Using electric w/o shore power - RV-Dreams Community Forum

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Using electric w/o shore power

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes.....inverter for small appliances but no microwave for long bursts or a nice stationary bike with a generator attached that will double as a workout!!!....good luck on getting Mitch to agree to the second option for very long!!

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ok, really showing off my ignorance here.... is there a way to tell whether I have an inverter?

A-S Travelers · RV-Dreams Family Member

Howard and Jack Mayer both have excellent information about RV electric systems, inverters and solar and will really help answer your questions and other questions you will have.

Here are links to their info and two more which have very basic RV electric systems info:
www.rv-dreams.com/rv-electrical.html
www.jackdanmayer.com/rv_electrical_and_solar.htm
www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm
www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volta.htm

The Schweitzers on the road · RV-Dreams Family Member

cherylbrv wrote:
Ok, really showing off my ignorance here.... is there a way to tell whether I have an inverter?

well, if you have an inverter you will probably have a remote display, typically where the control lights for the tanks and the buttons for the water pump and the water heater are. If you have an inverter you will have a button inside the coach to turn it on and off.

The inverter itself would be located somewhere in the basement, not too far from the batteries and connetected to them with big red and black cables.

Also I would check your manuals you received with your coach. I would expect the former owners to have all manuals kept in a binder or so. If you browse through those papers there would be one reading (brand name) (wattage) pure sine inverter right on the top page.

Good luck, I cross my fingers you discover to have an inverter installed - it's so convenient.

Bernd

RickandJanice · RV-Dreams Family Member

Unless ordered with an inverter, DRV does not normally install an inverter. A standard unit only has a convertor that will convert the AC shore power to DC to run the lights, water pump and charge the batteries. If an invertor was installed, the previos owners would know and there may be paperwork on it if they provided all the manuals for the rig.

-- Edited by RickandJanice on Friday 19th of September 2014 08:12:59 PM

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks, all. Doesn't look like we have one

rgrrmg · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yeah i have an older rig that did not come with an inverter, so I just installed an 800 watt inverter to run the front TV when I dry camp. bought it online, it was about $50 and was pretty easy to install. I also built a switch box so I don't have to unplug the TV from A.C. to inverter and back.

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Harbor freight sells a 1000watt one.. I used one for 6 month connected to 2 batteries in my cargo trailer for camping while off roading.. never a issue with it.. Gets hot on heavy usage.. which is normal..

I think they cost like 150.. or did..

Also I have a bin of welding cables if you need some. Was going to bring them with me in case I wanted to add a boondocking system.. I don't think the boondocking think is for us.. putting them is storage at my fathers here.. You are welcome to some .. I think you are still close , if you want to make a drive for them.. they are ike 4/0 or something.. will check.. Came from a manf who used a bank of batteries to run electric turbos in cars..

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've had a small (400/800 watt) Chicago Electric (Harbor Freight's brand) inverter for years in my little camper. I usually use it to run my 19" TV/DVD player but I've also used it to power a 3/8" drill. It is only a MSW and was dirt cheap, less than $30. I bought it while bugging out for a hurricane so I could use my TV to get the news and weather, but it has proven very reliable over the years.

To run your microwave, computer or other electronic devices, I would recommend a true sine wave inverter, especially for FT use. They are more expensive but much easier on your electronic equipment, making them last much longer. I'm planning on getting 2 (a 1,500 watt and a 1,000 watt model) and wiring them separate from normal a/c power to 3 color coded outlets (the larger one for the kitchen and the smaller one for the bedroom and living room mainly for TV use) as it is inefficient to draw a small load from a large inverter. I will only turn each on as needed to conserve power as they each have a phantom load even when not in use. However some choose to get a 2,500-3,000+ watt whole house model for a more seamless transition. I would rather make a conscious decision to flip on the inverter and un-plugging and replugging in each device that consumes battery power, hopefully encouraging me to conserve better than if using my ac appliances was a no-brainer. Plus those huge whole house systems are much more expensive too, aside from their increased power consumption.

Chip

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

http://www.donrowe.com/ is a good place to shop for inverters. Their specials can really be good deals. If you are buying today, get pure sinewave, the prices are very reasonable and everything works.

But inverters are only part of the deal, they need sufficient batteries to be usable. You have to figure out where to put the batteries, the sizes and types, and handle the weight and any maintenance. Then where will the inverter, inverter/charger, or multiple smaller inverters go and how to wire it? Planning is needed. The resource links listed above are a very good start.

rocknb · RV-Dreams Family Member

I know this maybe a little off this subject, but still along the same line. And I have used the search to no avail.
I purchased a 1998 Alpinlite 5'ver and the Xantrex Freedom 2000 watt Inverter/charger (2003 manf date)doesn't work. Not sure what to replace it with, as I would like to be able to run the 15,000 btu A/C. What do you folks recommend. If this is not the appropriate place to ask this ?, just let me know.

The Schweitzers on the road · RV-Dreams Family Member

our Alpenlite 5er had a not working Xantrex inverter when we bought it. Was replaced by a Magnum pure sine wave inverter and we never had a problem since. I think you need a 2800W inverter to run the A/C. However I would only do this if you have enough of a battery bank. Otherwise the A/C run by the inverter will deplete your bank in no time.

Bernd

rocknb · RV-Dreams Family Member

My 5'ver is already set-up with a total of 4 batteries, 2 ea in separate compartments. And I purchased 4 new marine batteries and installed.

rocknb · RV-Dreams Family Member

Now my wife says I have taken over another persons post and should not have done so. Sorry, I will try my question on a new post. I'm new to this web site and I apologize.