Inexpensive AC to DC conversion

[Postal_Dave]

The camper I'm designing is going to be hooked up to an AC pole 99% of the time it's taken out, at least for the first year. I'm not going to be able to afford an inverter and battery set up for a while. However, I want to go ahead and wire the lights for 12 volt and the fan for when I can change over.

So I'm looking for an inexpensive way to convert AC to 12 volt DC. Any suggestions?

Also, what gauge wire should I use for 12 volt? The Fantastic Fan says it uses almost 5 amps and I may put in a car radio with CD player.

Thanks guys,
Dave

[dh]

Google 12v power supply, a wide range of supplies should pop up. Ebay could be a source too. Check out the electric forum stickies and sdtripper2's index in the links at the top of the page, somewhere there are some great threads on wire sizes.

[bobhenry]

I dual wired "Chubby" Each light fixture has 120 volt AC and 12 volt DC bulbs installed. It was only a little more work and it has worked out great.





I used 14 gage 2 strand wire for the DC. These were cut from old vaccuum sweepers that were setting here and there waiting for the garbage man. They generally are 25 feet or so long and one cord will easily wire at least one side of a teardrop. My 120 volt ac was 12 gage stranded electrical three wire. Some were old but very servicable extention cords. These can be picked up at yards sales for a buck or two. Sometimes with ends missing or bad spots they are offered in a free box. For your AC circuits make sure you use the 3 wire. You will want a dedicated ground for the AC and for any GFI protection equipment to work properly it MUST be grounded.

[aggie79]

How about an old ATX computer power supply?

[StPatron]

How about an old ATX computer power supply?

That's what I used. 6 months since installation, used daily for listening to music from car stereo unit while I'm working. Frequent use of interior 12 volt lighting also. No problems to report.

I made one modification after the original install. I noticed that the fan noise could be heard inside the cabin interior and suspected it might be annoying when trying to sleep. The power supply is plugged into a duplex receptacle that's hidden in the galley electrical raceway. I re-wired the outlet, turning it into a switched receptacle and added a switch in the cabin. Now, I can shut off the power supply and its associated fan noise from inside the cabin.

[eamarquardt]

For about $125 I'm sure you could get a good marine battery and a small 6 amp charger. If you're plugged into a/c all the time a small charger can put out over 100 amp hours a day into your battery (a lot, IMHO) , your battery can provide the peak loads when required, and you'll never want for 12V dc.

Simple, cost effective, and provides for those times where a/c won't be available as you expand your camping horizons.

I know times are tough but there are always ways to make a few extra bucks here and there and I always try and do things the "optimum" way the first time as I find if I don't, I end up doing them twice. First the shortcut way and then the way I should have done them in the first place.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

[starleen2]

I know times are tough but there are always ways to make a few extra bucks here and there and I always try and do things the "optimum" way the first time as I find if I don't, I end up doing them twice. First the shortcut way and then the way I should have done them in the first place.

AMEN to that Gus! sometimes the Cheapest way isn't always the best way

[Postal_Dave]

Thanks everyone for your replies.
I went to my local lighting center yesterday and I found a small converter made for 12 volt, under the cabinet lights. It's 60w, 5.0 amps and it's less than $30. I thought that would do nicely until I have the money for the battery and charger system that I want.

Just enough to power my Fantastic Fan. I'll get a second one if I can find some lights that I like. I need something I can read by.