Inverter vs generator use

[richp5]

I'm thinking it would be easier on gas/etc. to use the inverter for the refrigerator while driving over the generator based on the following taken
from the owners manual: The inverter is not intended for steady use
while “dry camping”. Batteries will deplete quickly with use of the
inverter. The inverter is intended for limited, short term power usage
when not connected to shoreline or generator power. The inverter can
also be used while driving the motor home because the engine alternator
will charge the batteries while driving.

Am I correct in my assumption that I can use the inverter over the generator while driving?

Thank you!

[MSHappyCampers]

Yes, you are correct, as long as the inverter is providing enough output to power the fridge.

We always use the inverter to power the fridge while driving!

[richp5]

Is there anyway to know if it's supplying enough power? Just the fact it is on and working sufficient enough information? Also, I imagine we shouldn't be using any other devices simultaneously, correct?

Thanks for the prompt reply initially and if responding again.

[HaRVey 74.5]

According to my house control panel, my inverter is drawing 13 amps from the batteries to power the Whirlpool residential fridge when running (as compared to 150 amps for the microwave!) which is more than offset from a typical engine alternator (140 amp) with all of the various draws upon it, so your fridge will stay cold and your batteries will still receive extra to charge them if needed. I've even had the grandkids watching satellite TV (11 amps) the wife with her heating pad (19 amps) and all the other normal draws going and reached our destination with topped off batteries.

[twinboat]

Your main engine charging system will easily handle running the residental fridge while under way.

[John Boy]

Originally Posted by richp5

I'm thinking it would be easier on gas/etc. to use the inverter for the refrigerator while driving over the generator based on the following taken
from the owners manual: The inverter is not intended for steady use
while “dry camping”. Batteries will deplete quickly with use of the
inverter. The inverter is intended for limited, short term power usage
when not connected to shoreline or generator power. The inverter can
also be used while driving the motor home because the engine alternator
will charge the batteries while driving.

Am I correct in my assumption that I can use the inverter over the generator while driving?

Thank you!

Do it every time we drive.

[oscarvan]

The above answers are correct..... Your alternator makes a lot more amps than the inverter needs to power the fridge. Since it's working we can assume the inverter is large enough to do the job .

That said, your question highlights the fact that you could benefit from an increased understanding of electrical supply and loads.

Here's a good read, there's many more.

https://rvshare.com/blog/rv-electrical/

[Hoosier14]

Yes you can use the inverter while you drive. You certainly can run more than one item at a time as well. Running down the road the power you can use is dictated by the size of the alternator that powers your house batteries. We have two inverters, 5500 watts of power and we can use whatever we need/want running down the road without the generator (except power that requires the generator such as air conditioners).

I’m not sure what is meant by, “the inverter is not intended for steady use”. They are made to be used in my opinion and ours are used all the time to power most everything during the day. The trick is understanding how much battery power we have and appropriately charging them with the generator when needed. Your length of time of using the inverter is about amps available in the batteries while dry camping and the power you are drawing.

[Gary RVRoamer]

The inverter should work fine, but it probably won't save you any fuel. You just added a bit of horsepower load to the coach engine (via the alternator) and subtracted a bit from LP gas usage. There is no free lunch, even though it feels like a savings.

[twinboat]

There can be some savings in fuel.

Running the fridge on inverter power will only draw extra power from the alternator when the compressor is running, less then 50% of the time.

The generator will be running all of the time, even when the fridge compressor is not.

Measurable difference, I don't know, but running the generator with no load 50+% of the time probably isn't good for it.

[richp5]

Don't know what I was thinking, I should have stated inverter vs propane as I would run the generator when using air conditioning (needed driving through the desert). Therefore, saving propane fuel when running inverter for fridge and other outlets (maybe a computer, etc.).