1500 Watt inverter for my van.

[dobbslc]

I'm thinking of getting a 1500W inverter for the van to power phone chargers etc, it will also need to power my Tassimo coffee machine which is 1400W, what do I need to know and how are they installed?
It's a company van so I can't go drilling holes everywhere but a neat installation job would be fine.
Thanks.

 

[anto44]

In modern vans the biggest headache fitting them is finding a good spot to fit it where it's not in the way and still has good airflow, you'll need to run a good size cable to the battery which can be another pain on modern stuff, especially trying to do it without drilling holes.
I think you'll want to go for one bigger than 1500w if you want to run something 1400w, their output tends to be rated in Chinese watts so I'd go another size up to be on the safe side.

 

[Porkypine]

A mate has one that was already installed in a firms van, it's ok for small things but won't run anything 'serious' , as we discovered !

 

[ajlelectronics]

1500W inverter for the van

You do realise that at full chat, assuming 100% efficiency, that that is 125A?

 

[dobbslc]

Company van
90% will be charging phones and tablets etc then a quick coffee brew which takes about 2 minutes.

 

[Misterg]

I'm thinking of getting a 1500W inverter for the van to power phone chargers etc, it will also need to power my Tassimo coffee machine which is 1400W

This triggered memories of similar discussions when I was converting our van:

Apparently, coffee machines like the Nespresso / Tassimo need a 2kW pure sinewave inverter to run. They don't like modified sine wave inverters. This might be something you want to check.

Our solution was a 375W pure sine inverter for charging phones / running laptop, etc and one of these:

 

[Kram]

A lithium powerpack might work? My mate has a decent sized one that willl run most power tools and he has it wired go the van for charging.

Personally there are better ways to make coffee and those machines tend to make it tasting of burnt plastic. A moka pot and gas stove is my choice, much better coffee. A mini induction hob if you want an electric option.
Small suitcase petrol generator perhaps, far more useful for running tools.

With the Makita XGT 40v system they do a coffee machine/kettles.


However what I actually do is another thing. Each morning I set my kettle to 53 degrees centigrade and about 3 litres of water, I have several flasks of Lidl gold blend instant coffee. I can no longer be bothered to do the moka pot. When I did use the moka, I'd have 7 or so spoons of coffee which when diluted with 40c water, made up several flasks and they would stay hot all day.
I have my coffee black so no messing around with milk or washing up discusting mess, a quick rinse and they are good to reuse.

 

[OJCar]

In modern vans the biggest headache fitting them is finding a good spot to fit it where it's not in the way and still has good airflow

Very true, so @dobbslc would be much better installing into a land Rover...

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

A lithium powerpack might work?

That would be my choice too...couple of people at the boat yard have them and they seem pretty good. Might also be able to trickle charge it while on the move too from the van.

 

[dobbslc]

As @Misterg mentioned I'll check what the inverter can do before trying to get the company to pay for this.