Cheryl_B wrote:
If I'm running the truck's engine, can I use the microwave or make coffee with a less powerful inverter?
Sorry, but no.
The ac power comes from the inverter. Running the truck engine would allow you to run the microwave longer before the battery gets discharged but it doesn't allow you to get any more current out of the inverter. Depending on the alternator in your truck, and the wiring size, the alternator could put out 40 or so amps, so the battery might last 40 minutes instead of a half hour. Of course then you have the noise so you might as well have a generator.
The problem is not the inverter. 2000 watt inverters are available at a reasonable price. The big problem is the battery bank it takes to power a large inverter. The larger the battery bank, the longer it can put out a high current. Of course a large battery bank takes longer to recharge and much more space. It also weighs a lot more. This may be the biggest problem in a small RV.
