Inverter question

[NASCARMIKE]

Have a Question. Were here in naples for four months in our Phaeton. Is it best to start the engine every month or so? Then what about the inverter should it be left on all the time even though were plug in to shore power?


Thanks

[Jwcox]

Gk.... Where abouts in Florida are you? We are heading that way. NASCAR Mike.... Yes I would start the coach once in a while, but as far as the inverter goes, we are still learning about it, but it is my understanding that when hooked to shore power you do not need the inverter on.

[Jwcox]

I think you can leave the inverter on if you want, It should not hurt anything. If you lose electricity, it will be a back up system. Like I said, we are still learning, so imput from others would be greatly appreciated.

[gkgeiger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jwcox Gk.... Where abouts in Florida are you? We are heading that way. NASCAR Mike.... Yes I would start the coach once in a while, but as far as the inverter goes, we are still learning about it, but it is my understanding that when hooked to shore power you do not need the inverter on.

JW,
We are currently in Naples but heading towards Lauderdale next Monday. Will be there a month and then on to Daytona.

[akadeadeye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NASCARMIKE Have a Question. Were here in naples for four months in our Phaeton. Is it best to start the engine every month or so? Then what about the inverter should it be left on all the time even though were plug in to shore power? Thanks

Unless you are going to drive your MH about 20 to 30 miles, you should not start your engine. It needs time to heat up to operating range with a load, so I have been told by Cummins. Many folks turn their engine off in November and back on in April with no ill effects. Others start it up and drive it 25 miles every month or so. This may be good practice for the other systems in the coach as well. That is easier to do in Florida than it might be in North Dakota, however.

If you are hooked up to shore power there is no need for the inverter to be on. Your inverter inverts 12v battery power into 110 AC power. When hooked to shore power you have all the 110 AC power you need. Your converter converts the shore power 110 AC into 12v power to run such things as your interior lights, radios, ceiling fans, etc. Therefore, shore power rules and trumps the inverter. If you leave it on it will simply be inactive. Use your inverter on the road or when boondocking to power light load AC appliances as needed.

You should also run your generator for about an hour per month to exercise it. When you do, unhook from shore power and turn on a load such as air conditioning or heat pump. I usually turn on only one unit. Some people turn on two.

I am also somewhat inexperienced but these are a few things I have learned over the last couple of years. If others disagree I welcome the continued learning experience.

Don

[Jwcox]

GK... We will be in Daytona on 2/17 for the Daytona 500. Are you going to the race? We are camping, infield on Lake Lloyd.

[paz]

Ditto on what akadeadeye said about not running the engine unless you drive far enough to get all the lubrication flowing.

Although there is no need to leave your inverter on if you're hooked up to 120V, but leaving it on won't hurt anything. We leave ours on 24/7 because I don't like having to wait for the satellite receiver to reset itself and to download a new program guide in the event of a power interruption.

[bucks2]

I've been using inverters for about 22 years now in boats and the MHs. While I know where the on/off switch is, just about the only time I use it is when I shut everything down to change or service the batteries with cables off. I've never had one wear out. One I owned for 14 years.