Community Forums

RVific · 01-23-2019, 08:04 AM

I've ordered a 35ft all electric Ventana (8 AGM batteries, dont even know the stats, 2800 watt inverter) and am now considering boondocking cooking alternatives when not running the generator. I mean what to people do for popcorn or coffee, start the generator?

My understanding is that the induction cooktop might have a low setting, perhaps 1000 Watts, and a normal setting, perhaps 2500 Watts. A 3-quart instant pop wants 700 watts and the 6 quart around 1000. I guess the microwave just wants a lot.

I'll be adding whatever solar fits on the roof. I don't have accurate enough numbers to do the math but it feels like I'm just "on the edge". I guess I need a 120v inverter connected plug added next to the non-inverter connected one for the cooktop. Do I need a bigger inverter or an additional inverter? Does anybody do this?

Fulltimer · 01-23-2019, 08:17 AM

I would venture to say that most people dont order an all electric coach to go boon docking.

The loads will end up being more than most DC inverter systems can handle.
Use the generator.

Mr_D · 01-23-2019, 08:17 AM

You need to find out the draw of the cooktop. I installed one in my rig but it's maximum draw is 1500 watts of 120 volts. I have 4 8D 12 volt Lifeline AGM's and a 3000 watt ps inverter, close to your system. I did try mine on the inverter and found it worked OK but took a LOT of amps. Figure 10 times the 120 volt amps being pulled from your batteries.
When a Country Coach was ordered as all electric they installed 2 more AGM 8D batteries and a second 3000 watt PS inverter. But I don't think the used induction back then and the older radiant units took a lot longer to bring to temperature.

jcussen · 01-23-2019, 08:31 AM

I have an induction cooktop that draws 1500 watts max.at 120 volts [generally the limit on most 120 volt coach wiring] I do run it for short periods off my inverter without problems. Do not think you will find any 120 volt cooktop that draws over 1500 watts on one circuit.

FlyingDiver · 01-23-2019, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVific

I've ordered a 35ft all electric Ventana (8 AGM batteries, dont even know the stats, 2800 watt inverter) and am now considering boondocking cooking alternatives when not running the generator. I mean what to people do for popcorn or coffee, start the generator?

My understanding is that the induction cooktop might have a low setting, perhaps 1000 Watts, and a normal setting, perhaps 2500 Watts. A 3-quart instant pop wants 700 watts and the 6 quart around 1000. I guess the microwave just wants a lot.

I'll be adding whatever solar fits on the roof. I don't have accurate enough numbers to do the math but it feels like I'm just "on the edge". I guess I need a 120v inverter connected plug added next to the non-inverter connected one for the cooktop. Do I need a bigger inverter or an additional inverter? Does anybody do this?

How many things are you planning on running at the same time? Your induction cooktop will have multiple power settings, probably 10. I think you have a 120V cooktop, which will max out at 1500 or 1800 watts.

So you can run the cooktop or the microwave at the same time, plus other loads like the fridge. Probably the Instant Pot at the same time, but you might want to turn other stuff off until it's up to pressure (and temperature).

I wouldn't try to add another inverter, that just really complicates things, and will draw down your batteries in a hurry. If you need to run more things at once, run the generator.

C.Martin · 01-23-2019, 08:55 AM

I think they just didn’t want to overload the MS2812 Inverter. With the new removeable one...you could possibly take it outside and plug into the pegboard bay outlet...I also have an outlet in the baynforward of that for a TV connection...and above is an outlet for the dirt devil vac.

With solar...you can boondock to your hearts content...even in an all-electric coach.

Weather, shading, and air conditioning demand will be the generator use factors.

We’ve dry camped at rally’s...usually around 80% SOC in the morning..then run espresso machine and microwave and bring it down to 72% +/-...Then get solar during the day to return the power used. Have produced just over 6 kWH on 1,440 watts of solar and a Victron 150/100 charge controller.

The days it gets hot in the afternoon...we set the AGS to ext. input and it cycles as needed to run the air conditioner.

DG86 · 01-23-2019, 09:00 AM

Darryl,
If you haven't planned on it already, I would strongly suggest getting a battery monitor kit installed. We have the ME-BMK which integrates nicely into the existing systems in the coach. The monitor will give you real-time feedback on what you are drawing and will help you figure out what you can run concurrently. There are excellent threads here on the forum for more information.

n2587n · 01-23-2019, 09:07 AM

if the cook top draws 1500 watts it will take over 125 amps from the battery's
if it takes 2000 watts the draw on the battery's will be over 166 amps
times that by ten minutes and that is a lot of power . lust run the gen

MRUSA14 · 01-23-2019, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n2587n

if the cook top draws 1500 watts it will take over 125 amps from the battery's
if it takes 2000 watts the draw on the battery's will be over 166 amps
times that by ten minutes and that is a lot of power . lust run the gen

Correct. Using the cooktop on inverter will greatly shorten the life of your batteries. You have a generator and this is what you have it for. Use the generator when cooking.

twinboat · 01-23-2019, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n2587n

if the cook top draws 1500 watts it will take over 125 amps from the battery's
if it takes 2000 watts the draw on the battery's will be over 166 amps
times that by ten minutes and that is a lot of power . lust run the gen

166 amps for 1 hour is 166 AH.

166 amps for 10 minutes, 166 ÷ 6 = 27.66, or about 28 AH.

Throw in a few AHs for inverter inefficiencies and that's not to bad.

DG86 · 01-23-2019, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVific

I've ordered a 35ft all electric Ventana (8 AGM batteries, dont even know the stats, 2800 watt inverter)

The AGM battery option for the 2017 Ventana 3412 was Discover EVGC6A-B. These have worked very well for us so far. Don't know if you will get these in the 2019, but I'd be willing to bet. If so, your total battery bank will be about 830 amp-hours. You typically use around 50% of that before wanting a recharge.

bruceisla · 01-23-2019, 10:34 AM

I'd think of boondocking as a "what do I need to bring if I'm tent camping?" scenario. We are all-electric but carry a propane grill.

Finance · 01-23-2019, 04:20 PM

Just use the inverter and batteries, that’s what it’s there for. You can cook a whole meal with a system like that. Don’t start the generator every time you need to cook, that’s old school thinking from before the days of big batteries and big inverters.

jcussen · 01-23-2019, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finance

Just use the inverter and batteries, that’s what it’s there for. You can cook a whole meal with a system like that. Don’t start the generator every time you need to cook, that’s old school thinking from before the days of big batteries and big inverters.

You got it. If OP goes with a big solar array, he might never have to use the generator unless he needs air conditioning.