Inverters ?

[egwilly]

When we purchased our new Glacier Peak in 2017, the dealer had two choices for us.....(1) 12v battery or (2) 6v flooded cell batteries. We decide on the (2) 6 volt for more amp hours.

My guess is that this option for offf-grid power has too many variables for the builder to consider. Plus the price would be jacked up at their rates in the shop.

The issue with our model is that there is room for 4 batteries, maybe. The area set aside for the batteries would have to be beefed up to hold 300 pounds of lead-acid batteries. Li-ion could be put there, but cannot justify the costs.

Much better options out there for DIY or hire a company to set it up for you.

If you do it yourself, be sure to fuse where needed to prevent a fire.

[nealsoninc]

My 2015 Blackstone came (and I think all trailers come with an inverter/charger) with an inverter/charger on it. This system works in the way if you are hook to shore power the inverter then takes the 110v power and converts it to 12v to run lights and charge the unit's batteries. I have gone to lithium batteries and although this system will charge my batteries it is not for lithium parameters. I put in a 12v/3000w inverter charger (Victron). This inverter now takes a 12v system and converts to 110v and when you hook up to shore power it converts the 110v to 12v automatically and you use the shore power to power your 110v outlet and charge your batteries. If you have a 3600w generator that is great. Just remember that if you go to a campground without shore power they usually have rules that generators can only run from 6/7am to 10pm (if your boondocking these hours are just common courtesy). I have been in a state park that quiet time was from 4pm until 12pm the next day. Everything that has been suggested here is great. Don't know if has been suggested but if you go with an inverter (even if you don't) I would install a battery monitor (not much around$250) to keep an eye on your batteries so they are not drawn down to where it will ruin the life of whatever battery you use.

[twinboat]

It sounds like you had a converter/charger from the factory, a very common arrangement.
It takes 120 volts and converts it to 12 volts for lighting and pumps and for battery charging. It will power 12 volt items without a battery.

An inverter/charger is different, in that it charges batteries while on 120 volt power, OR creates 120 volts from 12 volt battery power, when 120 volts is not available.
They do not supply 12 volt power without batteries connected.

[Brad Wilf]

If I was FT would be a different story, but for us 1-2 week trips at time. Everything is geared for 12v from charging cell phones, Bose speaker, flashlight etc...Eventually maybe a 12v tv for movie night if it’s crappy out and I do like perk coffee.

Generator is brought for “emergency” used it twice.. and once for someone else.

[nealsoninc]

Twinboat you are correct. I always confuse the two. you correcting me is like listening to my son tell me the same thing.

[Gammel]

I don't get the inverter thing. Does anybody dare to run their Air on one? If we stop for lunch and want Air or the microwave our Onan fires up in 10 seconds.

[litzdog911]

Originally Posted by Gammel

I don't get the inverter thing. Does anybody dare to run their Air on one? If we stop for lunch and want Air or the microwave our Onan fires up in 10 seconds.

Sure. Just need beefy battery capacity. Our 4 Battle Born batteries enable us to run our A/C for an hour or two before the batteries get drained too far. We do, of course, have a portable generator just in case.

[fisher99]

Originally Posted by Gammel

I don't get the inverter thing. Does anybody dare to run their Air on one? If we stop for lunch and want Air or the microwave our Onan fires up in 10 seconds.

I don't have an inverter (yet) but when I do add one it will be for silence and convenience. But definitely not to run the A/C. Just to nuke some stuff in the microwave and run the satellite receiver for some TV in the evenings.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by Gammel

I don't get the inverter thing. Does anybody dare to run their Air on one? If we stop for lunch and want Air or the microwave our Onan fires up in 10 seconds.

The inverter keeps the food cold when the RV has a resedental refrigerator.

My inverter makes my morning coffee, during quiet time, at dry campsites. It keeps the satellite receiver powered so I don't lose my settings. I can watch TV during quiet times.

[Gammel]

Sounds like an inverter is in my future when I junk my Norcold. It pains me to drive all day knowing that my beer is warming!

[Jyrocharlie]

Originally Posted by Gammel

I don't get the inverter thing. Does anybody dare to run their Air on one? If we stop for lunch and want Air or the microwave our Onan fires up in 10 seconds.

I use my inverter for small loads, the tv, direct tv box, android box, charging my hotspot phone while streaming a movie. No need to use any fuel or make noise with the generator. If I want to run any electric heating producing device, I fire up the generator

[litzdog911]

Originally Posted by Gammel

Sounds like an inverter is in my future when I junk my Norcold. It pains me to drive all day knowing that my beer is warming!

Our inverter lets us run the Norcold while we're driving so the beer stays cold.

[Gammel]

Originally Posted by litzdog911

Our inverter lets us run the Norcold while we're driving so the beer stays cold.

NOW WE'RE GETTING SOMEWHERE!

[egwilly]

Originally Posted by twinboat

The inverter keeps the food cold when the RV has a resedental refrigerator.

My inverter makes my morning coffee, during quiet time, at dry campsites. It keeps the satellite receiver powered so I don't lose my settings. I can watch TV during quiet times.

Quiet times? Where have you found that lately?