Forum Discussion

Explorer

May 15, 2015

How to use a DC to AC power inverter in an RV (RENTAL)

Hi,

I'm going to be driving my first RV in Iceland for 8 days. I want to buy an inverter so we can keep things charged on the way.

Here is the RV:

http://imgur.com/8jqKZ85

Will this inverter work ok? (enough watts, etc) It might be too late because the trip is soon but should I just spend ~ $35 and rent the inverter they provide instead?

http://www.amazon.com/BESTEK%C2%AE-Outlets-Inverter-Notebook-Motorola/dp/B004MDXS0U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431671160&sr=8-1&keywords=power+inverter

My main concern though, is how/when/where to charge things? I mean, does this RV have two batteries or something? Should I just only charge while the engine is on (like a car) or will I not kill the battery if I charge while the engine is off?

Thank you (I'm so confused) !

13 Replies

rockhillmanor
Explorer II
May 15, 2015
clicky for OP:

http://www.amazon.com/BESTEK%C2%AE-Outlets-Inverter-Notebook-Motorola/dp/B004MDXS0U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431671160&sr=8-1&keywords=power+inverter
Fastfwd75
Explorer
May 15, 2015
The battery on a typical RV will not power major devices for long. Some lights, furnace fan are fine. TVs definitely not. You can charge a laptop/phone. You don't want to run out of batteries during the night and be without heat!

What I do:
I use the batteries for lights only.
I charge things as much as I can from the inverter in the truck while rolling. Mine is separate truck/RV.

"cheap" inverters like the one you are looking at may not work 100% on all devices. Mine won't consistently charge a macbook; the light just goes off sometimes but it will charge iphones/ipads no problem. I think the laptop charger shuts down to protect the computer when the electricity is not "clean".
westend
Explorer
May 15, 2015
Use their inverter. Why drag along gear if you can rent it there for the same price? Their inverter will be set up for your use.