Run TV off inverter?

deppeler wrote:
Hi,

I have a 2015 Kodiak TT with a 12v DC 8 amp outlet (winegard amp plug).
I have a 120v 29" LED TV that has an output of 42 watts.
My question, can I plug an PSW inverter into the 12v DC outlet to power the TV?
If so, what would be the maximum size inverter I could use in the 12v outlet?

Thanks
Paul

Very likely no, though that outlet may be rated at 8 amps, it delivers closer to 1 or 2. That is a very anemic outlet.

Better option: replace the wall plate with a SENSAR PRO (about a hundred bucks MSRP) this will greatly improve your over the air TV expierence.

THEN mount the inverter close to the batteries cause heavy duty wires are expensive and run 120 volt wiring to the TV site, install a 2nd outlet there (red or Orange in color to distinguish between it and the standard ones) and enjoy.

I turn off my microwave at the breaker because it will have a constant small draw on the inverter. I'm on a single group 27 battery so I have to account for mA's.

HERE is a recent similar thread that may help you.

deppeler wrote:
a 1500w PSW inverter (and 2x 6v deep cycle batteries), could I leave the microwave breaker turned on then?

Maybe. Most of us have better luck with 4 batteries.

deppeler wrote:
Is the microwave off because of the power draw if accidentally turned on?

Yes. You don't have to flip the breaker, it's just a reminder. If you happen to try to run it the inverter will just shut down. Nothing will explode.

deppeler wrote:

smkettner wrote:
8 amps 12 volts = 96 watts. Stay a bit under for best results.
Or wire in an inverter to the regular outlets.

Thanks for the info, is it complicated to wire it into the regular outlets?

Small inverter to a single branch circuit is fairly simple. Especially if you have space near the fuse/breaker panel.

With a small inverter (150/300 watts) you just use the main battery feed for 12v power. Then use a small transfer switch to connect to the branch circuit.

Something like this:

Go Power 300w sine wave $172

KISAE 15A transfer switch $50

I would think you would want to keep your inverter draw on the battery Low as possible. If you are converting 12vdc to 120vac, 24hours a day you could run your battery down fast. So a lot of use turn off whatever we can that runs on AC.

2112 wrote:

deppeler wrote:

Thanks for the info, is it complicated to wire it into the regular outlets?

I also have a 400W MSW that connects to the battery with alligator clamps like on jumper cables.
You can turn OFF your converter and microwave at the breaker panel, set the fridge to propane and plug your shore power cable into the inverter using a 30A-20A adapter. All 120VAC outlets will have power at this point. Make sure the electric water heater and Air Conditioner are powered OFF

I went one step farther but I'll spare you this.

OK that's the best I have heard yet, thanks :)
So to connect my shore power into the inverter, as it would sit in the cargo bay, this would have to be open all the time (at night, etc)for the cord going from the outside of the TT to inside the bay, correct?
Is there perhaps a way to add an extra 30 amp plugin in the cargo bay (probably a dumb question)?
Is the microwave off because of the power draw if accidentally turned on?
I am thinking of getting a portable 120W solar kit and a 1500w PSW inverter (and 2x 6v deep cycle batteries), could I leave the microwave breaker turned on then?

thanks

Before investing in anything, consider those plugs in most campers are undersized. They are smaller (in diameter) than a normal automobile cigarette lighter plug. Most things (like 12 volt televisions and inverters, even Tom-Tom, or 12 volt electric cooler plugs are all too big for the plug in campers. I do not know, never will understand, why they put smaller plugs in campers than cannot be used any anything, unless it's a way to ensure whatever is plugged into them is not drawing too much. Once again, before spending money, check the plug in your camper and make sure it actually usable.

deppeler wrote:

Thanks for the info, is it complicated to wire it into the regular outlets?

I also have a 400W MSW that connects to the battery with alligator clamps like on jumper cables.
You can turn OFF your converter and microwave at the breaker panel, set the fridge to propane and plug your shore power cable into the inverter using a 30A-20A adapter. All 120VAC outlets will have power at this point. Make sure the electric water heater and Air Conditioner are powered OFF

I went one step farther but I'll spare you this.

Thanks everyone for your input :)

smkettner wrote:
8 amps 12 volts = 96 watts. Stay a bit under for best results.
Or wire in an inverter to the regular outlets.

Thanks for the info, is it complicated to wire it into the regular outlets?