PSW Inverter - No Load Current
Our in-bed camper will only hold two batteries. Wanting to power the microwave, TV, satellite and laptops. Thinking a 2000w PSW inverter would be the right size. Noticed most 2000w inverters have n...
Forum Discussion
Thanks for all the replies!
Good to hear the Prowatt 2000 will power some microwaves. I believe the microwave in our new camper is supposed to be 1150w line (700w cooking), so fortunately it's at the lower end of the microwave power scale. Have plans to use 4/0 cable with a ~5 ft. run and two GC2 batteries, so hopefully minimal voltage drop (~.06v at 115 amps).
FWIW, I only mentioned using the Prowatt 2000 because of the low, no-load rating (.8a) vs. its 1800/3000w power out capability---price had no bearing. I would have no problems spending a lot more money for a true 2000w (4000w surge) inverter that legitimately (without a power-save function) offered <1a no load current. As far as I know no such animal exists.
Although I've never used an inverter with a "power-save" function, I'm getting the impression many power-savers have trouble recognizing smaller loads, like say a cell phone charger. Have to turn the power-save function off in order for the inverter to recognize a smaller load. Maybe I've got it all wrong, don't know.
BFL13 mentioned the PowerMax 2000w PSW inverter. That has to be the best bang for the buck out there. Less than $220 on Amazon. Unfortunately 1.5a of no-load.
As for solar, our camper will come OEM with 100w of solar. No immediate plans to add more panels--maybe down the road. We're not dry campers per se. Just need power for the occasional 12-18 hr stop while we're on the road.
I guess for now the Xantrex Prowatt 2000 looks like the best candidate.
Good to hear the Prowatt 2000 will power some microwaves. I believe the microwave in our new camper is supposed to be 1150w line (700w cooking), so fortunately it's at the lower end of the microwave power scale. Have plans to use 4/0 cable with a ~5 ft. run and two GC2 batteries, so hopefully minimal voltage drop (~.06v at 115 amps).
FWIW, I only mentioned using the Prowatt 2000 because of the low, no-load rating (.8a) vs. its 1800/3000w power out capability---price had no bearing. I would have no problems spending a lot more money for a true 2000w (4000w surge) inverter that legitimately (without a power-save function) offered <1a no load current. As far as I know no such animal exists.
Although I've never used an inverter with a "power-save" function, I'm getting the impression many power-savers have trouble recognizing smaller loads, like say a cell phone charger. Have to turn the power-save function off in order for the inverter to recognize a smaller load. Maybe I've got it all wrong, don't know.
BFL13 mentioned the PowerMax 2000w PSW inverter. That has to be the best bang for the buck out there. Less than $220 on Amazon. Unfortunately 1.5a of no-load.
As for solar, our camper will come OEM with 100w of solar. No immediate plans to add more panels--maybe down the road. We're not dry campers per se. Just need power for the occasional 12-18 hr stop while we're on the road.
I guess for now the Xantrex Prowatt 2000 looks like the best candidate.
