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The vanlife => Van Conversion => Topic started by: yngfireman on March 07, 2019, 02:06:43 AM

Title: Newbie Question Inverter/Batteries
Post by: yngfireman on March 07, 2019, 02:06:43 AM
I am using a 2 battery set up to my 1500 inverter. I have a couple of questions here. I am coming off my engine alternator/engine battery and running the wire to the second battery at the back of the van 20 feet of wire needed...... 1.What size wire to run?... just to charge the second battery. I am isolating the second battery to run the inverter. There will be a switch/breaker that will be open when the second battery is in need of charge, then I will turn switch/breaker off while the inverter is on (this way the inverter is only able to pull off the second battery.) 2. what size amp breaker should I use? 100amp,150amp,200amp??  SUMMARY.... Alternator to.... switch/breaker to.... battery at back of van to... fuse to... inverter.  What size wire for 20 foot to battery, size breaker/switch, size fuse??? Thank you for any info you can provide. 
Title: Re: Newbie Question Inverter/Batteries
Post by: Camper_Dan on March 07, 2019, 01:19:49 PM
Greetings!

I would move your house battery forward, most people put them under or behind the front seats.

I don't know the cable size, but I have a good heavy duty set of 25 foot jumper cables.  I have heard that such a set of jumper cables is much cheaper than just buying the wire, so I'd investigate that angle.  You could also look up the specs on such a set of jumper cables and see if they list the wire size.

Once you know the wire size, you'll be able to look up how much current it is rated at, so you can size your fuses just slightly lower.

Good Luck!
Title: Re: Newbie Question Inverter/Batteries
Post by: Getsunot on March 19, 2019, 08:45:45 AM
I come to find people who think like me. Can talk easily