Been writing down ideas as I try to decide how to outfit my sprinter so it’s a solid race van. Too many options, one of the main being extra batteries added to support an inverter for 110 power or a generator.
I see positives and negatives to both, curious what others are doing.
Air supply… nitrogen tank, external compressor or build an onboard under chassis system and then plumb it to strategic points or retractable reels at the side and rear doors.
What are some things you guys are using power for? I assume lights for night races, battery chargers for tools, laptops, phones etc, I’m sure there are things I am not thinking of, all which could affect the power source I choose.
What am I not thinking of?? I am sure there are a lot
Of things…….
My trailer is equipped with an inverter and a generator but I seldom use either. I can almost everything I want with my cordless tools. Even tire changes wth the 18 volt inflator. I carry 3 or 4 18 V batteries but rarely will I deplete more than one on a race day.
This sport is full of great people and I have never had trouble getting help when needed. Always bring a few extra beers and if you are in jam ask someone pitted near you. Most people running generators would let you plug a battery charger if you need to top up. Try that for a bit before you buy.
We ran a Transit for a few years that was my favorite tow/transport vehicle ever.
We ran an inverter and even with it being gas, not diesel, we had no issues letting it run all day powering compressor, tent with a couple karts, data station in the van and leaving the AC running on the hot days. It was fantastic. Put an outlet at the rear so we had power without leaving the rear doors open.
Cargo netting on the ceiling was a great place to put spare bodywork.
We had a set of bins/shelves against the bulkhead and when we weren’t running the trailer, we’d stand the karts vertical against the shelves. Saved a ton of space.
One of the best parts was a folding workbench shelf that doubled as our data/video station but also doubled as a great place to work on carbs, starters, etc
I am currently using my F-250. Karts rolls in bed easy from the kart stand. Place fuel cans at front corner and fold kart stand at tailgate behind kart. Tarp over the kart if we will be traveling in rain. Tools go in the back floorboard of the truck. If someone extra travels with us I use a basket in the hitch receiver and some stacked waterproof boxes for tools and clothes to make room in the cab.
Have traveled from Kansas to New Orleans to Amarillo with it loaded like that. Not fancy, but it gets us there.
I think you can save your time and money from the air setup and use a Milwaukee M18 inflator and other electric tools. As said above the M18 will seat the beads on any kart tire I’ve come across and for me one battery lasts multiple weekends on a charge. The only feature you wouldn’t have from a compressor is using compressed air thru a nozzle and I just use a can of compressed air used for computer repairs instead.
We use a Dewalt 20V cordless air compressor, similar to that Milwaukee, and also have no issues seating beads.
We also use a Goal Zero / Yeti lithium portable power station for our electrical needs at the track - silent, plenty of capacity, and can be used for portable power for all sorts of other endeavors… picnic/beach/camping, construction or property maintenance projects away from power, etc.
Awesome info on the inflators, I had no idea they had enough capacity/volume to seat beads!!
I am leaning towards installing the second battery over getting a generator. With a generator it’s something else to load and strap and it needs its own fuel, with my electricity needs I think a solid amp/hr battery will more than suffice.
The sprinter is an ex Amazon vehicle, it has folding shelves on both sides. I think I am going to remove all but the forward drivers side, this will give me room to stand 2 karts vertical for transport and leave me a work bench when needed.
Also need to decide if I want to get a tool box and mount it to the floor or keep my tool situation mobile in a smaller box or pelican cases.
We’ve built in our opinion the ultimate setup. Keep in mind how you plan to use your van. Our setup is a trailer/toy hauler but we’ve set it up as a caravan camper with everything from beds to toilet & shower.
Utilities wise, you’re going to need atleast 2-3 130amp hr deep cycle agm or lithium batteries, a renogy 3000w inverter (amazon purchase) try purchase all from amazon to keep all your warranties and returns on hand. LED strip lighting in your tool section 2 to 3 strips of 1 mtr lengths each should cut it. The same amount in the area which you’ll unload and packup your karts from. A kitchen or kitchenette, toilet is a must (rushing to the loo when theres a race coming soon, you don’t want to be caught out rushing to the otherside of the grid.)
At least 1x110 litre water tank, 2 if you can find the space for it, a water pump, battery management system, we use BMPRO Battery Plus HA II Lithium incase we ever upgraded to lithiums. 2-3 solar panels, onboard air compressor which your inverter with those batteries can handle all day, we use the quietest Seneco AC4504 with it plumbed to the tool section and a 10m retractable hose on the other end. I do however like the new milwaukee M18FAC which is battery powered but you’ll still need an inverter to charge those M18 batteries.
Don’t forget a 900w RV Microwave.
An external water tap on both sides, driver side and workshop side with a grit soap dispenser handy on each side.
We use our Kart Gear Wall Mounted Axle Brackets to keep all our axles stored nicely Go Kart Axle Locking Wall Mount Storage System | 30mm & 50mm Axle | Delivery Worldwide – Kart Gear along with our Kart Rim wall mounts RimSecure Wall Mount | Go Kart Rim Storage – Kart Gear and a few other cool storage solutions.
Overall, try and plan out in your head what a day at the track looks like, what your routine is and list all that you do, including feeding yourself and others.
For example we love to cook, so our bbq is built in on a roll out drawer system already plumbed to the gas bottle, our fridge is conveniently close by and kitchen sink is doorside so we don’t have to go to far into our van on those muddy days.
Garbage storage, use the Fiamma Fiamma Pack Waste Folding Bin | CaravansPlus best thing ever.
And mentioning those muddy days, rubber flooring is a must and ensure you use marine grade ply on the flooring prior to the rubber placement.
Hope that helps a little, good luck with it all.
Oh, last but not least, we pulled apart a Karcher pressure washer the smallest one they make and installed it to or undercarriage to wash off the karts end of day with it all plumbed to the water and inverter power.
Yeah that’s the inflator. There’s an option for a compressor too if you want a traditional air reserve, it’s just more expensive and takes up more space.
