That's true, but AC values are usually expressed as RMS values, which account for this; the heating effect is the same. DC wiring is often under-rated to reduce voltage drop, though.

Yeah, you're correct. I should be using a 15A instead according to the wire gauge tables. Peak current draw on transmit is 12A for the radio I'm using. I can't for the life of me remember why I stuck a 30 in there. I should swap it out.

Just looked at the chart you linked to, and I agree that those wire sizes look really small. They're clearly just based on voltage drop, not heating effect on the wire. Car companies themselves seem to do this a lot; my diesel VW used a single 12-ga. wire for all four glow plugs.

Acceptable voltage drop depends a lot on what you're powering and whether you're operating it with the engine running or stopped, too. I transmit a lot with the engine off, so I can't afford to lose too many tenths of a volt or the transmitter power starts dropping off.

EDIT: Here's a standard AWG table...these ought to be safe unless you start running really long lengths, in which case voltage drop will rear its ugly head again.
http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm
The 'chassis wiring' column assumes wires in open air; the 'power transmission' column assumes wires in a bundle.

Super hot. I run one in my MB and my diesel coach. The inverter gets reeal hot, but I've not experienced any problems - yet.

Vstech is correct.
 

I check my SDL and the cigar lighter circuit is rated 8A or 96W. It should be enough for most laptop but check the power pack rating first.

this has a nice ring to it...:cool:

You need to experience the luxury of a couple of 4000watt Outback inverters in your coach (or Trace) pure-sine-wave.

:D Only if the coach has (4) slides.

No, once you've had one, you will not do without. I put my first one (2500watt Heart) on my '77 BlueBird, with a 300a alternator I could run one roof A/C without the genset running, the refrigerator, microwave, all outlets, TVs & entertainment systems, ... really handy and saves genset run time for stupid little things. Well worth the money IMO even if you don't dry-camp.

you guys ought to see the Newell coach I'm working on... it's a74 model, no slides, really nice condition (for sale if anybody is looking) nice kholer genset I'm rebuilding, and dual battery banks with isolation solenoids and solar.
I'm working on getting the charger/inverters set properly. fun fun.

I've also got an older bluebird I think converted city bus... about 1/3 of the way through remodel...
either of you guys know a great place to list them?

Know 'em well!:) I just missed buying a '91 Newell 9-years ago that I really liked. It was in my price range at the time of $120K too. Wonderful coach!

A friend works at Newell - know another guy there too. Excellent coach!

Today, you just about have to have 2 to 3 slides to be livin'! :D

RV?
 

After checking back in before installing the converter, I see I guess I should have just bought an RV. What the heck a driver too...What was I thinking. LOL

Buy two RVs. Tow one behind the other, in case of mechanical difficulties with your diesel powerplant.

You can even ride in the back unit, so you don't have to hear the driver carp about the traffic.

I've seen a diesel bus RV towing a sprinter RV, it happens.

i've used a few cig plug in types on a few mini vans over the years, never blew a fuse or had a prob with laps