cigarette lighter plugs; keep one or two close to the batteries for heavier-draw stuff.
For temporary use in a CG, just run an extension cord thru a window to the power post. Use a 10 or so amp battery charger to keep your batteries up. Later, you can add a simple port for the 120V.
You can run a simple 1500W heater when plugged in with a second extension cord to the post ; all I've ever seen in CG's have two 15 amp sockets. Curtain off the cab if it's not adequate. Periodically check for heat in plugs and wires.
Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
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trarnold
Chicago
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Thanks guys. Good info.
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