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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Accessories -> Need information on Inverter
Post Info TOPIC: Need information on Inverter
Speedhitch


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Need information on Inverter
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Duracell 1500 Watt InverterThis is a Duracell 1500 watt inverter I have been looking at. I need to know if this would run my computers and my TV if I put it in the outside bay area and plugged them up directly to the inverter box. I know I will need to get two more batteries which will give me a total of three. I have a gen to recharge system.

Thanks

Speedy

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Joe Sherri and Kris living in a Open Range Lite 308BHS. 2500 Dodge Ram Diesel  http://speedysgreatadventure.blogspot.com/
flyone


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Sir Speedy, 1500 watts should run your TV (as long as its not huge) and your computer with printer without any problems.  You would be better off with a Pure Sine Wave inverter vs a Modified Sine Wave, the Pure Sine Wave produces "clean" electricity which is better for both the TV and computer.  I'm not sure if the duracell 1500 is Pure or Modified, but you should be able to find out easily.  Computer, 400 watts, printer 100 watts, TV 200 watts.  The problem would start if you were to plug in a hair dryer, a toster oven, an eletric skillet some like that, with the TV or the computer running.  This is assuming of course that you have a good battery and keep it charged.  You could probably run TV and Computer 3 to 4 hours on a fully charged good battery. Thats the way I see it, however let me warn you my thinking has been known to be flawed in matters of battries and electricity, along with most everything else.
 
Bob

-- Edited by flyone on Wednesday 15th of April 2009 12:07:39 PM

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thebearII


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Speedy,

Go big or go home....

I had a 1000 watt inverter and two batteries installed when we ordered the fifth wheel and it was fine for the first couple of years. Soon we needed bigger, between the 2 TVs, 2 DVD players, printer, now 2 laptops, awning lights, cellphone chargers, 2 satellite receivers, fans....etc. the 1000 watts get used up quick.

We now have a 3000 watt inverter and 4 batteries and we still need more from time to time.

It's so cool though to boondock out in the middle of the desert under the lit up awning, flanked by the two 7ft rope light palm trees, watching satellite TV while surfing the internet on the laptop, with a blender making margaritas, a couple of steaks cooking on the George Foreman grill, the portable ice maker doing it's job, an oscillating fan going to beat the heat and the bug zapper at the ready to get rid of any pesky bugs. Now that's what I call roughing it.

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"Small House, Big Yard "
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Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe Pickup
Speedhitch


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GEEEE Bear...I can't afford all that ??? I am poor as a church mouse and all I own is a computer...which I use to bug people asking questions...If I had enough money to buy all that stuff I would stay in a Condo somewhere....LOL... Thanks I guess that answers my questions. I just want enough wattage to run the computer and watch the weather on TV for about 30 minutes. If I run into some serious money somewhere down the road I may stock up on more batteries and some solar panels. That probably is the way to go???

Thanks for the help

Speedy

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Joe Sherri and Kris living in a Open Range Lite 308BHS. 2500 Dodge Ram Diesel  http://speedysgreatadventure.blogspot.com/
bjoyce


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1500 watts will power most things. The Duracell is a modified sine wave inverter so when you plug things in to it the first time be ready to unplug them. Computers seem to be fine, but some printers and odd things like electric toothbrushes can have problems with this kind of inverter.

Edit: I should have said what to look for as a problem so you know something doesn't like modified sine wave.  If the plug gets warm fast, unplug it.  If the device makes sounds it doesn't make on normal power, unplug it.  If it doesn't work, which is how printers act, unplug it.  A small microwave will sound different on modified sine wave, but will still work only taking longer to heat the food.

-- Edited by bjoyce on Thursday 16th of April 2009 09:43:32 AM

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thebearII


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Our vacuum won't work when the inverter is the source, it runs for a short time and then stops.

And yet the exact same model vacuum we have in the house (bought both at the same time)will work using the inverter. It's weird.

We just turn on the generator when we need to vacuum.

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Larry
"Small House, Big Yard "
7 years to go to FT
Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe Pickup
Dr Gonzo


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Speed; for what it is worth - As I understand it you will be hitting the road fulltime in a couple of months altho you have lived in your rig for the past 3 yrs. I believe it is like assessing your needs when choosing a tow vehicle - buy bigger than you think you need because you can always adjust without selling or replacing. So.......that being said do not buy a modified sine wave inverter (duracell); buy a pure sine. Buy at the least a 2000 watt pure sine inverter. Then, when you are rich like Jack and start adding solar panels and batteries and power switches, you won't have to replace your inverter just add to it. If you buy the 1500 watt modified sine inverter you will throw it away in the future. I guarantee it.

Just my $.02   



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Dr Gonzo


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oops! I meant Bear not Jack, altho I suppose it could be Jack too!

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Speedhitch


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Thanks... I will have to see what all this cost...If it is over my budget it wont matter if I grow out of it or not...I can't get it...LOL. I will see what I need and then I might have to get a job at walmart greeting folks until I get that much cash. Until then I will just send up smoke signals...


Chief Speedy

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Joe Sherri and Kris living in a Open Range Lite 308BHS. 2500 Dodge Ram Diesel  http://speedysgreatadventure.blogspot.com/
Dr Gonzo


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I will be looking for them!

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thebearII


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I'm not rich because we've spent all our money on all those toys....

He who dies with the most toys wins !!!!!

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Larry
"Small House, Big Yard "
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Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe Pickup
Racerguy


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confuseNot so sure about that Bear,you are just as dead as the guy with nothing.confuse

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Jim01


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Speedy,

I'm sure that the pure sine wave is the best way to go, but I'm like you, and am on a budget, so I've used a modified sine wave for years and got along just fine.

Sometime you just have to settle for what you can afford and if you have to change it later, so be it.

Just figure the wattage that you'll be using and try to get one a little larger than that.

Go Speedy go!!

Jim

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May your roads be smooth, and your views ever-new.
Speedhitch


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Thanks to all who helped me out here...I will let you all know how I do over time. I hope that you will read about it in my journal...that I will be posting if all this works...
Until that time stay safe and enjoy

Speedy.

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Joe Sherri and Kris living in a Open Range Lite 308BHS. 2500 Dodge Ram Diesel  http://speedysgreatadventure.blogspot.com/
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