Inverter

[Pattycake]

New owner of 2019 Grand Design Refection 297 RSTS. It's in the shop waiting for an axle, so I've never driven it. Thinking about reaplacing lead acid battery with lithium. Do I have an inverter? The owner's manual talks about a converter, but that is all. It says there are two separate electrical systems, so I'm confused. TIA.

 

[Rich W.]

You definitely want to find out how its equipped before making any purchases. Being a Grand Design it probably has an inverter, but how big, what it supplies power to, and whether the charger is lithium compatible are important considerations before moving forward.

These specs list “inverter prep” as part of the solar option

Reflection | 297RSTS

www.granddesignrv.com

 

[Pattycake]

Definitely want to findout how its equipped before making any purchases. Being a Grand Design it probably has an inverter, but how big, what it supplies power to, and whether the charger is lithium compatible are important considerations before moving forward.

Thanks. The owner's manual does not have the word inverter in it.

 

[Rich W.]

Thanks. The owner's manual does not have the word inverter in it.

These specs list “inverter prep” as part of the solar option which would lead me to think it would only have an inverter if the previous owner installed one either in conjunction with solar, or separately. Either way it appears it would be aftermarket if it has one.

Reflection | 297RSTS

www.granddesignrv.com

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Let's set the terminology straight:

INVERTER - Changes 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC. Used for appliance power. Much like household usage, TV, microwave, hairdryer. Output is rated in watts.

CONVERTER - Changes 120 volts AC to 12 volts DC. Used to charge RV batteries and run dedicated DC appliances, lights, water pump, awning, and slide systems. Output is rated in amps.

Some RV units have both. Most all will have at least a CONVERTER.

73
Bob, K4TAX

 

[Pattycake]

Let's set the terminology straight:

INVERTER - Changes 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC. Used for appliance power. Much like household usage, TV, microwave, hairdryer. Output is rated in watts.

CONVERTER - Changes 120 volts AC to 12 volts DC. Used to charge RV batteries and run dedicated DC appliances, lights, water pump, awning, and slide systems. Output is rated in amps.

Some RV units have both. Most all will have at least a CONVERTER.

73
Bob, K4TAX

Yes, thanks. So if you don't have an inverter, how are you getting AC ?

 

[Pattycake]

These specs list “inverter prep” as part of the solar option which would lead me to think it would only have an inverter if the previous owner installed one either in conjunction with solar, or separately. Either way it appears it would be aftermarket if it has one.

Reflection | 297RSTS

www.granddesignrv.com

Thank you. If you don't have an inverter, how are you getting AC?

 

[Fish]

Yes, thanks. So if you don't have an inverter, how are you getting AC ?

You get ac from the shore power plug whether it's plugged in to a campground pedestal or a generator. You will not get ac from the battery because you apparently don't have an inverter.

 

[NWIP]

With a converter you will have 12v from the batteries to power the 12v systems but unless you are plugged into shore power you will not have 110v items.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Yes, thanks. So if you don't have an inverter, how are you getting AC ?

Either with my generator running or from the power post at the campsite.

If you get an INVERTER, 12 volt DC to 120 volt AC, do understand the watt rating of the INVERTER must exceed the total wattage demand of the appliances. Also, understand the required amount of DC current required from the battery.

As example:
A 2000 watt INVERTER running a 1200 watt microwave. {That's 1200 watts cooking power.} The microwave will require about 1500 watts AC at 120 volts to get the required cooking power. To get 1500 watts out of the INVERTER it will require about 150 amps from the 12-volt battery. Thus a 100 Ah battery would last about 15 minutes at most to reach a 50% discharge to prevent battery damage. INVERTERS will pull a battery down very quickly unless you have multiple and large batteries.