Question Inverter Technology

[joeg]

We are new to the game and looking to use an inverter but not sure how big or best setup. Thanks
Joeg

 

[Gronk]

I guess you need to tell us what your plan for the inverter is. You going to try to run the whole trailer off of it? Part of it? How much battery are you thinking? How long will the inverter be running?

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

As @Gronk indicates, the inverter is only part of the equation; the available battery capacity is the other main factor. Apparently, your travel trailer doesn't currently have an inverter, and was likely designed to not really need one. If you have added appliances, etc. that require 120 VAC power, then I can see the need for an inverter.

Let's be clear on what an inverter does; it simply converts DC battery power to AC power similar to that found in houses. When doing so, it follows the laws of physics in that converting one form of electric power to another (DC to AC) doesn't add power, it just changes the form of the energy. And, there is actually a LOSS in the transformation process.

So, we need to know how much battery power (DC) you will have available to convert to AC, and what the amperage draw of the AC appliances you intend to power. The size of the inverter needs to be based on those factors.

TJ

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I have use an inverter in every RV I have owned from 2000 on. Don't buy anything that is not "pure sine, true sine" inverters. If you have an occasional load that requires a 3000 watt supply then that is a good choice for an inverter. Inverter generators in the 2000 watt size is common in all makes but are useless if you need more than 2000 watts unless you have a inverter that will start your load.

The batteries like stated above are important but can also be used to supplement the converter system to power such large loads. Without going into to much depth by using a larger inverter, moderate battery bank and a generator to charge the battery bank you will have turned your RV into a large capacity inverter generator. Looking at the spec sheets of most inverters the standby power is about the same no matter what size so no matter the size the power used will not change much and they only use the power that you require of them plus the standby power.

When I used High frequency, High voltage inverters I used 3000w inverters. When used 24/7 the way I do, they only last under 2 years.
I now use low frequency, low voltage inverters. My inverter now is rated at 1800 watts and will start those items that used to require a 3000 watt inverter of the other style. The life of the low frequency, low voltage inverters are 10 years.

The advantage to inverters is you buy once for what you need. You can charge the batteries with small generators from a poorboy generator like mine that uses a 60A auto generator with 24 volt output and a 3.5hp gas motor. or you can use a 115volt generator from a honda 1000i to ????watts like my Craftsman 3200i generator. You can watch your TV after quiet time without breaking any rules. You can expand your system to include more batteries and future expansion with Solar.

In summary: If you buy big you can use items that require more power than the generator size allows. Keeping in mind that at some point the battery bank will run out of steam, so we are talking about burst use here or another way of saying it is short duty cycle. If you buy low frequency low voltage inverter the cost will be paid over the 10 year + life compared to the 2 year life of what is called an auto inverter( high frequency, high voltage. small size light weight inferior units). I don't believe brand is important. Always buy an inverter that produces a true sine wave.

Hope that helps.

 

[joeg]

Wow! Thanks for the feedback everyone. So I read about pure sine and it makes perfect sense given the components we are planning on using the inverter for. Looking to be off grid (National/State Parks) and still be able to plug in the DVR and watch TV or if cell signal is strong enough cast Netflix etc. Considering solar as well as generator but will need to convert DC to AC. We did purchase a second battery and your going to ask me what size and I cannot tell you at this point as I do not know

 

[Gronk]

Well, what you can do is add up how many watts each appliance draws. That would be the minimum size, but personally I would probably go at least 1 1/2 times the amount just because I would want some cushion. You are on the correct track with a PSW inverter. Electronics like good them.