Adding Inverter for dry camping
I would like to add an additional battery (have one group 27 now), possibly a solar charging system and an inverter. I hate that the 120V outlets don't work on battery power. Seems crazy you can't...
Forum Discussion
If all you are wanting to do is charge a cell phone or two, then just add a 12v plug (cigarette lighter socket) and use a car charger.
For me, I may occasionally run my netbook, charge my cell phone and/or kindle, and run my mp3 docking station with speakers. I found it was easier to do one of the following:
1. use a 12v plug inverter
2. use a portable power pack/jumper box
or
3. use a small battery operated charger
For the mp3 and netbook, I usually use 1 or 2. For the cell phone and kindle I usually use 3, sometimes 1 or the "car charger" into the house 12v plug. #1 and car chargers power directly off the house battery via the 12v plug. #2 gets recharged when I plug into shore power. #3 is still on its first set of D batteries into the 2nd year of use. I've never run low on power yet.
If you're wanting to run hair dryers, microwaves, etc., then you're looking at more than a 2nd battery can do.
For me, I may occasionally run my netbook, charge my cell phone and/or kindle, and run my mp3 docking station with speakers. I found it was easier to do one of the following:
1. use a 12v plug inverter
2. use a portable power pack/jumper box
or
3. use a small battery operated charger
For the mp3 and netbook, I usually use 1 or 2. For the cell phone and kindle I usually use 3, sometimes 1 or the "car charger" into the house 12v plug. #1 and car chargers power directly off the house battery via the 12v plug. #2 gets recharged when I plug into shore power. #3 is still on its first set of D batteries into the 2nd year of use. I've never run low on power yet.
If you're wanting to run hair dryers, microwaves, etc., then you're looking at more than a 2nd battery can do.
