One large inverter or 2-3 small ones?

Just Jeff wrote:
So as I get closer to adding solar (or at least a larger battery bank) to my RV, I have more questions than I started with! Big thanks to the folks who have helped me along so far.

I found a great place on the RV to install 4 x 6V AGM batteries. It'll require a frame mount installation, but it's open space right now and won't take away from the limited storage I already have. The new place is just behind the cab on the driver's side.

The current 1000W inverter runs only the cabover TV outlet, which is disabled when the engine is cranked. Interestingly, the inverter is mounted in the overhead cabinets on the passenger side...so there's a long DC wire between the battery and the inverter. Plenty to run the TV but I assume there's quite a bit of voltage drop over that.

I also want an inverted plug in the bedroom (rear of the RV) that's not disabled when running, and then maybe an outlet in the kitchen. What's the best way to do this?

Right now I basically see two options:

1 - Get a large inverter that runs the entire RV. This would be convenient for having all plugs available, having a larger capacity, could run the fridge short-term on AC if needed (for example), etc. Downside is that I think it should be mounted with venting which would slightly limit locations, and obviously the extra capacity would result in extra drain when I'm not using it all.

2 - Other option would be mounting another 1000W or 1500W inverter in the rear bedroom by the TV. Pros here are that I could conserve power by only inverting what I needed, it should be cheaper, and I don't have to worry about venting. Downside is that it's a long way from the battery, meaning a long DC run and resulting voltage drop. Would it be viable to mount the inverter closer to the batteries and make the long run an AC wire?

I'm also installing two 12v outlets in the bedroom for heated mattress pads and such, and another in the kitchen. That means with option two I could supplement with a small plug-in inverter if necessary.

What else should I consider when deciding?

As discussed in The Solar Plunge thread, I will likely add solar to this at some point...would that have any impact on where to mount the inverter?

Thanks in advance for all the help!

There would be a lot of flexibility with smaller (1000/1500 watt units)

They are smaller, so easier to find a spot to install
They are not sold only to the RV/camper crowd, so cheaper
If one fails your whole system is not down


On another forum some folks were saying a 'true sine wave'
is nice but not really needed for computer, Tivos, printers, etc.

I have used my 1000w 'modified sine wave' unit (from Costco)
with all of the above gear with no issues at all.