Finalising camper project ex network rail

[Andy G]

Hi guys, just nearing the end of my conversion, it's an ex clarks conversion with water boiler, microwave, hand wash etc, my query is the 240v side of things, which is just sockets as everything else is covered by the 12v side.
I have wired an 240v invertor in which goes to the consumer unit that is only connected by a plug at the minute and also a 240v hookup that also goes to the consumer unit, can these two inputs be controlled by a relay, so that if I'm hooked to the mains the invertor is disabled, also while hooked up to the mains I want to be able to charge my leisure batteries via a caravan charger, what amperage would be suitable? Sorry of all the questions.
Once all completed I will post pics of my conversion.

Andy

[ake]

Hi guys, just nearing the end of my conversion, it's an ex clarks conversion with water boiler, microwave, hand wash etc, my query is the 240v side of things, which is just sockets as everything else is covered by the 12v side.
I have wired an 240v invertor in which goes to the consumer unit that is only connected by a plug at the minute and also a 240v hookup that also goes to the consumer unit, can these two inputs be controlled by a relay, so that if I'm hooked to the mains the invertor is disabled, also while hooked up to the mains I want to be able to charge my leisure batteries via a caravan charger, what amperage would be suitable? Sorry of all the questions.
Once all completed I will post pics of my conversion.

Andy

Yes it can. Most site hookups are now 16 amp, so your changeover relay must be rated to 16 amps minimum.

[Andy G]

Our camper is now finished, got around the switch by doing it the simple way a plug and socket........ Simples

what do you guys think

Ford Transit Camper Conversion / weekend van / trackday support vehicle

Full size pictures below write up.

It is with regret that we have to sell our recently finished camper, so everything in it is new this includes
Smev 8821 sink hob combination
Seating / bed brand new from shop display caravan store
All cabinets, insulation and flooring, the water is self contained and has dedicated containers for fresh and waste water, as is the gas supply which has its own dedicated storage locker, with the necessary drop vents for any gas escape, the waste water can also be vented to a external waste carrier if needed.
The camper has been built with weight being to the minimum, so NO mdf of contiboard here, it's all been built with plywood then covered in a decorative laminate, all above storage lockers are sliding doors to keep weight down, the water, gas and bedding lockers are quick release doors for easy access for the supplies, you'll also note the wardrobe and kitchen cupboards are hinged, there's a sietz window blind fitted to small window and privacy curation on the door.
We have recently fitted graphics to the sides to compliment the conversion, the side awning is approx 3.5m x 2m deep.

The layout:
We decided on an end kitchen layout this gave us more room in the van and also closed the cab area off, most conversions use the caravan cushions so have benches either side for making the bed up, but we found this to be too tight for access, so decided on a side bench only with cabinet opposite this gives plenty of room and allows storage are for a motorbike should you wish to use it for track days, tie down brackets are hidden in the cupboards, using this layout gives us a large double bed of the correct size for DVLA and use of the kitchen and all other cupboards while the bed is made, it even has a toilet hidden in a locker under the seating, so you have a fully contained camper that can be used anywhere.

The 12 volt side of things are all protected by a dedicated fuse panel and switches these include
12v water pump
12v microwave facility ( not fitted due to dropping it )
12v hot water boiler that can be used as a kettle as its for drinking water
12v Erberspacher night heater with thermostat control
12v lighting all double and switchable
12v power outlet ( inside wardrobe )
12v Status aerial ( freeview version )
12v - 240v power invertor 1500w ( outlet goes to dedicated consumer unit )

The 240 volt side comes from either onboard power invertor or power hook cable from camp site
240v fridge freezer
240v sockets ( 3 doubles )

Also included in the sale is:
Bush HD FREEVIEW TV
Portaloo
Hook up cable

A bit about the vehicle, 2003 Ford Transit LWB High Roof 2.4TD 90/350, this is an ex network rail van converted by clarks when new, so all the 12v side has been done by the professionals, this means correct relays fuses etc. I have just reconfigured it to suit our conversion, the camping battery charges from the main battery but has a isolater and safety switch to prevent the vehicle battery from becoming drained, there's an option to fit an extra battery in the storage locker should you require, being ex network rail it comes with a full print out of every penny spent on it, then receipts up to now for any work carried out.
The van has covered approx 155k miles and still runs a dream, mot expires in October, towbar fitted if you wish to tow a trailer or caravan.









More pics can be found on eBay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Transit- ... 3912693%26

Would like to hear you thoughts re conversion and price etc....

Andy

[Kedishen]

Shame it had to go, but in case you feel the need to over complicate things with inverters in future, there is a link here to automating the switchover from inverter to mains.

viewtopic.php?f=58&t=123890