Forum Discussion

lacofdfireman's avatar
lacofdfireman
Explorer
Dec 17, 2016

How hard to install an inverter to run my TV's?

We have a 07 Georgetown 350DS SE Bunk model class A. We are having a blast with this motorhome but our Generator hours are getting out of control. We have put almost 500hrs on our generator this year and our biggest reason was for watching TV as we travel down the road. Kids enjoy laying on the bed in the back room and watching TV shows etc while we travel. Just wondering if there is a better more efficiant way to do this and I'm sure an inverter has to be the way to go. We have currently 2 Trojan T105 6V batteries running our coach. All our TV's are LCD's so don't think they would drain the batteries to fast. How can I go about this? Is it going to be a major deal to make this work or is it possible without having to tear into walls etc. I have no idea how I'd run power down to my batteries for the inverter. Is there any special way without to much demolition? I'd like to do this myself. Also what type of inverter and power do I need. And how can I hook it up so it runs all the tv's?
Class A
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Dec 18, 2016
    Often at TV locations in motorhomes there will be a 12V lighter socket installed. A small inverter with a lighter cord will easily power a modern LCD TV (and DVD player and so forth), and installation consists of plugging stuff in and putting it on a shelf or whatever.

    You shouldn't need to worry at all about running the house batteries down from this while underway because there is a system to charge them from the vehicle alternator that should be very easily able to keep up with this sort of usage. If this system isn't working properly, I'd suggest fixing it; one common fault is the relay that connects the batteries together.
  • cmcdar's avatar
    cmcdar
    Explorer
    Dec 18, 2016
    The only item I could not find with dc adapter was my DVD Player. Everything else (phones, Kindles, laptop, TV, camera battery chargers, etc.) I got the 12 volt cords for all of them.

    YMMV
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Dec 18, 2016
    I have and recommend a GoPower 300 watt sine wave inverter. This small enough to install next to your electric panel. Use the main battery feed to get 12v power and a small transfer switch or two will put power on the circuits you need. No pulling wire, just make connections. Has provision for a remote power switch so with a push of a button the show is on.

    GoPower $172

    15 amp transfer switch $50
  • cmcdar's avatar
    cmcdar
    Explorer
    Dec 17, 2016
    The TVs are already 12V you do not need to invert just to convert again.

    Look at the cord that you plug into the wall. There is a little black box. Read the info on the little box/plug. It will have ifo like INPUT: 100-200... and below it OUTPUT: 12.5V

    You can purchase a different electrical cord for the TV on Amazon one end attaches to the TV and the other end has a "cigarette lighter" plug.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Dec 17, 2016
    A: Do you really need all TV's to work while you are driving or only the TV(s) the kids are watching?
    B: What are the kids watching? DVR, DVD, satellite TV, what?
    C: Are you wanting to watch TV while you are parked but not plugged into electric or every time you stop you have shore power?
    There are a variety of answers but your requirements will change the correct answer.
  • Jim's avatar
    Jim
    Explorer
    Dec 17, 2016
    I put a nice B&D 800 Watt inverter under the hood mounted on the firewall. Then put a separate outlet dedicated to the inverter in the cab area. Worked fine. Gave me 7 amps for stuff. Easy to find a place to mount, wire, and check on. Also added a off on switch with light next to the driver to operate a solenoid near the inverter. I'd bet there'd be a mounting situation near the back bunks. Maybe in a basement compartment.


    But...500 hours per year is only 10,000 hours over 20 years. There's nothing wrong with that. A well maintained genset should get at least 10K hours before overhaul. Usually 20K.

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