Self built van for living on the road
Georgia’s self built van for living on the road.
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"Harmony in Every Heartbeat
November 22, 2024
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Charging her 200Ah battery (presumably LiFePO4, but really any house battery) from shore power doesn't need an inverter, it needs a LiFePO4 battery charger plugged into one of the outlets which her shore power connection sends power to. Another way to charge it when solar isn't enough, is using a DC-DC charger that kicks on automatically whenever the van engine is running.
200AH LiFePO4 can routinely be charged at up to 40A, at 14.4V or 14.6V max. Even charging it at 20A is more than her 200W of solar in full sun, but when you have shore power or the van engine running, you might as well do the 40A. Check out the Kisae DMT-1250 DC-DC charger. It can be set to any max charge rate from 5A to 50A in 5A increments. In my car, I'm installing the DMT-1230 which can be set to 5, 10, 20, or 30A. With her battery in the back of the van, using 30A would let her get away with 10AWG wiring from the van battery to the LiFePO4 battery, while 40A needs 8AWG and 50A needs 6AWG. Considering the length of the van, going one size thicker is not a bad idea to keep voltage drop down, but it's not needed for safety protection of the wires.
An alternative to a DC-DC charger, and to shorten the run of heavy wire, is to install an inverter in the front of the van, maybe in the passenger footwell.under the dash. Then you just need a 120V run from there to the battery charger in the rear. Rather than an extension cord or NM-B Romex, I recommend UF-B direct burial wire for that, it is much tougher and more rodent-proof. For running a 40A charger, a 1000W inverter is more than enough. The Redodo 1000W pure sine wave inverter is a shorter version of their 2000W, and both are built like tanks. On Amazon lately, after coupon and discount code, those have been $79 and $143 respectively. For wiring between car battery and inverter or DC-DC charger, I use tinned copper marine wire. On Amazon sale, I recently got 30 feet of 2-conductor 10AWG Kimbluth brand wire for $27, to wire up my 30A DC-DC. I use an inline fuse holder for a 30A car-type fuse at the car battery positive connection for it.
On the cheap side but still very sturdy, you can used a Bestek 300W pure sine inverter (often $40-42) and 12AWG wire to power a 15A or 20A LiFePO4 charger. The idea is to do some charging anytime the van engine is running, seeing as you're already paying to cover the idling/running losses to spin the alternator. You're basically only using the incremental amount of fuel for the extra power you're drawing from the alternator via the van battery.
Adding more solar is always a good thing. If 200W doesn't keep up, adding more is good, even if you have a DC-DC charging setup. Solar is free, DC-DC or an inverter on the van battery, use some gas.
No shower? As a good bed you must have a good shower and toilet ..
Very nice tour Paula. She did a nice job on her build. Thank you for sharing it with me 🐶💕
Where did you go while in Arkansas? What all did you do while here? Im wanting to do exactly what you are doing
😅I wish I could be that creative
That’s so funny Paula this reminds me the first time I saw you you were doing. I think it was damn the man from adventures with purpose. I forgot the cute little boys name but you were interviewing him and that’s when I found you long time ago. Nice video.
Lovely van..fab colours and v comfy..nice dog too.
Nice layout. Looks very comfy. 😊
Love the window on your slider. Where did you purchase?
Wc under a chair is horrible
I also travel with games and entertainment.
Awesome build.. love it..
Very well done van tour👌! And all without editing music into it👏. Good build-out has what it takes to feel like a home on wheels. I like the design of the above sink vertical cupboard door instead of the two doors because whatever you're looking for is no doubt going to be on the other side. Enjoy your travels with your trusty canine companion. He is another factor I'm sure your mom appreciates , along with her favorite corner in your van😉.
I really like your build out. It would be my ideal layout. Thank you for sharing.
Amazing van tour, gotta love the nose boop from Maggie. Great meeting Georgia at the meetup.
Bed is a bit too high, bet she can't sit up in bed.
Hi Paula. This is really an outstanding tour of a superlative RV Van crafted with love & vision by Georgia. Scratches behing the ears for Maggie. Thank you both for sharing. Stay Safe & Happy Trails.🇺🇸💙❤️☘️😎
Yup, take real good care of your Promaster. I love mine too ! Great build out 🌞. Remember it's a cargo van, and…
👍 Rock on 🙂.
She did a great job. So did you.
Hi Paula and Nate
Nice tour! She has a very nice build! Everything is organized and well thought out. Thanks for sharing. 👍🏽💜
Great build Georgia and great tour Paula!
It's a great build, and you have to love Jonnie's Journey @midwestvanbuilders. Thanks for a great tour!