Camping electrics

[VeeDubMan]

Hi all - van is getting close to an MOT so I'm turning my attention to the interior electrics.

I'll need a leisure battery of course and I'll also have a fridge (RM123 - 3 way) installed and will want to charge phones, run lights and stereo etc. while on site. More than likely, they'll be hook up available for the sites we visit, but would be nice to have the option to not rely on 240v too.

I 'think' my option is a Zig CF8 or CF9 (not sure on difference - CF9 can accommodate fridge?). How does this all work together in practice a. when driving, b. when on site (12V leisure battery only) and c. on site 240V? Do all devices continue to work in all these scenarios (e.g. fridge while driving). Does the fridge always run on 12V then (not using gas for now) or does it run on 240V when hooked-up?

Confused :|

 

[sparkywig]

CF-8 won't run a fridge, CF-9 will just.
The fridge won't chill on 12V, that's only used to keep the fridge cool when travelling. The fridge will be more efficient when running on gas, 230V will be OK, but needs to be level. You'll need to switch between the power sources manually.

You'll also need to install a small consumer unit with RCD/RCBO protection to run your 230V sockets and the Zig when connected to a mains hook-up.
The Zig unit will then run all your 12V supplies from the leisure battery or when connected to the mains.
Don't forget to earth the van bodywork to the consumer unit with a minimum of 6mm cable.

 

[VeeDubMan]

Cheers. Thanks for the reply. All sound logical.

If I opt for gas on the fridge, is there a way to get around not having the ugly flue vent on the outside of the van? I'm guessing not.

 

[Moseley]

Cheers. Thanks for the reply. All sound logical.

If I opt for gas on the fridge, is there a way to get around not having the ugly flue vent on the outside of the van? I'm guessing not.

Can you put it through the floor and keep it a bit more stealth? I'm hoping to get a 3 way I. The near future also so will be asking the same question no doubt!

 

[the_troupster]

Cheers. Thanks for the reply. All sound logical.

If I opt for gas on the fridge, is there a way to get around not having the ugly flue vent on the outside of the van? I'm guessing not.

Can you put it through the floor and keep it a bit more stealth? I'm hoping to get a 3 way I. The near future also so will be asking the same question no doubt!

Heat rises....

I've rigged up a flu that goes up and out of the drivers window when im on gas, but not really used it in earnest as my gas valve on the fridge leaks

Jim

 

[Moseley]

Cheers. Thanks for the reply. All sound logical.

If I opt for gas on the fridge, is there a way to get around not having the ugly flue vent on the outside of the van? I'm guessing not.

Can you put it through the floor and keep it a bit more stealth? I'm hoping to get a 3 way I. The near future also so will be asking the same question no doubt!

Heat rises....

I've rigged up a flu that goes up and out of the drivers window when im on gas, but not really used it in earnest as my gas valve on the fridge leaks

Jim

Is the vent just there to act as a heat sink or is it to get rid of harmful gases?

 

[VeeDubMan]

Is the vent just there to act as a heat sink or is it to get rid of harmful gases?

Nah, looks like it's for spent gases so must go outside.

 

[Moseley]

Is the vent just there to act as a heat sink or is it to get rid of harmful gases?

Nah, looks like it's for spent gases so must go outside.

So could go through a hole in the floor as per propex units then? Maybe with a length of exhaust pipe to direct the gases away?

 

[martin.sim]

Sure I read on here once about someone using 28mm copper tube to take it out of the floor... Could have eaten to much cheese before bed also


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Why didn't I buy my bus years ago !?