awning and power inverter

[Bombadilo]

hello folks,

i'm a newbie based in newport, only had my bongo since sept and already loving it.

2 other bongos have also recently appeared near me in rogerstone.

i've had a bit of time off work recently due to the weather so i've had chance to start playing with the bongo in the snow.

it came fitted with mud and snow tyres and is 4WD.

in the last 2 weeks i've had alloys fitted (phil harvey tyres of risca - well recommended)

and i've added some nice shiny windscreen wipers.

i fitted a new stereo and made a new battery tray myself this week.

today i was chuffed to finally fit a new leisure battery and split charger relay.

my back is still aching - there's not much room between the front seat and steering column for a 15 stone guy.

the scrap on my knuckle where i slipped with the screwdriver is still killing !

anyway my next plan is to fit a power inverter for internal ac power and then i want to get a drive away awning.

does anyone have any recommendations.

cheers

phill

[stilldesperate]

Hi Phill,

Sounds like you're well on course for a great summers camping!

Power invertors come in all sizes, from 300 watt up to 2000 watt and more.
First thing is, if you can power it from 12v, it will use less power than powering in from 240v. (reason being that the invertor is not 100% efficient).
For tv's, use flat screens, as most will work off 12v. Same for kettles etc, try to use 12v ones.

If you do need 240v, work out how much power you will need (in watts) for the devices you want to use. If, for example, your toaster is rated 240v and 2amps, you will need a 500 watt invertor (at least) to power it.

Places such as Maplin often have offers on them, or try CPC.

Maplin link here
CPC link here
SD

[Biobongo]

What you need to know about Inverters here, PART 2, but read all of parts 1 & 2, I think you will fined it interesting & useful.
http://www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volt.htm

[mulshy]

you'll not get much cheaper than this

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/p ... VERTER.htm

for a 500 watt power inverter

[mr and mrs pips]

Interesting

So it would seem that 350 -500 watt would be more than adiquate for TV / laptop / charging the phones and camera while away.

just getting one from argos is the problem now or evil bay..