Community Forums

Daytripper63 · 03-03-2014, 09:40 PM

Do you leave your inverter on when driving on long trips or do you run the generator. I will just be running the t.v. And DVD player and maybe the microwave and some lights.

Crasher · 03-03-2014, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daytripper63

Do you leave your inverter on when driving on long trips or do you run the generator. I will just be running the t.v. And DVD player and maybe the microwave and some lights.

While driving your engine alternator should be charging the chassis and coach batteries. no need to run a generator. I leave the invertor on, but I also have an all electric coach.

Spizzer · 03-03-2014, 09:55 PM

Just using the inverter for what you need should be fine, with the exception of the microwave. I have a 2kw inverter and it groans when loaded with the microwave, which just doesn't sound right when you try to use it. I fire up the genset when the microwave is needed.

Jeff

EngineerMike · 03-03-2014, 10:04 PM

We have always traveled with inverter on, ran micro or whatever & no issues

gruelens · 03-03-2014, 11:01 PM

Sorry to tell ya', but ya' have to do a little math here. What is the size of your inverter, size of your alternator, anticipated electrical load while traveling. Way too many variables here to give a yes or no to your question. Remember shortly after start up, your alternator is trying to replenish engine start and house batts. Running heavy electrical load items on inverter could easily overtax some alternators, especially during this time period.

vsheetz · 03-03-2014, 11:13 PM

I run with the inverter on while traveling if AC device support is needed, unless that device is air conditioning. If air conditioning, then the genny is needed. I have multiple inverters, largest being 2300w to support microwave, coffee maker, similar.

sdennislee · 03-04-2014, 12:15 AM

Inverter for TV, DVD and other small stuff, Genny for microwave, air conditioners, coffee maker and other big draw items

Dutch Star Don · 03-04-2014, 01:57 AM

Generally, you're good with the inverter for small items like TV's, laptops, etc.

A little suggestion.....never run your microwave on the inverter unless you have a Pure Sine Wave inverter. Even then I would limit it's use. They groan because they really don't work well on Modified Sine Wave. The Sharp microwave, which is very popular in a lot of coaches, has had an issue over the years where the timer goes to 59 seconds and stops. I believe running them on MSW inverters is what ruins them.

Start the generator for microwave use.

ohhwell · 03-04-2014, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Generally, you're good with the inverter for small items like TV's, laptops, etc.

A little suggestion.....never run your microwave on the inverter unless you have a Pure Sine Wave inverter. Even then I would limit it's use. They groan because they really don't work well on Modified Sine Wave. The Sharp microwave, which is very popular in a lot of coaches, has had an issue over the years where the timer goes to 59 seconds and stops. I believe running them on MSW inverters is what ruins them.

Start the generator for microwave use.

Yeah, that.

Medico · 03-04-2014, 06:10 AM

I just use my inverter while traveling, but we generally have sandwiches during the day. When we stop for the night we either are plugged in or use the generator.

I have a residential fridge so need to leave inverter on. I do have a true rms sine wave inverter. Also my alternator is a high capacity alt. so I have never had a problem.

fkloster · 03-04-2014, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gruelens

Sorry to tell ya', but ya' have to do a little math here. What is the size of your inverter, size of your alternator, anticipated electrical load while traveling. Way too many variables here to give a yes or no to your question. Remember shortly after start up, your alternator is trying to replenish engine start and house batts. Running heavy electrical load items on inverter could easily overtax some alternators, especially during this time period.

I agree. When i know wife is going to be playing around in kitchen when i'm driving i just run gen and leave it run. Hurts nothing and is what gen was designed for.

**TonyDi** · 03-04-2014, 08:47 AM

I run my inverters all the time. If I'm going to use AC, then I start the generator.

Cat320 · 03-04-2014, 12:55 PM

If you don't need either one, why run either one? If you need a "little" power (microwave) turn in the inverter, if you need big power (air cond), turn on the generator.

docj · 03-04-2014, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320

If you don't need either one, why run either one? If you need a "little" power (microwave) turn in the inverter, if you need big power (air cond), turn on the generator.

For those with a residential fridge turning off the inverter isn't an option. But our Magnum 2.8kW pure sine wave inverter uses only ~25 watts when not being called on to provide power. So why turn it off? Leaving it on means the bedside alarm clocks keep the correct time!