So, I bought a 2000 watt Pure Sine Wave inverter, but now I am second guessing need to have it. Does anyone use theirs and what for, are they worth the money?
The microwave is 135 amps so I think it would draw 1600 watts which if I am correct means it will draw 137 ah in only 5 min's cooking popcorn? This seems insane, would turning on van or generator for 5 minutes be much better, plus I think most everything else I use is DC.
Inverter - needed?
Inverter - needed?
2001 Concourse XL Lounge model, 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis.
Re: Inverter - needed?
Some people need it and can use it. Others not.
With a 2000 watt inverter and and a microwave you need to have a big battery bank and charge power to back it up. Otherwise it's like writing a check that your bank account can't cover.
You are right, 2000 watts is around 180 amps DC
Sure, you are only using it for minutes, but Peukert loads hit lead acid batteries hard, so it's really "more" than that. The effect of Puekert basically means that while you may be able to draw 1 amp for 100 minutes; if you draw 100 amps for one minute it's much harder on the batteries. Big loads are more like a punch in the gut.
Given what you've laid out for your system, I don't see it. If you need to run the microwave, plug in or run the generator. OR set up a much larger battery and charge system so you can run it on the inverter. (Or lithium, but we won't go there for now.)
I have a couple of those little 75w inverters you can plug into a cigarette outlet. One I use, one for backup. With those I run the few things I can't get a DC direct plug for (toothbrush charger), or as an emergency backup for my laptop in case one of my 12 volt aftermarket plugs dies (I can charge the computer off the wee inverter with the native 110 plug; with larger computers you may have to charge when you are not using it if that draws too much). To my mind, that sort of usage will suit your proposed setup much better.
And, if you change your mind later, inverters will still be for sale. Let Amazon store it for you
Also, you'd need some heavy wiring and fusing for an inverter. Not that that's a big problem if you really want the inverter, but it's not a casual "Oh I'll just throw it in there just in case" type of thing if your main wiring is not set up for it.
That's my opinion anyway.
BG
PS: Almost forgot: I did install a 1500 watt modified sine wave inverter. But I don't use it in the normal way. I have heavy cabling and fuses connecting the alternator/start bank and house bank. I use this inverter specifically a few times a year to run a vacuum or power tool. I run it while the engine is running and just for a short time. Kinda like a mini occasional use generator. But I already had the wiring infrastructure set up for it, so it was literally $150 for the inverter, short pieces of heavy wire I already had and a fuse. Totally different use case but I wanted to mention it just for full disclosure
With a 2000 watt inverter and and a microwave you need to have a big battery bank and charge power to back it up. Otherwise it's like writing a check that your bank account can't cover.
You are right, 2000 watts is around 180 amps DC
Sure, you are only using it for minutes, but Peukert loads hit lead acid batteries hard, so it's really "more" than that. The effect of Puekert basically means that while you may be able to draw 1 amp for 100 minutes; if you draw 100 amps for one minute it's much harder on the batteries. Big loads are more like a punch in the gut. Given what you've laid out for your system, I don't see it. If you need to run the microwave, plug in or run the generator. OR set up a much larger battery and charge system so you can run it on the inverter. (Or lithium, but we won't go there for now.)
I have a couple of those little 75w inverters you can plug into a cigarette outlet. One I use, one for backup. With those I run the few things I can't get a DC direct plug for (toothbrush charger), or as an emergency backup for my laptop in case one of my 12 volt aftermarket plugs dies (I can charge the computer off the wee inverter with the native 110 plug; with larger computers you may have to charge when you are not using it if that draws too much). To my mind, that sort of usage will suit your proposed setup much better.
And, if you change your mind later, inverters will still be for sale. Let Amazon store it for you
Also, you'd need some heavy wiring and fusing for an inverter. Not that that's a big problem if you really want the inverter, but it's not a casual "Oh I'll just throw it in there just in case" type of thing if your main wiring is not set up for it.
That's my opinion anyway.
BG
PS: Almost forgot: I did install a 1500 watt modified sine wave inverter. But I don't use it in the normal way. I have heavy cabling and fuses connecting the alternator/start bank and house bank. I use this inverter specifically a few times a year to run a vacuum or power tool. I run it while the engine is running and just for a short time. Kinda like a mini occasional use generator. But I already had the wiring infrastructure set up for it, so it was literally $150 for the inverter, short pieces of heavy wire I already had and a fuse. Totally different use case but I wanted to mention it just for full disclosure
1999 Concourse
Re: Inverter - needed?
That got kind of long. Short answer: For you and your setup, I would run the generator if you want to make popcorn (or get a pan/stove 
).
).1999 Concourse
Re: Inverter - needed?
Mine has a big inverter, but it came with the rig. I would do thing differently. The previous owner mainly use it to run the TV/VCR/DVD. I would get a 12V version of these appliances if possible, and not go with an inverter. It is useful, however, for a few times when I can't turn on the gen set due to quiet hour, and I want to get some tasks done right away. The thing that bad about my current inverter is that it is modified sine wave, and some of the electronics I use do not like it that much. The cable between the inverter and the battery is also un-fused, and too small for the max. draw, so it is mostly for minor tasks.
Eventually, I would like to update mine to a 3kW system with bigger panels, wiring, etc., like Blue's, but right now, I just want to use it the way it is, and do this gradually.
Eventually, I would like to update mine to a 3kW system with bigger panels, wiring, etc., like Blue's, but right now, I just want to use it the way it is, and do this gradually.
2000 Concourse dinette, on 1999 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis
Re: Inverter - needed?
Good info, Chin_k. That's really the heart of it: A large inverter without the whole rest of the system being at the same "level" can't really be used to full potential. And not everyone wants or needs to make the whole system as big as it would need to be match up to a 2000 watt inverter doing heavy tasks.
Also, doing heavy tasks with it can draw a HUGE amount out of skinny wires and small batteries. This can be dangerous if everything isn't wired and fused correctly (which it won't be without some hearty re-vamp). A small battery bank trying to power a big load through a big inverter and/or small wires isn't a great situation.
Also, doing heavy tasks with it can draw a HUGE amount out of skinny wires and small batteries. This can be dangerous if everything isn't wired and fused correctly (which it won't be without some hearty re-vamp). A small battery bank trying to power a big load through a big inverter and/or small wires isn't a great situation.
1999 Concourse
Re: Inverter - needed?
Thanks Blue and Chin, looks like Inverter going back, I just don't see need and I don't want to do any modifications more than I need to. I am occasional weekender only....so I really can go without it.
2001 Concourse XL Lounge model, 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis.
Re: Inverter - needed?
I installed a 1000 watt pure sine inverter a little over a year ago in our 2004 Premier...mostly to use to charge our "Copenhagen Wheel" Electric Assist Bicycles. I wired it directly to the battery bank (pair of Group 31's), fused it (150 amp, I seem to recall), and mounted it behind the driver's seat. With it, I can charge the bikes while driving via an electrical cord that runs from inside the cab through the engine compartment and out to where the bikes are front-mounted on a rack. While in campsite, I can use the inverter to charge the bikes via the 200 watt portable Zamp solar suitcase (2 movable panels) that is also wired directly to the battery bank with its own 5-stage smart controller--at least when there is good sunshine. When not, I just plug the bikes into the 1000 watt Quiet Portable Honda Inverter generator I carry...got rid of the beast 4000 watt On Board Onan since we never use it...removed the microwave years ago, and never really use the AC. The extra storage space created by removing the Onan is way more useful. The inverter works really well for me and my uses...so much so, that I have taken to using it to charge computers and cell phones regularly as well.
David
David
Re: Inverter - needed?
David, for your electric bikes, is there a way for you to charge them using DC? What is the specification on the charger brick?
2000 Concourse dinette, on 1999 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis
Re: Inverter - needed?
I don't think that there is any way for me to charge my Copenhagen Wheels via DC. The Li-ion Charger that comes with the Wheel is model #SPBC4802A Input: 100-240V--,50/60Hz, 2.2A (Max.) Output: 54.6V----2.0A
With my 1000 watt pure sine inverter, I have no problem charging two bikes simultaneously while Rig is running down the road (i.e.; power flowing to the battery bank from the alternator via my Blue Sea Separator. While in campsite, I can charge one bike at a time via my 200 watts of solar direct wired to battery bank. If no sun, or in more of a hurry, I use the Honda 1000 watt portable inverter generator to charge both at same time.
Hope this helps. Any more questions, let me know
David
With my 1000 watt pure sine inverter, I have no problem charging two bikes simultaneously while Rig is running down the road (i.e.; power flowing to the battery bank from the alternator via my Blue Sea Separator. While in campsite, I can charge one bike at a time via my 200 watts of solar direct wired to battery bank. If no sun, or in more of a hurry, I use the Honda 1000 watt portable inverter generator to charge both at same time.
Hope this helps. Any more questions, let me know
David