[quote="rabT"]Hi, Thanks.
had a look at yours, looks great. some great info in there, new alternator might be a must for me but the van came stock w. 2 batteries so will have to check whats fitted atm.
Is there a major difference in power consumption between cheap and expensive 230v inverters do you no? and do you run a battery "controller" so you can monitor the usage and can it set an automatic cut off to avoid killing the batteries?
Are the 2 batteries separated from each other? Its important that your can unload the leisure battery and still start te engine the next morning.
My idea is that the leisure battery is connected when the engine is running and automatically disconnect when the engine is stopped.
I have a "cheap"
SINUS 12V - 230V 1500W convertor... as always its what you can or want to afford
My converter stops working when a min. voltage is reached. The power consumption, "stand bye " can differences with the size of the inverter.
Choosing the inverter size, depend on your needs, and on the size off your leisure battery. Do some research on this!
I would not advice to buy a lot bigger than your needs.
Cooking on electricity, my wife can only use one item at the same time.
We have a 12V compressor fridge, a much cheaper 230 V would mean the inverter has to stay "on" all the time, now the inverter is only used for cooking.
Cooking on electricity has also his "cons" you have to drive to replenish your batteries.
I have a "Victron" battery monitor, who tells me how much I am charging or consuming from the leisure battery. Also tells me how much i have already used.
This monitor (clock) does not cut off the batteries. For the lifespan of the leisure batteries, I keep an eye, not to unload the batteries behind 50%.
I have installed deep unloading AGM batteries, I taught prise wise this was the best option.
Make sure you use the right fuses for the cable diameters!!!
Any more questions, feel free to PM me . Hope my translation work is a bit readable
cheers