Our Inverter went BANG! We need a new one.

[@GregVirgoe]

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE. Hello everyone, thank you so much for watching my video and I really do appreciate every one of your comments. I have been getting lots of comments on one subject so I will address it here to save you and me loads of keyboard time. :D Ideally, you want to purchase a pure sine wave inverter as this closely matches the waveform produced by AC power. My old inverter was advertised as a pure sine wave inverter and cost me £200 yet all our tech was inoperable when plugged in, no screens worked. The new Krieger inverter although advertised as only a modified sine wave only cost $125 and works perfectly with all our devices including smart-phones and tv. Yes, of course, if you pay a lot more money for the big-name brands (Victron) they will be better quality and last longer, that is a no brainer. The Krieger inverter comes with very good reviews and at the budget end of the market seems like a viable option to me. Also, it is best to use more 12v devices direct off your batteries and only use an inverter for very limited uses as it is very inefficient. Hopefully, that will reduce the number of repeat comments. Thank you :D

[@tbond61]

Greg Virgoe Hi greg sorry for the ignorance but will a inverter boil a standard kettle 3000watts

[@GregVirgoe]

@@tbond61 most kettles are between 1700-2400W, so say on average about 1800W and take three minutes to boil 1.5l of water that's about 90Wh or 7.5Ah of power so yes it's possible as long as your inverter is rated high enough.

[@themagicbus1476]

That’s it. I bought a Victron 1200va inverter, and I have use it one once in 6 months trip. There are even 12V TVs, as you know, convertin 12V to 220V to XV the TV has, waste a lot of energy. But I will leave the inverter, for is someday I want to use any electric saw, or this thing that turns solid food in liquid.. who knows!

[@GregVirgoe]

skierbaz the more you can power direct with 12v DC the better. Look on your mains power blocks and check what the output voltage is. Make sure it’s DC and not AC. Then you can buy cheap voltage regulators. Input 12vDC one side and output what ever you need the other side 9-24v DC. 👍🏼😊

[@giboman2000]

Hi Greg....I am one of your self build follower, I am in the process of getting an inverter, how much do you rate your new inverter. I was convinced in buying the 2000w one after seeing your video, but like I always do, I read the bad reviews first and it put me off. There was only 7% bad reviews and 77% 5 Star one. Big difference, maybe reading to much into it, but that's me even if there's one bad review it gets me thinking. Hope to hear what you think King Regards Mani (giboman)oh yeah saw your gibraltar visit video, my birth place hence my nickname

[@eyelidman09]

Clear, concise and always professional and highly knowledgeable Greg. How I wish other van life channels could be this good. Gold standard stuff Mr Virgoe.

[@GregVirgoe]

That's really kind of you to say so, thank you very much :D

[@technomage2017]

@@GregVirgoe yep sparkie for sure, first I’ve seen doing the twist and double over method for 12 volt crimp connectors, nice work, old school.

[@GregVirgoe]

@@technomage2017 thank you very much 😁

[@steveallen8987]

A little tip. When stripping wire don’t remove the cut piece of insulation, use it to twist the copper wires. As you do it will come off in your hand after giving a really tight twist to the wires.

[@GregVirgoe]

steve allen that’s brilliant I love that. Hope I can remember it next time.

[@davidhow9568]

@@GregVirgoe heh steve beat me to it. i spotted that too. btw thisis the 1st video of yours i've ever watched. i am now a subscriber. enjoy south france

[@davidhow9568]

heh @greg , that veneer looks like zebrano!

[@steveallen8987]

david how you have to be fast on the keyboard on this Channel david

[@GregVirgoe]

@david how you have lots of catching up to do 😀👍🏼 thanks for joining us

[@firstmate015]

YOU ARE AWESOME! I'm a Junkie now and I'm binge watching start to finish...wish I had your van. I'm in a Ford e150 van that I've completely emptied and rebuilding start to finish. 77 year old solo woman who has the yearning desire to be a gad about or is that a gal about. Kids are in their late 50's so it's MY TURN to leave the nest. I'll miss my tools though. You two rock!! Happy travels.

[@GregVirgoe]

It’s never to late to get out there and enjoy life. I wish you well with your build and hope you have very happy travels. Thanks for watching us 😁

[@marks-0-0]

It's great that you made a complete vlog of the inital problem right through to the completion. Thanks Greg and Lou yes it was funny!

[@GregVirgoe]

Mark Velo thank you it took just over a week of different filming but made a complete story I hope.

[@maddavvid2339]

there's never a dull moment owning a camper-van, always something to repair. stay safe , have fun .

[@aaront8396]

I dissagree 😁

[@GregVirgoe]

We have had a few things this time around, our last trip we had nothing to speak about really, swings and roundabouts, like everything else in your house you use it and it wears about or needs some maintenance.

[@simonsimpson4695]

Very useful information about the circuit breaker for convenience and better value. Also how the Amazon boxes work was great to see explained clearly.

[@GregVirgoe]

I didn’t know you had to be on that countries website to deliver to them so everyday is a school day 😃👍🏼

[@woolleycodwanderers4833]

Glad you managed to replace your inverter 👍 ... I do love the way Lou reached for the camera 🤣 before helping get you out 😂🤣😂 ... 😘🤗❤️👵🏼🐾🐾🤠

[@GregVirgoe]

yeah little bugger, I'll get my revenge :D lol

[@woolleycodwanderers4833]

Greg Virgoe 😂🤣😂

[@allieb1621]

Love your calm presentation and easy demonstration of otherwise unknown electrical components and their complexities especially to non-electronic familiar viewers. Your tool box is quite spectacular too! Cheers!

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much Allie, I hope that these videos help others who would like to build there own van have a better understanding of how it all works. 😊

[@davidellerby732]

Hi Greg, Patients is a virtue and I think it is Great how you evaluate things first and come up with good solutions. I have been following you from day one with your build and travells; and have learnt so much to help me with my current van build. We hope you both enjoy your trip and we look forward to your next experience. :-)

[@GregVirgoe]

A massive thanks David for following us on this journey and we are really pleased if it has helped you too relaise youe van dreams :D

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Glad you got it sorted and very useful to hear about the process of Amazon orders when abroad. Now I will have to give some consideration to a tool kit for our tiny little van.

[@GregVirgoe]

It's been very handy to have a few hand tools with me on this trip. That's a good video topic actually :D Thanks

[@mange2]

Hi Greg, I believe the problem with Amazon is that it lists items available from stock in either regional, national or International warehouses etc. i.e. Because Amazon lists items sold by both small and large businesses, the sellers can select the countries they wish Amazon to dispatch from. This could be just the UK , USA or the whole of Europe etc, depending on the amount of stock the seller distributes to the warehouses. Great job on the electrics mate. Stay safe.

[@barry-cq4xg]

Hi Greg. i bet you were glad you had inverter problems in south of France (and on a vineyard) and not South London. Good job - top result. Enjoy the rest of your tour.

[@GregVirgoe]

These farms stops are the best, places are so clean and people so friendly and the wine is awesome

[@CRyan71]

I know very very little about electrics and all this stuff but i can't stop watching it.

[@GregVirgoe]

Conor Ryan Vids hopefully you will pick up some tips and useful advice from these videos 👍🏼😀

[@CRyan71]

@@GregVirgoe it would be like going from junior infants to doing a Phd for me😁

[@GregVirgoe]

Conor Ryan Vids it’s really not that complicated. Have you seen my how to wire you van video with free schematic diagram.

[@CRyan71]

@@GregVirgoe I've watched most of them but didn't watch that one. I will do out a van at some stage but it won't be for awhile.

[@mikebourke1185]

Nice one Greg...good ole Gadget John to the Rescue.. Happy Travels 😎

[@davehigh6786]

Greg, because you're using a modified sine wave inverter I would recommend that you protect your most delicate electronics from your inverter by using the inverters power to charge batteries and then charging your cell phones, laptop etcetera off of the batteries. I understand that you find that you're finally able to charge your cell phones using your installed USB outlets but still, over time your phones can be damaged. As you are no doubt aware there is no cleaner smoother power flow than what you have from a battery.

[@tbond61]

Greg another joyful evening watching this .Such useful info on how to get parts and the fuse ratings .👍🏽

[@GregVirgoe]

I'm pleased that you liked it.

[@avivamae5171]

I'm an American living in France and I've run into this issue with Amazon SOOO many times so I really feel for you. The French Amazon doesn't carry as many things and it's not nearly as good as UK Amazon or the USA Amazon and then the French post & ups both refuse to deliver to my apartment building because they have been robbed too many times ahhhhhh it's such a pain in the tush!! I'm glad you were able to work it out successfully.

[@GregVirgoe]

Oh dear, I am very sorry to hear that, it must be frustrating not to get things delivered to your door. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment :D

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Well done mate good bush fix 👍🤓👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Hello Mel, thanks mate, i'm gonna drop you a line soon. keep up the good work channel is growing fast. :D

[@bigcasey4143]

I love the way you use the fast forward feature to power through the slightly mundane parts of your videos. I've got one of those cheap(ish) Chinese inverters too...

[@GregVirgoe]

This video was getting a bit long and I try and keep them condensed and factual and less waffle. I hope you have better luck with yours :D

[@ML-jr1yz]

I think you can change your van to full 12v in all appliances, the tv you can find inside the 12v and feed power into it or buy a 12v tv. And just keep the inverter for any occasional need like I do. I am full 12v on fridge/tv,dvd,android box/ heating / lights / usb chargers.

[@tinrobot4479]

Glad things sorted. Based on this I think the build will include 12v points as well as standard 240v. Good tip. Thanks for the video.

[@GregVirgoe]

If I did it again I would go much more on the 12v side too :D you live and learn

[@planetbarton]

Greg, you make stuff I know nothing about really interesting. Thank you.

[@GregVirgoe]

Alan Barton that’s a great compliment and really pleased it comes across like that so thank you 😊

[@JensGraikowski]

Lucky that you're such a handy man! Not only because you can fix stuff like that (and haven't you had your fair share of disasters this trip?), but also because you know about things like this nifty Amazon delivery option. Good on you! 👍🏼😉

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks Jens, it helps massively to have built the van from scratch as I know every minute detail and makes doing repairs so much easier and painless. Not so much disasters I have to say I enjoyed getting the tools out on this inverter fix. 😎

[@n.lyndley.9889]

I saw a video where the diesel heater on an expedition truck stopped working in the mountains during winter; later it was discovered it was due to a blockage in the fuel inlet pipe. This prompted me to fit two separate diesel heaters - they're cheap enough, the main cost is installation. This video has prompted me to install a second inverter and circuit (not in parallel as the AC has to be synchronised). And a second MPPT controller (in parallel). I haven't installed a second engine though!

[@GregVirgoe]

It depends where you intend to go if you can get replacement parts easily or not 🥴👍🏼

[@davinaparry7120]

Great video AGAIN. I love how you show the whole process. Thanks Greg.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Davina, i'm glad you appreciate that, hopefully, it will help someone in a similar situation.

[@markhughes1252]

Hi bud how the new inverter going looking to get one go a vw crafter been doing the buld 6 months you been a big help so thank you so much will hopefully meet you one day to thank you in person.. Looking forward to seeing the snow video to see how the van done thanks mark and family 👍👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Mark Hughes yes it’s been working perfectly and all our devices work no problem at all. Very happy.

[@markhughes1252]

Great thanks Greg hope you and your family have a lovely xmas and new year

[@PaullElliott]

Glad your all up and running again Greg 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks Paul

[@ellenm3803]

I do love this discovery of your channel since you videoed your return to UK from Portugal. As you appear to be exploring Europe and resting up in UK perhaps you have two recommended inverters to alternate between as required. You also introduced a new hand tool I had never seen before when making the connections, awesome! I notice that in two videos you elect to eat at burger houses rather than bistros and cafes in your locale. I can highly recommend eating local to enhance your experience in each region. Wonderful channel and more so when in lockdown in Spain. Thank you.

[@GregVirgoe]

The only reason we was in Mcdonalds in that video was it was over the road from the orange hub and had free wifi so I could check for the delivery notice. We always like to try regional food as you will see in our latest video out today :D

[@ellenm3803]

Greg Virgoe good to know, thank you Greg. I am continuing to watch your back log of videos. Why did you decide to convert a van rather than use a mobile home? I would have thought the latter would offer more comfort, heat insulation and room? If you covered this in your prior videos I apologise. Bon voyage and hello to Lu.

[@shacklestofreedom1072]

Hi Greg Sorry to hear you are having problems with the inverter. The Krieger is not bad but you must remember that it is Not a Pure Sine Wave and may cause you problems. God bless Joshua

[@GregVirgoe]

My old one was a pure sine wave and nothing worked on it, this one is not and everything works fine??

[@MultiOutdoorman]

Greg. When using off grid 230v ac inverter mains you should really have a contactor / relay linking your Internal ac neutral and circuit earth ( cpc) together BEFORE your consumer unit. This will give you a suitable earthloop impedance reading on testing (ZS), and would allow your RCD to function properly in a fault condition. As you know they measure imbalace in both phases for current leakage, but need an earth or cpc conductor circuit for reference. Simply pressing the test button only checks mechanical operation of the device. Once the hook up is restored ( grid power with an earth) your contactor/ relay must open to disconnect your neutral-earth bond ! This is because losing the neutral to your grid supply breaks your fault loop once the DP changeover switch is activated... Most clued-up folk ( even sparkies) dont consider this.

[@JayGee6996]

Top tip when you strip the wires with the tool, twist them while the little piece of insulation is still attached, it's much easier than pulling the insulation off and then twisting the metal directly.

[@cliffp.8396]

Another excellent tutorial Greg, thanks again.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Cliff 😊

[@sheyedlington9046]

Great to see a happy ending. 😂 Enjoy your travels guys.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes the new one works very well 😃

[@FionaJayneA]

Really unfortunate, but love a happy ending!! Great to see how you resolved each step. Could happen to anyone out and about! Brilliant... and the out takes? 👏👏👏👏🤦🏻‍♀️😂

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Fiona, always a pleasure to read your lovely comments.

[@nesshead3051]

Love this video. Have been watching and rewatching your electric videos. Have my plans all drawn/ buy list ready for leccy. Nice to know that I will understand my system enough to do repairs on the go or just enough not to get ripped off. Thank you

[@fetabrown]

Hiya Greg, thanks for another excellent video. Probably down to Brexit the issues with Amazon. 4 years ago French Amazon would deliver to the UK no problem, although to be fair never tried it the other way around. Hey ho, we muddle on. Hope your new inverter is still kicking.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes it’s been fine now for last couple of years 😁

[@kevinthebespectacledpilgrim]

Great video Greg. Only you could do a vlog on your epic European trip to spend most of the vid with your head stuck in the garage talking cables😂. But as usual super informative and a must watch. Happy travels.

[@GregVirgoe]

Kevin the pilgrim I was happy as a 🐷 in 💩 It gave me something to do other than drink wine

[@firstmotorhome8024]

I’ve been thinking about getting that inverter . Looks like a solid bit of kit 👍🏻. Glad its all sorted .

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes it is much better and all our tech works just fine now

[@stevehori673]

Greg, just found your channel and really like your very relaxed and thorough explanation of each van build subject. I've ordered a MB Sprinter Cargo van that should be here this summer. In the mean time I will watch all your videos to learn more about building a camper van. Thank you!

[@historybuff1000]

Currently, UK Lockers can accept parcels up to 42cm x 35cm x 32cm in dimension, with a maximum weight of 4.5kg. If the combined size, weight or dimensions of your parcel exceeds the size restrictions, you'll need to remove items or select a different delivery address.

[@GregVirgoe]

Paul Townsend when I logged into the UK site the French hub was no longer in my addresses in my account section. I hadn’t even put anything in the basket.

[@vangeezerexperience]

The converter You bought I have on my shopping list too, thanks to John :)

[@GregVirgoe]

It's working well for me :D

[@lifesasprinter4409]

I've had a bit of experience with inverters and batterys over the years, one thing I have learnt is buy a quality one and it will last, I have had my cotek for many years, absolutely fantastic, great information as allways Greg...safe travels, dave

[@CriftinsCampers]

life's a Sprinter plus one for Cotek, it’s energy saving features beats that of my Victron hands down.

[@russwalker78]

Superb peeps! The ups and downs happen in everyday normal life let alone the south of France. Enjoy your next leg of the journey

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks a lot Russ

[@morrisonmeister]

Great Episode Greg, thanks for including the tool purchasing links.

[@GregVirgoe]

No problem, I have lots of comments where to get this stuff from so I'm happy to help you out. :D

[@MRDB13092001]

Well, that does put it into perspective Greg. It was just a little teasing from me about it! I am getting ready to treat the Crafter to some solar panels. I will be going down your installation route to put them on. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Cheers, Mike

[@GregVirgoe]

It may have been late at night so please excuse me.

[@PaulGloverHowDo]

Yet another good informative video Greg, the Amazon locker is a good send as you have said. Off now to buy a couple of them USB with the switches on.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes its good that you can turn them off, the ones with small leds can be a tiny drain all the time.

[@mattkent2651]

Hey Greg, we live in Guidel, Brittany. Its a really nice spot here if you ever fancy stopping by on your way back up to the UK from Spain or south of france. ;)

[@wackyswanderings3627]

Hi Greg briefly met at the bug out UK meet just gone. Consequently been scoping and subing to your community. Loving you guy's, and your comuniual spirit, and, well everything really! Anyways, caught up with you here; brilliant advice on inter continental packaging, wished I'd known of you few months back, might have saved a small fortune. Anyways well done and respect. Dave aka wackyswanderings 😊👍 also, Essex Overland 👍

[@Larryloafer488]

Well done mate, bet you held your breath when you put the tv back on!

[@GregVirgoe]

Did you feel the tension rise when the new inverter light went out? For a split second until I relaised the remote switch was off DOH! LOL

[@Larryloafer488]

Greg Virgoe Oh yes, that feeling every time commissioning a new installation 😅

[@adamshayes]

Hi Greg, another fantastic video, not to be critical but please have a look at the crimping you did on the brown cable the goes onto the 12v usb socket, about 7.27 into the video, the blue wire is crimped correctly but the brown is the wrong way around, you have crimped it on the cable clamp end, this could cause arcing if not crimped properly, please forgive me if this has been brought up before, I find your videos very informative and have used some of your ideas in my own van build, please keep up the good work:)

[@ScoobieDee]

I knew the tools would be coming out after a couple of tour vids!!!

[@GregVirgoe]

Darren Lee Winwood I did enjoy myself that day. Lou probably not so much 😂

[@sharoncrawford01]

Tell you what Greg, I would pay good money to see a whole video of your outtakes - you being stuck in the cupboard was hilarious! 😁🙌

[@GregVirgoe]

Sharon Crawford you and many others I’m sure would see a whole different person, maybe not a good idea 🤪😂😆

[@sharoncrawford01]

@@GregVirgoe haha, no doubt 😃

[@igorobserw5742]

Hi Greg. Similar story here with the inverter. Got the same 1500w inverter from Johns link 😉😀 All the best for you two!!

[@GregVirgoe]

Hope all is all going well for you with the new inverter, has it proved ok so far?

[@lezbriddon]

the green renoster (vids on youtube) 3kw inverters are full of great features, shame they seem to have left out reliability.... i'm trying all the sub £250 ones off ebay with a 2kw kettle (2 boils a day for 5 days is called a win, this allows thermal cycling and time for my batteries to recharge), hoping to find one thats not bs before easter....

[@GregVirgoe]

lez briddon good luck with that come back and update me on the winner.

[@lezbriddon]

@@GregVirgoe the blue one i ''reviewed'' (on really relay camping) last is a good pure sine 1500w inverter i would say can run 1200w 24/7, but i was sold it as a 3000w with all the stickers removed, thats off to someone else to run a fridge... the green 3kw renoster ones are great at under 2kw but are not pure sine. i rebuilt the green one with quality parts and its now fitted in my van.. not sure which one to ''review'' next there's so many fakes to choose from...

[@GregVirgoe]

lez briddon it does seem like a minefield unless you buy a big name brand for mega bucks. The Krieger is working well so far even though it’s not pure sine 🤞🏼

[@lezbriddon]

@@GregVirgoe had one fail on me about 5 years ago, was only 500w square wave, was using it to run epson printers and a vinyl cutter, then one day the mug press wouldnt work but the mains neon was on... turned out the inverter wasnt switching and was putting out 240v DC ! , everything on switchmode supplies worked fine, even tried our big 42'' tv, only thing didnt like dc, the mug press, as it had a transformer in it for 5v...

[@Pugwash.]

I fitted quite a few 12v - USB charge points in my van but not all of them are powerful enough to charge tablets and big phones whilst in use. Well done finding what you wanted on a french website though!

[@GregVirgoe]

Just get the ones with the higest amp rating 2-3amps is plenty on a USB for fast charging

[@David_Walker16-3-51]

I read today that life is a problem, living is overcoming that problem. Wish I was there!

[@GregVirgoe]

There is more to life than working all hours to pay your bills, life if for living, treat each day as if it's your last, that's my philosophy. Go out on a limb, that is where the fruit is! :D

[@rebeccaleon5838]

David, that’s a great one ill be sharing and no one will disagree! Ha!

[@rebeccaleon5838]

Greg, so true!

[@LiamTheTerrible]

great video!

[@GregVirgoe]

LiamTheTerrible Thanks for watching mate, really appreciate it 👍🏼

[@SimonSmithHK]

Bummer. I always thought the electrics set-up on this van was strange. You tend to learn the hard way when on the road. In my Sprinter conversion I used Sterling products which have been very reliable so far (10 months in). The compact 1600W inverter charger is very versatile, giving straight through 230v on hook-up, charges the house batteries and the van starter battery plus provides adequate off-grid 230v capacity for our needs (although the missus is gutted that there’s not enough juice to run the promised hair dryer). I also have a Sterling B2B charger which has been great. Not the cheapest by far but you get what you pay for. Useful advice about the Amazon lockers. Cheers

[@GregVirgoe]

You can't please eveyone and especially her in doors :D lol

[@THEPAINOFITALL]

Enjoying your videos, noticed on the back of your yellow inverter it has a ground terminal.

[@douglasgower3266]

good video Greg, i have learn't a couple of things, didn't know about the amazon lockers, nice one , thanks.

[@GregVirgoe]

Douglas Gower glad it has helped you 👍🏼😀

[@kevgermany]

Thanks, some good hints here. One thing to watch for European plugs is they're not fused. Relies on the trip switches in the DB.

[@GregVirgoe]

That useful to know, thank you

[@Regi869]

Good tips there. Glad it worked out :)

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks very much :D

[@philyaboots1]

Might be worth placing some cushioning betwixt mounting brackets and wheel arch boxing/cover, for the purpose of softening the inverters otherwise bumpy journey.

[@GregVirgoe]

That's a great idea, will do that, especially with these cobble roads the sat nav keeps sending me down and speed bumps every 10 yards

[@malcolmyoung7866]

Hello Greg, maybe the reason for failure of the old inverter.Did notice that when you were installing the new one? Over the rear wheels too is an area of greater vibration/shock although a very handy place to mount one. Inboard of wheels on centreline might be better although how and where.. ??? And all the hassle of wiring etc. 🤔🤭

[@GregVirgoe]

Malcolm Young you could well be right about the vibration as over here speed bumps are every 100yards and cobbled streets in old towns are treated like listed buildings. It’s shaking the van to bits so not surprised something may have sprung lose 👍🏼 I’ll look at some anti vibration mounting idea

[@pierrefpv]

Bummer about the inverter, but great you were able to replace it. The inverter probably popped a capacitor, so if you are savvy with electronics you might be able to repair it.

[@GregVirgoe]

It's not worth it's scrap value and really glad to get rid of it, only bit I'm gutted about is the £200 I wasted in the first place. :o

[@anewlifeinportugal]

Thanks greg great advice as always.

[@GregVirgoe]

You are most welcome Dan

[@mackers4144]

Hi Greg Just been looking for an inverter for my van build and noticed that the Kreiger range appears to be no longer available in the UK both on eBay and Amazon....with UK spec's anyway. Looked at a few alternatives and Giandel appear ok but I do not have any experience of these. Would be great if you could do a cost/feature/reliability review of a few of these (most reviews I've seen appear to be heavily sponsored and not quite as independant as we would like) as well as maybe one on batteries as these two parts are fundamental to the operation of the van. Interested to hear your recommendation to steer away from Lithium batteries however a guy on KZbin (in USA)strongly recommends going down the Lithium route! based on cost vs longeivity! US seems to have better options at better prices! Food for thought! keep up the good work!

[@tmc9313]

Hi greg sound's like a mosfet that went, had a few go on me on diffent inverters. Hopefully you have better luck with the new one. I made my van 12v from the start and only have a small inverter just to run things that do not use 12v.

[@GregVirgoe]

Wise decision :D

[@arcenciel2968]

Greg Virgoe I wonder why you have to have such a big 1500w inverter; like T Mc above, I made my boat all12v so I use the inverter for whatever is not 12v, like a radio, a fan, and some other minor consumption devices. My inverter is a 300w Victron but only has one socket...I sometimes have to use a T socket to accommodate my needs, but even like this it’s ok.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yannis Tsakiris yeah it could have been much smaller in reality.

[@linz_in_NZ]

I think the Amazon issue was a specifically French one. I can happily order items off the US, UK or Oz Amazon sites to deliver to New Zealand - just need to tick a few boxes to ensure they deliver to you and I can also tick a box to get it to tell me the prices in NZ$ too - I've found that most things that say 'fulfilled by Amazon' can be shipped to me at a reasonable cost (ironically, cheaper and just as quick to ship all the way from the US than just over the ditch from OZ). I've also sent items to people in other countries too with no issues. The email updates work for me over any of the Amazon sites I use.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks Linzy, yeah it is strange how all your browsing reverts to the country and language you are viewing from too. 😊

[@nickbussey6971]

I'm a fan of Sterling when it comes to inverters. Not the cheapest but they are very reliable. They have a 3 and 2 pin socket on their units.

[@GregVirgoe]

They make very good B2B chargers which I am looking at adding to my setup.

[@gkuk]

Grand job, Gadget Greg🤣👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Yeah look out John, I'm taking over the tech reviews :D lol

[@michaelreynolds6543]

i think i will carry a spare inverter as a back up and thanks to this i shall now be buying one of these but I shall get the 2000 version

[@GregVirgoe]

michael reynolds take a look at what you need to run off it. Unless you plan to use a kettle or toaster most appliances will run of a 500w inverter. The extra size is only using more standby power.

[@djheadcandy]

really enjoying all your electric videos and learning alot whilst building the electrics for my vivaro, but when i came to this video i didnt understand how the inverter could be linked up to AC distribution wiring. My 400W pure sine wave inverter instruction manual explicitly says not to connect to AC distribution wiring and is engineered to be directly connected (via an RCD adaptor for protection) to a device. Am I missing something with your setup? is it because my inverter is such low power at 400W? My manual also says to not disasemble the inverter as it remains charged even after all power is disconnected, it also mentions not installing it directly above your leisure battery because ‘gases from a battery will corrode and damage the inverter’ - any thoughts? thanks again for all the great info given out especially your wiring diagrams.

[@johnmandy]

Go go Gadget Greg 😜

[@MistaTerps]

I went for the unfortunately named STI 500 from epever. They weigh a tonne because they are designed to handle inductive loads from devices with a motor. It also has the ability to plug in a WiFi/Bluetooth receiver or laptop & view the load draw like the Tracer MPPT controller. I’ve not put it through any real stress yet though.

[@rebeccachilds1771]

Love you stuck in the garage so funny 😂

[@GregVirgoe]

You must have the same sense of humour as Lou :D lol

[@onemanandhiswhippet]

Nice job Greg 👍 hope you are both well 👍 best regards Louie and his two poo pickers 👍😀🐾🍟❤️🍺

[@GregVirgoe]

Yeah we are both good thanks Dave, give our love to Jo xx

[@dougscott2298]

I hope you don't play the lottery Greg you don't seem to have much luck mate! Some nice outside the box thinking regarding delivery though. I'm enjoying watching your trip so far, look forward your next video. Safe travels.......

[@GregVirgoe]

I gave that up years ago Doug :D lol

[@dougscott2298]

Aye me too funny enough

[@ferinistaken]

It seems like you bolt it directly to the wood/van. Maybe try mounting the inverter with some rubber washers or some other damping material to help reduce the vibrations while driving.

[@GregVirgoe]

Feri Nagy yes I will do something about that as the roads can be terrible here.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@GregVirgoe more important than vibration damping Greg, is ventilation. Nothing better than a local hotspot for premature failure.

[@GregVirgoe]

Benny Banger it’s sits in the huge open space of my unheated garage 100ft3 so that should be fine. 👍🏼

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@GregVirgoe I always forget - you guys are are in winter, in Australia we are in summer, so our perspectives are different. I was actually thinking of the gap between the bottom of the inverter and the nice, heat insulating panel over the wheel arch where you have the inverter mounted. The manufacturers should have thought of that gap and consequent air-flow when they designed the mounting of the inverter...but that is not to say they have. As you will no doubt agree, its always a good idea to over engineer when it is so easy to do. The vibration dampers you mentioned could also do that job.

[@robertevens5153]

Something I am looking at doing for my 120/220 is a system from aura systems. The systems come with all engine bracketing, invertor,and hardware. Let's me bypass a great deal. Just passing it on to you. Thanks for all.

[@JohnlynHD]

Interesting video, I know now how to buy off Amazon in France. But I hope it doesn't happen to us as it did to you. The inside of the inverter looked like peering into the abyss. I have followed your build closely and have used many of the items you used but didn't by the inverter. Thanks again for posting.

[@GregVirgoe]

It was the one thing that I was not confindent about the quality so I never promoted it even if asked and im really glad I didnt in this case. Thanks for follwoing us :D

[@stefanoghiotto8019]

I really appreciate your way of working your videos and your personality. I'm dreaming of building a tiny house on wheels (like the fantastic French models). I have the means and a technical training but I don't have much practice and strength / self-esteem to build the 100% tiny alone. Would you like to come and supervise and help me with this job? I live in Vicenza, near Venice ...near the Dolomites ... and many beautiful places. Maybe you could make of the project an excellent new video series that would surely have great success. (my tiny house models are the tiny house baluchon!) ...😉

[@GregVirgoe]

Stefano Ghiotto I’m happy to meet up for a chat and give you some advice. We are in northern Italy now.

[@arcenciel2968]

Stefano Ghiotto Have you looked at O’Hara mobile homes? They should be a company belonging to Beneteau I think.

[@stefanoghiotto8019]

@@arcenciel2968 hello, no, I've never heard of this name, but i will look after it. Thank you 👍🙂

[@stefanoghiotto8019]

@@GregVirgoe It's funny you are in italy close to me! 😊it makes me a bit excited 😊😊 if you need help, special tourist information or anything else, don't hesitate to contact me!!👍👍👍🙂 And if there was an opportunity to shake your hand in reality I would be very proud of it!👍🙂😊 And the project to build a tiny, eco-friendly, minimalist, stilish, wooden tiny house for my future is real and I've been collecting information for a long time! .... and there's something to roll up your sleeves for! 😉 My what's app number is : 0039 3317175177 Or contact me through facebook and messenger!👍🙂 I am stefano ghiotto living in vicenza ""bus driver""..etc 👍🙂😉👍👍👍 (I am already proud to be talking! with you 👍😊 thank you👍)

[@rogerspeck9929]

Great Vlog again. 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Roger Speck thank you 😊

[@OpinionMinion]

Hello Gregg, I'm new to your channel. I've been binge viewing your van build series. You are by far the most experienced and meticulous builder I've found. I do not know your background, but you seem extremely well versed from technology, to woodworking and electricity. The tools you used were as amazing as your attention to detail. I do have one question though, for a man who works so much with his hands, how do you keep them so nice. 🛠🗜⚙ Really, your hands and nails look like you could be a hand model. Good luck with your converter and journeys ahead. 🎈

[@GregVirgoe]

Opinion Minion2020 they have no done much hard labour as always done a managerial role until this build of course. I don’t like getting my hands dirty so they’re always clean. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@ivecamperbuild_thomas4084]

Most of my wiring is only 12 volt and I only have two 240 volt pugs and one my fridge hooked up to the 240 if I ever get hooked up to 240 and one of the plugs can be used to plug a battery charger in to top the 5 batteries up .the strippers you used will also strip the outer cable sleeve on the white wire it will also strip it on 240 volt cable

[@GregVirgoe]

Thomas whitelock thanks for that I’ll try that next time. 👍🏼

[@wingingit3071]

I love that cup Greg :)

[@fred8565]

You do good work, love your videos.

[@G-ra-ha-m]

Very nice neat installation, but a cheapo inverter. Even cheap 'pure sine' converters are not a good choice because: 1. They don't do any switch-over function (for which you may want the ground also switched) 2. Lots of RFI noise stops many appliances working properly 3. High standby power due to the cheaper HV switching used 4. Low surge and fragile operation (again due to the HV design). I did a lot of research into this and concluded that if you want a decent solution you need to spend the money and buy a Victron, in particular a Victron Multi. Which I did. The Victron is a European brand and the Multi is a LV (low voltage switching) converter - meaning you can get down to 2W standby power, perfect, quiet sinewave, it's electrically robust, auto switchover like a UPS and also has a powerful charger action (by a very clever phasing - no extra charg circuits) - and includes a starter battery charge feed! The Victrons can also boost both the power and voltage coming in, throw away your charger, old inverter and switchover panel and just fit a Victron Multi - which also acts to disconnect the EHU if it senses too much voltage. On my van I fitted it to I can have the EHU connected and things running on mains - then pull the EHU out and nothing inside even notices - that's how smooth the operation is. It's a quality piece of kit to match the obvious quality of your van build.

[@GregVirgoe]

Transfer me the cash and I’ll do it tomorrow 😃👍🏼

[@G-ra-ha-m]

@@GregVirgoe I would if I could! I've been burned that way before, the cost of the switch etc, charger, dud inverter and current inverter probably adds up to a Victron, I've paid for the cheap stuff and then the decent stuff too many times! Now I price up the cheap and decent options, deduct the price of the cheap item from the decent one and then decide if it's worth buying - because I know I'll end up buying both otherwise:). Of course now our only problem is being able to actually go anywhere...

[@davemanning874]

Love the info really loads of good tips. Also you are getting to see lots of interesting places more than just filming motorways!! Also why are you using modified sine inverter I am only guessing by the price you paid just not good with tech that's why they end up giving up!! Pure sine everytime .... Keep filming regards Dave M

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Dave, i woudl have prefered the pur sine wave, but this one actaully is working much better that the one i took out so how strange is that, it does have very good reviews

[@aaront8396]

Easy fix The Answer is at 21:06. almost ...😁 Fuses blow out faster than breakers 😁

[@MiniLuv-1984]

You maybe thinking of a re-settable thermal fuse Aaron, which are slow, but they are intended to solve a different fault condition. The type of fuse Greg has is very fast - it detects over current electrically and is fast to trip - in the order of miliseconds. In this instance, I think the reason it hadn't tripped is its current limit was not reached. The fuses installed on the gear blew due to individual switches in the output stage of the inverter (mosfets?) failed to a short in the device. Badly designed Inverters are notorious for this. In situations where wiring is getting hot because of poor or corroded terminations or other high resistance conditions, thermal fuses are a great idea as they could prevent the van from burning down, while fast acting fuses (either breakers or standard auto fuses) are used to limit damage to batteries, and other upstream devices in a circuit due to downstream faults. Both may be required in a well designed electrical system.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you, perfect answer :D

[@638king]

Hi Greg, Hope you're well. I've been following your build videos from very early on. Originally I was going to do a van conversion myself but I decided that a narrowboat was the way for me. I'm super excited to start modifying some things on my boat. The first thing I need to do is sort out the current Solar/battery/inverter set up. Just a couple of questions regarding the inverter. I'm trying to size up what inverter i'd need. I've used a Watt meter which you recommended in your battery sizing video. Currently the highest rated appliance i'm planning to use is a 600W Nutri bullet. I'm slightly confused with what I Found with my readings. I tested it with the juicer filled with water. On start up it went up to 2000+w and then whilst blending it was at around 1600w. My understanding of inverters is very limited, but my guess would be that if my inverter is 1500w with a peak of 2000w then with a 1500w inverter it should be able to deal with the initial startup as well as the 1600w? Or would I need 2000W? Also i'm guessing you have to mindful of the appliances you are running and add the wattage together as to not overload the system? Say I had a appliance of 300w running and I then turned on the juicer of 1600w could that potentially cause the system to fail? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Andrew

[@GregVirgoe]

Andrew, yes you do have to take into account all the thing you want to run together. The initial spike is the startup current of the motor. That bullet uses a lot of power I would go for the 2000w inverter.

[@stefanoghiotto8019]

Congratulation👍 you solved the problem👍 and i learned something new and you give me more and more self confidence (i have a lot to lean!!👍🙈🙊😊)👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@GregVirgoe]

Stefano Ghiotto really pleased you found it to be useful. 👍🏼😀

[@jonettang]

Thanks Greg. You have great videos. Did you know that you can test the continuity of the fuse without removing the fuse? There are little tiny metal pins on the outside of the blade. Unless the probes are too large, it is easy to check.

[@malcolmyoung7866]

Great video, Greg. All sorted. Interesting for me because of two things. I want to put an inverter into my truck for a 230v supply and have been considering one of those ‘Chinese’ inverters. Always an ‘unknown’ quantity I guess. Cheap for a reason? Another point if the breaker/fuse rating is 10% of total Watts of output approx 1500W = 150Amps fusing/breaker capacity? My truck is 24V so looking to use an Anderson cable/connector to connect to a Anderson plug in point and route the inverter end into that area of the cab where the inverter will be. Have always learned a thing or two by watching your videos. Many thanks for sharing. Keep well and safe travels.

[@GregVirgoe]

Malcolm Young it’s funny that it worked out to be that kind of ratio but the correct formula is very simple for your truck. Watts / Volts = Amps plus a safety factor of 25% So let’s say you had a 1500watt inverter running off 24v DC supply the fuse rating would be 1500/24=62.5 + 25% = 78Amps so your fuse needs to be rated at 80amps and you need at least 16mm battery cable feeding it which is good for 110Amps. The cable needs to be rated higher than the fuse rating. Hope that helps you 😀

[@malcolmyoung7866]

@@GregVirgoe Awesome, Greg...many thanks...

[@chuckedone]

Fabulous video again!!

[@flashback9966]

Just checked your Krieger link, it seems these inverters use the cheaper 'modified sinewave' technology as apposed to 'pure sinewave'. These modified sine waves generate a lot of harmonics that can upset sensitive devices like laptops and TV's.

[@GregVirgoe]

You are spot on as always Rob, I did also question this when it was recomended to me. Although I must say the one that belw us was supposed to be a pure sine wave and none of my tech worked on it when plugged in. However even though this says it's modifed, everything works perfectly, so go figure that? Strange hey? Have you got Quirky tickets for next year?

[@flashback9966]

@@GregVirgoe That's odd, maybe just a poor implementation. But having dabbled in inverter design, there are however benefits to the 'modified sinewave' technology. They are of a simpler design (less to go wrong) and in general more efficient. Sounds like you have a good one, with better output filtering. Gadget John always comes up trumps! Oh and yes we were lucky, we just managed to grab a couple of Quirky tickets.

[@kbiggs49]

Very interesting video greg I should listen to advice about buying cheap gear this is a good example , funny ending to the video.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks for watching to the very end. it like a small reward for those that do :D

[@nickmckay4369]

It’s to do with different laws in different countries around what can be sold. For example you could log onto Amazon USA site and order a pistol and have it delivered to a locker in Europe where the are tighter gun laws

[@GregVirgoe]

That would make perfect sense.

[@PaddyMacWorld]

Greg Sorry to see you had another blooming problem. Just my humble opinion. I’m mid build on a L4H3 Transit. I’m installing a 2kw Krieger modified sine wave inverter with its dirty power for a cheap microwave. But I’m also installing a 500w pure sine Victron with its pure output for laptops; iPad 12w charger; and tv Plus loads of 12v USB’s It might be something to consider 1 as you’d have pure sine power for delicate equipment. Plus in the event of a failure of 1 unit the other would keep on trucking.

[@GregVirgoe]

All my tech works perfect on the new Krieger inverter, whereas it didn't before on what was suppose dot be a pure sone wave inverter. So they don't all do what they say on the box.

[@craftymulligar]

My guess is fet probably blew. When timing is off from low voltage or whatever. Timing gone out.