Let the "Fun" Begin - New to conversions STEP 1

[flinny]

Hi, all,

My name is Maria and I am in Durham NC. I have been reading and reading stuff on this forums for a few days now. I just acquired a 2006 158" 2500 Sprinter and will be picking it up over the weekend.

Pic 1
http://s621.photobucket.com/albums/tt299/rusev/2006%20Dodge%20Sprinter/?action=view&amp;current=DSCN6439.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt299/rusev/2006%20Dodge%20Sprinter/DSCN6439.jpg


Pic 2
http://s621.photobucket.com/albums/tt299/rusev/2006%20Dodge%20Sprinter/?action=view&amp;current=DSCN6475.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt299/rusev/2006%20Dodge%20Sprinter/DSCN6475.jpg


The main use for it will be to travel with my husband and 3 dogs.

I am new to conversions and I have a very basic knowledge of a few things needed, so any help will be GREATLY appreciated.

I am a DIY type of person(which drives my husband CRAZY :-) and I regret not choosing a different major in college like Engineering so that I can just get home to relax after a whole day at work instead of thinking of new projects to take on when I get home!!!!


Anyways, enough about me, this is what I want: Also need to mention I am on a tight budget

The Sprinter is a 158" WB Tall Roof. Only has windows in the rear doors.

Before I start doing insulation, panelings, etc. I would like to figure out 3 main concerns:

1. Electrical. Adding an inverter and aux batteries.
2. Roof A/C
3. Windows

#1
I would like to put a 2000w inverter to run some small electronics, like TV, Computer, coffee maker, maybe even a small microwave.
My questions is, do I need 1 or 2 aux batteries, AGM seems what everyone recommend...if this correct?

#2
After reading lots of posts regarding roof a/c I came to a conclusion that my best option my be the Coleman Polar Cub 9500BTU. Reason why....to be able to use it with a Honda 2000w gen if needed. I will try to do most of the camping at a campground but may need occasional remote camping and it will be good to have an a/c system that will be handled by the small gen.


#3
I would like to install a window on each side in the front panel of the cargo area. What is the best source for it.


I apologize if I am re-posting questions, and thanks in advance for you help. If anyone is near Durham NC and has done a conversion I would LOVE to check it out, since I can learn a lot by just looking at it!


Thanks again,


Maria

(still thinking on a name for the Sprinter :-)

[Amboman]

Looks like it has a railway line running through it so i would call it the "Iron Horse"
a name the Sioux Indians called the railway steam locomotives heading out west

[larry8061]

First off congratulations and good luck!

I realize that the roof A/C is the accepted way to go. However, if you are on a budget there is another way. Roof units aren't cheap but, yes, they are out of the way. I needed A/C in a travel unit (not a Sprinter) and found a "window" unit at Sears (in the store not on line) for $99.00 that doesn't take a lot of juice and doesn't weigh much.

I made a panel that fit into one of the doors on the unit that can be installed or removed as needed. It was a LOT cheaper than a roof A/C unit.

Larry

[flinny]

Originally Posted by larry8061

First off congratulations and good luck!

I realize that the roof A/C is the accepted way to go. However, if you are on a budget there is another way. Roof units aren't cheap but, yes, they are out of the way. I needed A/C in a travel unit (not a Sprinter) and found a "window" unit at Sears (in the store not on line) for $99.00 that doesn't take a lot of juice and doesn't weigh much.

I made a panel that fit into one of the doors on the unit that can be installed or removed as needed. It was a LOT cheaper than a roof A/C unit.

Larry

Thanks for the input Larry. I am not sure I would like the way the window unit would look there. I have a small window unit seating in my garage that I used there before I put a ductless dual a/c heat unit. I looked at it yesterday and I think it will stick out too much and I certainly dont want to have to put it in and take out.

I will make my first purchase today!! (so exiting :-) It will be a Fantastic vent.
I will try to install that my self...only problem I am afraid of heights and not sure I will be comfortable on the roof of the sprinter!!!!

Second, I would like to start with the Shore power connections set up. I have been reading a lot and I think I have a better understanding now. I have done some electrical work wiring my garage before so I will give it a try.
Where I am very confused is on the aux batteries and inverter, and how that to connect the inverter to the shore power panel.

Also, I was planning on putting LED lights inside, do they need to be 12v or 110.....???


Thanks!

[Old Crows]

Good Morning Maria,

Welcome. I'll offer a thought about your A/C system. We have a 2010 Sprinter based (170") Ventura "B". It came with a 9200BTU roof a/c. It was replaced with a Coleman Mach 3 PS unit as the OEM would not cool the van here in central Texas. Admittedly, the van is black and has lots of windows. Never-the-less, the small unit (although 'sized' appropriately for the 'volume' of the van) it is far too small and lacks adequate air flow for these applications. The PS unit is about 1/3 more capable and draws less power than the smaller unit.

Frankly, even the larger units will only produce air that is about 20F cooler than the intake going into the system. As the vehicle heats up... and it will in the sun... the interior's cooled air also increases in temperature. For example with the old unit, parked in the sun the outside temperature was 105. Skin temperatures in the 135F range. The small unit would only cool the inside to about 93F. This is far too hot for people and pups. Our larger unit will cool the inside (same outside conditions) to about 78 -80.... sometimes that is a bit uncomfortable. You should plan ahead and get into the shade or put the awning out to shade the side of the vehicle.

Of course, ours has a 2800W Onan generator and we can use the A/C on the road as well. (Even with the super Sprinter air running it does get stuffy in the back.... especially if sitting in traffic.)

Best wishes on a successful project.

[flinny]

Originally Posted by Old Crows

Good Morning Maria,

Welcome. I'll offer a thought about your A/C system. We have a 2010 Sprinter based (170") Ventura "B". It came with a 9200BTU roof a/c. It was replaced with a Coleman Mach 3 PS unit as the OEM would not cool the van here in central Texas. Admittedly, the van is black and has lots of windows. Never-the-less, the small unit (although 'sized' appropriately for the 'volume' of the van) it is far too small and lacks adequate air flow for these applications. The PS unit is about 1/3 more capable and draws less power than the smaller unit.

Frankly, even the larger units will only produce air that is about 20F cooler than the intake going into the system. As the vehicle heats up... and it will in the sun... the interior's cooled air also increases in temperature. For example with the old unit, parked in the sun the outside temperature was 105. Skin temperatures in the 135F range. The small unit would only cool the inside to about 93F. This is far too hot for people and pups. Our larger unit will cool the inside (same outside conditions) to about 78 -80.... sometimes that is a bit uncomfortable. You should plan ahead and get into the shade or put the awning out to shade the side of the vehicle.

Of course, ours has a 2800W Onan generator and we can use the A/C on the road as well. (Even with the super Sprinter air running it does get stuffy in the back.... especially if sitting in traffic.)

Best wishes on a successful project.

Old Crows,

I like your suggestion with the A/C, specially if I can have a generator that dont need to be removed from the truck to be used. Do you have pics of your set up with the Generator? I really like the idea or being able to use it while on the road. My budget for the A/C and the power electrical set up is $2k to a max of 4K. Not sure if that would be enough..

I guess my questions is do you still need the inverter/charger if you have the 2800 Onan...? Or can I get by with a small cigarette lighter inverter for the small stuff, run the generator when in the road for the bigger stuff and connect to shore at a campground.... This all sounds good, not sure if possible and in may $$$ range.



Looks like I will be visiting an RV store soon to get some ideas.

[cedarsanctum]

There are plenty of accessories, especially LED lights, available that you can get everything you need in 12V. Best to avoid using an inverter for that kind of stuff because of the efficiency loss of an inverter. Look at a lot of the commercial LED lights available at stores, most of them have power supplies in the power cord that convert the 110V AC to 12V DC for the lights to operate. Actually there are a lot of devices that operate this way. If you find one (they are labeled on the case of the power supply), just cut that part off the cord and wire the device right to your 12V system. All of my lights were done that way, as well as my rear sound system (a Logitec computer sound system with a sub woofer. That power supply was internal, but was 12V DC).
Jef

[flinny]

OK...so I picked up the van this weekend. Bought the fan-tastic vent online so I should be getting that this week.



I called a few people locally that work on campers and they said its more they want to get into...... that is great encouragement for me!!! They told me to call a wheelchair conversion place...but that sounds pricey to me. Anyways, I do not give up easily so I will keep trying. I will be going to an RV sales and service place this weekend and get some estimates...in the meantime....

In the meantime I have a few very very basic electrical questions

1. Shorepower : Would I just treat that like if I was building a new garage in my house....adding the breaker box and a few outlets. Just make sure I use stranded wire and use right measurements for breakers, wires, etc....
Is this correct or am I missing something? I know eventually I will need to connect the shorepower to the inverter/charger.... I just think that with he shore power planned I can go ahead and start the wiring and then move into the paneling soon.



2. AUX Batteries: So my sprinter does not have an aux battery from factory. In order to be able to run a 2000w inverter/charger I would need at least 2 AGM batteries? Can I fit 2 under one seat or should I put them in a different place. My passenger seat is empty and only a bunch of wire and fuse boxes under the driver seat.
Should I use the aux batteries for all new 12 v components and leave the OEM untouched?


Thanks!

[flinny]

OK so this is my plan, please let me know if I am in the right track!


FIRST STEPS!

#1. Install Xantrex Freedom 2000 inverter/charger. I will only have a portable A/C unit, TV, radio, computers. (no microwave, or electric stove)
#2. 2 AGM Batteries with rating for around 200ah.
#3. From the inverter AC output I will install a AC-DC distribution panel that will lead to the AC outlets and to the 12v components.(lights, engel fridge, water pump, fantastic-fan)

I will be using a surge protector/GFI connector at the shore power connection.

Please advise if this is correct!

[david klair]

It is a good idea to locate your inverter and batteries as near one another as possibe to keep 12V wiring as short as possible. Also a switch to separate the battery from the inverter. While you are at it consider a battery separator switch will allow charging the battery bank with your alternator while driving, and prevent draining the engine battery.

I put my shore power plug on the driver side because that seems to be the side most RV's have them on, even though my batteries and inverter are on the passenger side for more even weight distribution.

My 12V breaker panel doubles as a switch panel for now and it will serve the dual purpose until I figure out where I want to place more convenient dedicated switches.

Well thats all I can think of for now, I am supposed to be working

I also have a Xantrex Freedom marine 2000W inverter / charger and you can see some photos and descriptions of my build in the conversion write up area

Good luck