Inverter wiring

exportman wrote:
Maybe I don't need to get the bigger inverter.

Yes, you do. I installed a 1000 watt PSW inverter in our trailer and use it to power a couple of fans, a 2-slice toaster, 4-cup Cuisinart coffee machine, and even my wife's hairdryer (on LOW). It's powered by a single 8 yr old G27 Interstate battery, 'though when it eventually does die I'll replace it with a couple of batts for greater reserve capacity and much improved ability to power the inverter without excessive draw down. A 1000 watt inverter is the minimum I'd consider for this task.

If the batteries are fully charged you will use up approx 15 percent of the usable capacity of the batteries in 5 mins.

run the engine to power the 1500w inverter
and maybe you won't kill your (2) 6v GC batteries

is the suggestion

this is only so you can delay buying more NEW batteries

The only way the your 400 watt inverter is going to work is if you find a hair dryer and coffee pot that use less then 400 watts. I don't think you will find them.

Mike008, that could work. State parks have no regs re running the mh engine. Maybe I don't need to get the bigger inverter. Currently the 400 watt unit handles my tv and dishnetwork receiver for hours before the batteries dip below 12 volts.

So would the 400watt unit work as long as I am putting juice into the aux batteries from the mh?

Could you just run the motorhome engine for the few minutes you are concerned about the amp draw?

I inadvertently posted this in the wrong forum as I have a motor home but you guys have given me good info that works for whatever vehicle. The reason that I am looking to upgrade to 2000 watts is for 2 short term uses. The first is for a hair dryer the second is for a coffee pot. Either would be "on" for about 5 minutes so if the inverter is connected to two 6-volt Trojans and it is only operating off the battery in 5 minute increments, will I have enough juice to get the 5 minute job done?

We camp a lot in Calif State Parks and often times they won't allow a generator until 10am. Crazy, huh? That's why I'm looking for something with a 1500 watt short term output.

Thanks

2000w can pull 200+ amps and really need 4/0 (not #4) wire direct to the battery.
This wire is the size of a garden hose and takes the right tools to crimp lugs etc.

Custom cables made here
These are about $8 + $10 per foot of wire all crimped and sealed with heat shrink. Includes shipping.

Your inverter install manual will give the details.

You also are also going to need alot of batteries to run the 2000WATT Inverter... This is a serious power drain install project. Hope you have picked out a PSW model Power Inverter so you can enoy all of your appliances to be able to use this unit with NO fear of the 'BLUE SMOKE' situation.

How many minutes will your battery bank last when around 170AMP DC Current is being demanded haha...

I am only pulling around 20AMPS DC Current for a continues time period using 4AWG size battery cables. My Power Inverter is a 600WATTs PSW unit which will draw around 50AMPS DC current if fully loaded down...

We decided we could live quite well OFF-ROAD with just a smaller 600WATT PSW Inverter. We can select almost anything to be operated sometimes only one at a time and only have to give up the Air Conditioner and High Wattage Microwave unit.

Hopefully some real time users of high DC Current systems will check in here... You can also download the install manuals for the high wattage POwer Inverters that should have this info for large wiring cables and large FUSE Block protection.

Roy Ken