camper mb 917 cabin electrics

[canals1164]

Hi
iam building an camper on merc 917 I need to decide on what electrical needs i will have, I think I will keep to 24v on cabin battries and already have 6kva 240v generator and large truck alternator (as fire engine spec). I plan on having gas hob and combination microwave oven for cooking and a compressor fridge. What would be a reasonable size invertor and size of leisure battries to allow for 240v needs?

I have no doubt that we will have more equipment such as radio, computer and phone chargers, any thoughts?

ian

 

[Joe]

Hi,

I had a fridge working on 230V in my camper van. I took it out and replaced it against one working on 24V DC. Reason: Even if the fridge was not working the converter used 1% of its power from the batteries. Because I have 2 converters (2,5 kW + 3 kW) the result was a permanent drain out of the batteries of 2,5 Amps (I have a 24V system).
Remember that motors need 5 to 10 times more power for the starting process! Especially if you have a airco with an average consumption of e.g. 100W you may need up to 1.000 W whilst the starting of the airco.

Cheers

 

[canals1164]

thanks Joe

I hadnt thought I would need that much power, what do you use two invertors for? Your picture shows a merc what model is it and how heavy is it. We are using an aluminium chassis and composite cabin. I am hoping to keep below 7000kgs.
cheers
Ian

 

[Joe]

Hi Ian,

its an 1217A. Weight of chassis with Motor etc. ~5,5t. Weight with all accessories, spares, tools, 500l Water, 550l diesel, a generator from German army (mentioned that to point out that it is fuc... heavy! ), etc. etc. it is at the moment at 11 tons! OK, the furniture is solid!!

Here in Germany we have an important driving license issue which is at 7,5t. So everybody tries to stay underneath - nearly nobody achieves it!!! With the 917 you MAY be able, BUT you must think a lot what to carry with you!! My 2C.

 

[charlieaarons]

I'd recommend a 3kw inverter. I have a Xantrex and it has been good for over 5 yrs. As far as batteries, the more he better. I have 4 4D Lifeline AGMs, 840 Ahr.
Read Stephen Stewart's article "Choosing a Campervan".

Charlie

 

[charlieaarons]

"Choosing an Overland Campervan"

Charlie

 

[canals1164]

Joe
thanks I may have to leave wife or some beer at home to keep below limit, we have same limit of 7.5t I have licence for trucks so its not the end of the world if we go over 7.5t. Do you have 385/ 22.5 wheels if so what tyres do you use.
All these things to decide and so little cash!
regards
ian

 

[Joe]

Hi Ian,

yepp, exactly those.
On the front I got Marshall, on the rear axle Continental HTC after a problem 2010 with the Marshall in Iceland. Had heard there profile is a little bit more "negative" but I have to admit that I was a little bit disappointed. So I am thinking to try for the front axle in 1 or 2 years the ones from Micheline - let's see. Prob with that size is, that you don't get an appropriate profile for gras and mud!! All tires which I saw with a good profile where re-newed ones - and how you can use these with low pressure in sand .... ???

 

[canals1164]

charlie
thanks yes I looked at article it is very helpful, it is dificult to try to ballance wants with cost, I guess as always with projects like this it seems to be all the small things that add up.

ian