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dyere's avatar
dyere
Explorer
Dec 24, 2013

living without a generator

We just bought a 1998 Dodge conversion by American Cruiser. The prior owner stripped it down to the essentials (removed the black water tank/septic system and bathroom) which we do like, but he also removed the generator in favor of an auxillary battery.

My question: is it worth installing an inverter so that we can run a microwave, fridge and TV off of the auxillary battery? how much space does this require? Special considerations or precautions? Would it make more sense to run the fridge off of the still present propane tank?

Is installing an inverter something I can do myself? I am not much of an electrician, but pretty good at figuring out technical issues.

Thanks for the input
ed
Class B

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  • stan909's avatar
    stan909
    Explorer
    Dec 25, 2013
    "The prior owner stripped it down to the essentials "(methhead?) . Deffinitly a different idea of what is essential. I sure hope you got a great deal. Yes you can run micro off inverter. Sportsmobiles do it all the time. Low wattage micro with big battery bank and engine running. I would get a generator capable of running everything. Camping World has a 4000 watt with remote battery start for $600. My bro inlaw has the same without remote and it works great. You will need to have someone build a mount at the bumper. Maybe the Alluminess company sells them. Merry Merry.
  • Shadow_Catcher's avatar
    Shadow_Catcher
    Explorer
    Dec 25, 2013
    A good introduction into figuring out what you need vs. want and a primer on RV electrical http://www.jackdanmayer.com/rv_electrical_and_solar.htm
    When we are not on "shore power" all of our needs a re supplied by a 185W high voltage solar panel but our 'needs' are supplied differently i.e. coffee is made using a french press, water is heated using propane. A 300W inverter supplies the TV/DVD, laptop etc.
    Boondocking requires a different set of tools and thinking unless you can not live with out them in which case you have a noisy smelly generator.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Dec 24, 2013
    It seems like a bathroom would be way more important than an inverter.
  • PapPappy's avatar
    PapPappy
    Explorer
    Dec 24, 2013
    The microwave is out of the question, unless you happen to find a really small, low power one, but even then, you're still probably talking almost 600W of power.

    The battery back-up and an inverter are valuable, and worth the investment (size it to your needs), but a Genset will be VERY valuable if you plan to use the RV.

    But, you can use the RV like you would a tent, and not need any extras. Pretty much depends on the amount of "luxury" you are looking for.

    Not sure why you don't want the water and holding tanks, or the head.....those are things that make the RV...recreational.:)
  • pugslyyy's avatar
    pugslyyy
    Explorer
    Dec 24, 2013
    dyere wrote:
    My question: is it worth installing an inverter so that we can run a microwave, fridge and TV off of the auxillary battery? how much space does this require? Special considerations or precautions? Would it make more sense to run the fridge off of the still present propane tank?


    1. microwave - not possible don't even try it takes too much power
    2. fridge - why not buy a 12V fridge (ARB/Engel)?
    3. Absolutely, especially if it is a new LED flat panel - those things are very very efficient.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Dec 24, 2013
    Make sure all of the propane lines have been capped. If the previous owner removed a lot of stuff he may not have been real concerned about capping off the propane and water lines.

    X2 small portable generator.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Dec 24, 2013
    Unless you have a very large battery bank and a way to recharge the batteries, an inverter is pretty useless. Remember for every amp of 120VAC power you use your batteries will have to supply approx 12 DC amps.
    How do you plan to use this thing with no waste holding tanks? BTW there is no septic system in an RV, all they have are storage tanks for potable water, gray water and black water.
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer II
    Dec 24, 2013
    What will be charging the battery? Also, one battery won't run things long, especially if the fridge is electric.

    If I had a similar van, I would go out and buy a decent Honda eu2000is. Since you really don't need A/C in the PNW (if so, you can buy another Honda and parallel them), one small 2000 watt inverter generator will do the job. You will need a generator anyway, so might get one that has an excellent track record.

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