Electrical questions, alternator? amps? generator?

evy · 05-12-2015, 12:57 PM

Hey guys,

I want to start buying my electrical components, but I have no idea what to buy, this is all new to me but I'm a quick learner, so can you guys give me some input?

I bought 10 fog lights (27w each) that I'll be adding on the roof frame, maybe the front and the rear should be hooked up the the van's system and the sides should be on the camper's 12v system?

I will have LED lights on the inside nothing crazy, one ceiling vent, LP gas heating with a fan, water pump, I don't think I'll have an AC unit on top (garage door wouldn't agree)

I will have 110v outlet's mostly for my laptop, microwave/convection, toaster, 22" tv.

I will also have a 3 way refrigerator (4cu. ft.) and my awning is manual.

Like I said this is all new to me, I never built anything like this and I never camped out in one of these, so let me know if I forgot anything thanks!

Here's a couple of quick questions.

-Do I have to change my OEM alternator? (2010 Ford E250 5.4L)

-30amp or 50amp system?

-2000watts generator?

-How many batterys?

-Can I rely on this diagram for wiring? except I add switches between the 12v fuse panel and the LED lights?

Bbasso · 05-13-2015, 05:18 AM

what will be the purpose for your vehicle?
from the parts description it sounds like you want to park in the campground and have complete RV like appliances, is that so?
or would you like to get off the pavement and hang out in the middle of nowhere?

evy · 05-13-2015, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bbasso

what will be the purpose for your vehicle?
from the parts description it sounds like you want to park in the campground and have complete RV like appliances, is that so?
or would you like to get off the pavement and hang out in the middle of nowhere?

Well, like I said this is all new to me, I never built a camper I never owned one either so...
I'm guessing I would want to go off the grid for at least a couple of days, I planned on getting a 2000w generator, 40lb propane tank and 20gal. water tank etc... but I don't think I want to head into the whole solar energy thing yet and the 4x4 option either, it's mostly a question of budget, a question of height (as of now I have 2" clearance with the garage door) also a question of rigidity, I think this van lost to much of it's structural integrity to be a good 4x4 candidate.

How long could I last off the grid (boodocking) ?