To allow people to consider various options for powering appliances and heating or cooling their vans, I offer the following magic formulas: 1 horsepower = 750 watts Watts(power) = Volts X Current Example , 14 volts X 90 amps, = 1290 watts Factory AC Capacity, 12,000 to 20,000 BTU depending on year and compressor upgrades. This is common for all auto AC units. The 4000 BTU unit will work well while parked in the shade. Traveling down the road with air infiltration and the heat load, (sun, engine), you might be able to tell it is there. Remember ventilation must be left open. For heat, 1,000 watts is 3,200 BTU Gallon Gasoline 132,000BTU Gallon Propane 98,000BTU Gallon Diesel or Fuel Oil, 130,000BTU 12,000 BTU = 1 TON From this information, you can make many conclusions as to power options for various accessories. Remember that to power motors, a large reserve is necessary for starting. Particularly AC units that may have to start the compressor against a high head pressure. If using an inverter, check that it is designed to start motors. Hope this information is helpful to someone. Dennis |
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