Info on inverters needed

[Mblaster]

I've done some searching on the board but I can't seem to look in the right place.
I need help in finding inverter info...can one of the non nOObs point me in the right direction?
TIA

 

[Tom]

Tell us a liittle about what you want the inverter to do and where it's going. Are you trying to run several 110V appliances while boondocking, or are you merely trying to run a small TV? Several of us have installed inverters in RVs and boats, so there's a little experience here.

 

[Mblaster]

Tell us a liittle about what you want the inverter to do and where it's going. Are you trying to run several 110V appliances while boondocking, or are you merely trying to run a small TV? Several of us have installed inverters in RVs and boats, so there's a little experience here.

Probably nothing more than coffeemaker and tv/dvd combo.  We can use the gen for the micro.  I'm thinking that I'll do a 2 battery deep cycle too. I really don't think I need to spend the money on a 450 dollar inverter. Location optional. Probably hard wired somewhere.

 

[joelmyer]

Probably nothing more than coffeemaker and tv/dvd combo.  We can use the gen for the micro.  I'm thinking that I'll do a 2 battery deep cycle too. I really don't think I need to spend the money on a 450 dollar inverter. Location optional. Probably hard wired somewhere.

I have a less than $100 inverter from a Camping World equivalent that comes with a cigarette lighter connector.  Plugs into the connector next to the TV.  Runs Tivo, TV, PC fine.  Maybe 350 watts.

A coffee maker, at least our perculator is another story!  Check the nameplate and see what it takes.  Probably 1000+ watts.  If you really want to do that on an inverter you're likely into the $450 class hardwired inverter.

 

[John From Detroit]

Ok, non-programmable Coffee makers could care less about waveforms, TV's Replays (I refuse to reference Tivo) VCR's DVD players and other electionic deivces including my laptop, like sine waves, the cleaner the better

Best sine wave inverters would be either Tripplite or Progressive Dynamics... Progressive Dynamics specialises in a lot of very good stuff for RV users... The company is dang near (if not) next door to another company well represented in RV stores, Marshall Brass and only about 12 miles from Tekonsha Engenering (home of one of the best brake controllers) I grew up in Tekonsha

That said.... I have a bunch of inverters, different sizes and quality... Ranging from a cigg-lighter job (75 watt) that runs the laptop just fine, even if it's not a very good sine wave, a 400 watt that can usually run my black & decker air compressor, and a killowatt I've never actually used (this one is going in the MH. 

COSTCO currently has a 1500 Watt, forced air cooled, with leads, for I think $79.00  All in all, I think it's likely the best cost/benefit choice

I think I paid 60 for my KW job, no leads though, had to buy them elsewhere

NOTE, You should get the proper size fuse and hook thise up to the battery (Fuse hooks to the battery terminal) with the shortest leads you can use... Long leads reduce power, espically at 12vdc where the current in a kw inverter can easily top 100 amps

 

[Karl]

Most electronic devices, including t.v's, desktop computers (not most laptops), stereos, most motors and purely resistive devices will work well with a modified sinewave invertor. Others, like electric clocks, some microwaves and electric blankets w/electronic temperature controls, etc. will not operate properly or at all without pure sinewave. That being the case, a pure sinewave invertor costs roughly twice what a modified sinewave one does. Figure out your true needs and choose a size accordingly. Inverters typically do not come with battery cables cause the mfgr. has no idea how long or what type of connection is required for your installation.

Most people will use a generator or shore power when using large draw appliances like a microwave or coffeemaker because these can draw down your batteries in short order. With a little planning, you can cook you meals, make coffee, AND charge your batteries at the same time while running the genset. 

 

[Jeff]

I added an 1250 watt inverter to our last coach that would make coffee, run a vacuum, and play TV, etc. Cost was less than $200 for a non-remote that required running heavy 12V cable to mount the inverter at a point in the coach where we could reach it to turn it on and off and then running 110V wire to convenient outlets.

I probably would have been ahead to spend $300-400 to have one with remote control.