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Nancy & Bill · 10-01-2011, 08:44 AM

We have an 05 SeaBreeze LX by National. We want to use our crockpot while driving. Can our inverter handle it? Anyone know?

Nancy & Bill · 10-01-2011, 08:46 AM

Our inverter is an Xantrex, Freedom 458. Thanks!

Mac99 · 10-01-2011, 08:56 AM

I run a small dorm frig, the big Norcold 1200 and a small crock pot
without a problem. Check your inverting voltage, if it goes below 12.6 volts,
you are drawing more power than the alternator is supplying, and you are
using batteries.

JJH3rd · 10-01-2011, 09:45 AM

According to the Xantrex Freedom 458 users guide, the device has 3 functions:

1 – DC to AC power inverting
2 – Automatic switching between converting DC to AC and switching to shore power AC
3 – Automatic battery charging

The 1000 watt model produces a maximum of 50 amps; the 2000 watt model has a maximum output of 100 amps.

So as long as the total load doesn’t exceed the maximum load all is well. To calculate use the formula power in watts = amperage X voltage. The voltage is 120 and you can read the amperage from the label on the device or its box. Do this for all the devices and add the results. For example a device that draws 2 amps uses 240 watts.

See attached Xantrex manual.

If a device or a collection of devices don't cause the circuit breakers to pop when you are on shore power, the inverter can probably handle the load. The question is how long the batteries will last. Running the generator every now and again should help.

DaveG39 · 10-01-2011, 10:20 AM

We have done it many times. The wattage on slow cook low is only about 70-200 watts depending on model and size. Your 100-150 amp alternator can easily keep up with that.

Elkhartjim · 10-01-2011, 10:27 AM

Just curious, were do you intend to place the crockpot while traveling? Sounds like it could be a missile with hot side effects...just sayin'.

TXiceman · 10-01-2011, 10:46 AM

I would place the crock pot in the sink and wedge some non-combustible material, to hold it in place.

ken

Magic Bus · 10-01-2011, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

I would place the crock pot in the sink and wedge some non-combustible material, to hold it in place.

ken

X2. We've done it often. Great way to prepare ribs.

wa8yxm · 10-01-2011, 11:52 AM

Can your inverter handle it?

300 watt likely not
1,000 watt very likely
Bigger yes

To figure it out there are two steps.

Step one is to turn the crock pot over, On teh bottom should be some printing.. Very likely molded into the base, "850 watts" or something like that (NOTE: I pulled that number out of thin air, it does not mean it will be 850) add around 20 percent, round off and that's how much inverter you need (750-850 a 1KW inverter will handle)

If the inverter is EXACTLY the size of the crock pot.. it's doubtful. Needs to be at least 10-20 percent bigger than the load.

Oh, method 2 of how to find out how much inverter.. The Kill-a-watt method

Plug it into a kill-a-watt and press the WATTS button.

Elkhartjim · 10-01-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

I would place the crock pot in the sink and wedge some non-combustible material, to hold it in place.

ken

Wonder where the lid would end up in a panic stop? Ours just sits loose on the crock.

Mekanic · 10-01-2011, 03:18 PM

I'd look and make sure the watts that the crock pot pulls is low enough for the inverter.
I have under the hood of my Jeep a small box that is heated to about 160-180 while I drive. it is directly behind the cooling fan and the air from the radiator hits it.
I have used it for years.
I am building a larger box with heater hoses hooked to it that would hold quite a bit more. This box is for my custom RV. and will sit under the side. it will have a door with a latch. it should run about the same temp as coolant(180F).

RWDMLD18 · 10-01-2011, 06:30 PM

We tried to use our invetor while traveling but foun out the out lets at the kitchen are were not working. The invertor was on;t powering the front TV and rear TV. Had the local Rv shop check in to the probldm. Found that the Invertor was notr installed correctly. Invertor installation was corrected now we can cook while driving. One proble with cookong while driving. What ever is in the crockpot really make me hungry.

Bob and Mary

toadog · 10-01-2011, 07:43 PM

My wife cooked with a crock pot at sea when we were in bad weather., the top never came off and some times the boat would really moving fast in all directions . I loved a hot meal when it was rough.
Bob Bazley

DaveG39 · 10-02-2011, 09:40 AM

We put ours in the sink and that solves the panic stop problem. Have never had a problem with the cover coming off though we use a large rubber band from the handles on the side over the top of the cover and that secures it very well.