The wife wants to watch tv while we're camping.So I got everything I thought i would need?12 volt inverter http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-400-Watt-12-Volt-120-Volt-Inverter/dp/B001RNOHBC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1373156849&sr=1-1&keywords=12+volt+inverters12 volt lcd tv VIP211k HD Receiver with hard drive that I took out of our bedroom So here's the problem when I turn everything on the inverter gives a low battery warning? My batteries are not low slightly over 13 volts with the solar charging the two new group 27 batteries.What i think I need is a heavier cord to go from my 12 volt power outlet (it says 8 amps on the wall plate seems like more then enough ?) Do they make a 12 gauge power cord? It works fine if I hook it up one of my old batteries direct with a heavier wire. I would like to be able to plug it into my power outlets so I can move it from the living room to the bedroom without having to hard wire the inverter. Thanks Gary

You'll have better luck not using the 12v socket and wiring it directly as you did.

I think you've found the problem. Your 12v wiring is too small. If I understand correctly you want a long 12v cord on the inverter so you can use it in the LR or the BR while still plugged into your RV's 1 12v outlet. This is the wrong approach. You would want to leave the inverter near the 12v outlet and use a long cord for the 120v output.If you are just needing a heavier cord on the inverter one could be made easily but I doubt anything is available ready made. There really isn't much available as far as 12v extension cords and such.I think your best option would be to hard wire the inverter near the batteries. You could either use an extension cord to the TV or hook up the RV's appropriate circuits to the 120v output.

Sorry but using the lighter plug is your problem as you already discovered. Wire your inverter directly to the battery at the shortest distance possible with the heaviest wire the inverter will accept. Then run 110 volt extension cords to where you need the power.I installed two inline transfer relays (link below) to power the circuits for the entertainment center and the outlets where we plug in laptops. That way those circuits are powered by shore power when plugged in and inverter when not, no action required by me it just works.Transfer Relay

If you are using a 12 Volt TV set, you don't need the inverter.

Mount the inverter as close to the battery as possible. Connect it with 10 ga wire and run 14 ga wire from the inverter to your TV and satellite receiver.

12 Volt Inverter | Good Sam Community

27 Replies

Simplygib
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013
While boondocking I have the inverter connected to the batteries with 10 ga. wire. My rig's 120v power cord is plugged in to the inverter. That way all my 120v outlets are live and I can plug in the (in my case, laptop) anywhere I want. If you go this route you will want to make sure your converter is disconnected first, and don't try to run stuff like microwaves, a/c, hair dryers or welders (;)) on it.
mustangglp
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013
Thanks for all the replies
I don't need a long cord probably could get by with a 16 inches as the 12 volt outlet are where I need them. I hadn't thought of running the 110 with cords. That would be easier than running heavy gauge 12 volt to opposite ends of the 5th wheel
The tv is 12 volt so it works fine.
hershey
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013
Mount the inverter as close to the battery as possible. Connect it with 10 ga wire and run 14 ga wire from the inverter to your TV and satellite receiver.
camperpaul
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013
If you are using a 12 Volt TV set, you don't need the inverter.
hmknightnc
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013
Sorry but using the lighter plug is your problem as you already discovered. Wire your inverter directly to the battery at the shortest distance possible with the heaviest wire the inverter will accept. Then run 110 volt extension cords to where you need the power.

I installed two inline transfer relays (link below) to power the circuits for the entertainment center and the outlets where we plug in laptops. That way those circuits are powered by shore power when plugged in and inverter when not, no action required by me it just works.

Transfer Relay
KD4UPL
Explorer II
Jul 07, 2013
I think you've found the problem. Your 12v wiring is too small.
If I understand correctly you want a long 12v cord on the inverter so you can use it in the LR or the BR while still plugged into your RV's 1 12v outlet. This is the wrong approach. You would want to leave the inverter near the 12v outlet and use a long cord for the 120v output.
If you are just needing a heavier cord on the inverter one could be made easily but I doubt anything is available ready made. There really isn't much available as far as 12v extension cords and such.
I think your best option would be to hard wire the inverter near the batteries. You could either use an extension cord to the TV or hook up the RV's appropriate circuits to the 120v output.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jul 07, 2013
You'll have better luck not using the 12v socket and wiring it directly as you did.

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12 Volt Inverter

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