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Cheryl_B's avatar
Cheryl_B
Explorer
Jun 26, 2017

Finally buying a strong inverter. How many batteries to buy?

PowerTech On Advanced Technology PURE SINE WAVE Inverter 3000W Cont/6000W Peak, 12V DC to 120V AC w/ Black&Red Cables w/Ring Terminals, Remote Switch, Protection System & 4 Output Sockets PS1004

That is what it says on the website I'm buying it off of. (Not sure if the rules here say we can say the name.) How many batteries and what is a good brand and model (excuse my ignorance. I know it needs to be a deep cycle but don't know much more) will I need to keep the inverter humming?

I'm sick of campgrounds draining my funds. I'm ready to do more boondocking and I'm heading out West, where there are more opportunities to do so.

If I pay a guy to install these for me (new batteries and inverter), what's a fair price? And how long should the job take? Thanks allot.
  • If you are inverting a lot and powering large items AND want to boondock a lot how will you recharge? If you are using a generator you may be better off to just run the generator for large loads. Do you have a lot of solar? It's never one size fits all so just wondering.
  • No generator, no solar. Hoping driving around will power the house batteries. It won't? Am I walking myself into a corner?

    I guess a 1-2000 watt generator is also something I have to fork out the money for. I have no Toad and any generator needs to stay in the coach with me.
  • VoodooMedicineMan wrote:

    I added 2 6 volt deep cycle and it works, probably not as well as 4 sixes but what do I do with the 12 volter?
    Perhaps I'm not reading what you meant, but the 12v could work in parallel with the 2 6s.
  • Mine requires 4 six volt deep cycle batteries.
    When I picked up the RV the dealer had 1 12volt deep cycle and that was it.
    I added 2 6 volt deep cycle and it works, probably not as well as 4 sixes but what do I do with the 12 volter?
  • OK you can either go the Golf cart battery route. AGM's or take a look at scrubber batteries.
    Consider how you will
    recharge them,
    store them (physical sizes)
    and use them.
    Dry camp? Where? full sun? Genny?
    If you are going west look for at least 200 watts of solar, with a 30 amp controller so you could add another100.
    Not counting the solar install, a local guy should be abel to connect the inverter with about $20 in cables plus whatever he charges as a 2 hr charge, but then how you get the power inside becomes the matterr. do you want all your existing outlets to work? install one or two new ones just for the inverter, a switching system, many possible variables.
    All play a part in your decision process.
  • Assuming you bought this big boy to run big stuff like coffee makers and microwaves, I'd put in 6-6v Trojan T125s. If your budget is a bit more flexible, consider the same (or 12v) in Lifeline AGMs. AGMs are practically zero maintenance.

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