Backup Inverter Suggestions

My own preference is to buy 125% of the expected load. The biggest load I have is the microwave at 1570 watts, so the inverter needs to be about 2000 watts.

Samlex is an excellent choice.

I do use a 300 watt inverter for smaller loads such as laptop and cell phone charging. I found a 350 watt Victron PSW for 99 to replace the venerable 300 watt Motomaster MSW.

I used a 1000w PSW inverter as "whole house" when the MW was a smaller "700w" one. It wanted 1050w input. The inverter ran it ok, but showed an overload light for the time doing that (only a few minutes of MW at a time of course--normal MW operating scenario.)

It ran the kettle or toaster no problem at 900w approx. for the short time each that took. (Resistive loads)

Eventually, the inverter fried itself running the MW. It seemed to have been an accumulative thing, where I "got away with it" a few times, then didn't.

It is better to have a bigger inverter and not run it so close to max so often for it to last longer. Same with anything really.

allen8106 wrote:

time2roll wrote:
Doubt you need more than 300 watts. I recommend GoPower. Not exactly lowest price.

I wasn't wanting one "just" for the CPAP. I needed one for the CPAP unless as others mention I tap into a light circuit. I wanted one as a back up for the entire rig but I didn't want to spend the money on a charging inverter.

Yes and I suggested a small inverter to save money as that seemed to be the gist.

www.boatandrvaccessories.com/products/go-power-gp-sw300-12-inverter $172

You really need 2000 watts to power everything (one large item at a time)
300 watts will keep small items charged and run the tv/satellite/DVD.

I got a recommendation from a solar expert friend and actually found a Samlex 1000 watt pure sine for $245 on sale at iMarine. Same place I bought my original charging inverter. They have pretty good prices and excellent customer service so far.

time2roll wrote:
Doubt you need more than 300 watts. I recommend GoPower. Not exactly lowest price.

I wasn't wanting one "just" for the CPAP. I needed one for the CPAP unless as others mention I tap into a light circuit. I wanted one as a back up for the entire rig but I didn't want to spend the money on a charging inverter.

pianotuna wrote:
This unit goes on sale a few times a year:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-eliminator-pure-sine-wave-power-inverter-1000w-0111892p.html#srp

SoundGuy wrote:
Sure, I've got one too but what good does this do the OP who lives in Kansas? :S

pianotuna wrote:
Hi SoundGuy,

When I wanted an autoformer, another RV person purchased it and transported it to me in Saskatoon. He refused payment until he delivered it. I'm sure the OP has Canadian friends.

I'm sure Canadian Tire would be delighted to ship it to the OP, if the above were not the case.

You may need to learn to think outside the box a bit more.

You don't seriously believe the OP who lives in Kansas in going to order from Canadian Tire when all he has to do is go online and pick from a bazillion different choices readily available to him that aren't as readily available without significant additional cost to we Canadians. If this was his only choice, then sure, but it isn't - as an American he has an almost endless choice in inverters he can buy at reasonable cost online. "Think outside the box"? Me? Be real. :S

Tell you what - let's ask the OP what the chances are he'd order from Crappy Tire! :W Oh wait - look, there goes a flying pig. :S

Hi SoundGuy,

When I wanted an autoformer, another RV person purchased it and transported it to me in Saskatoon. He refused payment until he delivered it. I'm sure the OP has Canadian friends.

I'm sure Canadian Tire would be delighted to ship it to the OP, if the above were not the case.

You may need to learn to think outside the box a bit more.

SoundGuy wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
This unit goes on sale a few times a year:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-eliminator-pure-sine-wave-power-inverter-1000w-0111892p.html#srp

Sure, I've got one too but what good does this do the OP who lives in Kansas? :S

Doubt you need more than 300 watts. I recommend GoPower. Not exactly lowest price.

I have a Xantrex Prowatt 1000, pure sine inverter. It is totally silent and seems durable.

pianotuna wrote:
This unit goes on sale a few times a year:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-eliminator-pure-sine-wave-power-inverter-1000w-0111892p.html#srp

Sure, I've got one too but what good does this do the OP who lives in Kansas? :S