Robyn,

Yes, the inverter would have to be rated at greater than 1500W.
Greater than because you have to allow for conversion losses plus
marketing fantasies.  I'd probably not try less than 2kW.  (Ever seen
a 2kW inverter for a car?)

BUT, one of the problems which I think makes that approach
impractical is the very high current required at 12V input to the
inverter.  Like 125 -150 Amps!  (Several posters have already given
the equation for this computation.)  This is well beyond the ability
of the Vanagon electrical system to supply on a continuous basis.
Sorry about that!

//Jack

On 22 Apr 2005 at 18:33, rockin' robyn wrote:

> I don't know much about this stuff either.  I was thinking of getting
> an inverter so that I could power up a space heater for those cold
> off-season mornings & evenings.  The heater that I have is 1500W.  Does
> that mean I'd need to get a 1500W inverter?  I wouldn't be using it
> without the van running, but it would be more efficient than the van's
> heater which can take so long to heat the space up.
>
> Any advice would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> -Robyn.
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
> Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.10.2 - Release Date: 4/21/2005
>