Stay away from gas type lanterns and go for the LED lights.
There are many and varied types about, some giving off excellent light and some so so. Some are rechargeable and some simply run off a vehicles battery.
As for an internal cooker I would go the LPG type.  Installed correctly in a van/motor home they are really as good as an in home stove.
As for internal lighting, when building/renovating /converting simply build in LED lights as they use very little power.
I suggest that you visit caravan sales yards to see just what you may be able to install in your conversion. Also caravan shows etc are a good source of info.
You could also go and stay at a caravan park for a couple of days and ask questions of the Inmates re their vans. You will find that most people are only too happy to show you their rigs.

countryroad wrote:

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Any electric work will have to be with an electrician and costs are a consideration.

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I would be putting a minima 240 V installation in a van or motorhome. You just need an inlet, circuit breaker/RCD and a few power points. Suggest a couple in the kitchen, and one each for the fridge, bed, battery charger and under the annex. Have these installed whilst the electrican can conceal the wireing easily, it will look messy later when you have decided that you really need these and it is hard to burry the wireing.

The cost may seem high but then so are the components involved. Go to Bunnings and see what household powerpoints and things are. You then up those prices as mobile dwellings need power points with both the active and neutral wires switched. An outside power point will cost $70 or more as their is a double pole switch in activated by the pins of the plug you are inserting.

There is no need to get a tradesman to install lights. Use 12 V lights, whether you choose to use LEDs or high efficiency fluroescent. You do not need a tradesman to install these. You will need to have a battery charger for emergencies, that is why I suggested to not delete a minimal 240 V installation.

 

Thanks mayswa

...love reading will be using book lights and Coleman rechargable sounds good

Onedodger

.....thanks will be doing the CP stay, my brother suggested the same, he and s in l spent 4 years in their van but but only stayed in van parks no free parking ever.
Will use LED lights internal....whatever they are ! Have a look in a c and c shop or Bunnings, hard to find someone there who knows anything.

Kesue
..........Thanks will have a look on the suggested sites...do you still use the transit, seems popular in England as a stealth van....they could do a movie on stealth vans I have visions of all these people popping out of these   'trannies ' then racing off to the tube in their bowler hats and brollies, their causing a few problems, they could be the new racist problem... the problem is their abode taking up our parking spots!!!

PeterD

Thankyou for your specific installation suggestions, it's made me think I should do...pay for...all I will need or may need at the same time, cheaper long term I think...with that thought i'll visit Battery World and see abt a holiday battery that can recharge through the van whilst driving or run the van at fast idle for 20 min several times a day. Does that mean you keep your foot on accelerator or use a brick, to recharge house/leisure battery...I did read somewhere fast idle.

Wombat

Thanks...I will be stopping in van parks...need to use the hairdryer!!! at some time and the washing machine...I don't fancy a scrubbing board or rocks in the creek...no covered wagon hehehe.
Have to see what a smart charger is...maybe google
Haha never thought of being stuck...of course just never entered my head.

Once again thank you for taking the time to answer it is appreciated.

List of to do
Battery World
Bunnings
Find C & C shops
repair canvas on covered wagon
scrub  board..I don't think so

Cheers
Robyn




-- Edited by countryroad on Thursday 27th of May 2010 10:38:25 AM

Hi countryroad - I've just bought a new booklight off ebay ($30)- has a double arm allowing the light to focus on both pages at the same time
cheers