Inverter generator
Do I need an inverter generator to run the a/c, microwave etc in my tc? why? Thanks !
Forum Discussion
- I did the same, but not for the Microwave. in my AF (and many other RV's) the GFI outlet also protects all the other outlets in the RV.
I took the input TO the GFI and removed it from AC breaker. I put a DPDT switch on this line and ran one side to AC breaker and one side to Inverter output.
I labled switch Shore power or Inverter power. - I figured all the inverter needed to do was run the microwave and a kitchen outlet for coffeemaker etc , so I put just those two circuits on automatic transfer switches. That way I can unplug from shorepower/generator power without having to go around making sure the fridge, water heater or whatever else is switched off of “AC” when I’m on the batteries.
HMS Beagle wrote:
You can run practically anything in a camper without a generator, except air conditioning. You need an inverter and a largish battery bank - and it will make no noise.
I have my inverter wired in so it will power up everything in the camper.
It will run the A/C, but I don't use it for that.
Inverter in my Arctic Fox
My EU2000
Shelter for my EU2000- You can plumb external fuel easily, right through the gas cap on a Honda EU2000/2200.
Sometimes I run mine on a 50-gallon truck tank, for a week straight. - I might have to look into those. My 2500 onan is loud as snit.
- It all depends.
Hard to run 1100W microwave or coffee maker on inverter when you have only 2 batteries in TC.
Than in my motorhome I had 4 golf cart batteries. Small test show that I could run 15k AC on inverter power for about 20 minutes before I'd have to start generator.
On technical note -inverter generators use much bigger engines for picking up load surges and than inverter and more mufflers add to their weight.
Manufacturers compensate the extra weight by not making roll cage on them and no big tanks, that you will find on construction generators.
That seems to be big issue on smaller inverter generators like Honda 2000.
The Honda 3000 will run 13 hr on its tank and is having strong frame, but then 130 lb to lift. - You can run practically anything in a camper without a generator, except air conditioning. You need an inverter and a largish battery bank - and it will make no noise. If you need A/C, then you need a generator but the A/C makes enough noise you won't notice the genset.
daily double wrote:
Do I need an inverter generator to run the a/c, microwave etc in my tc? why? Thanks !
Yes.
Why a generator? because you can't run the A/C on battery power, unles you tow a trailer full of batteries.
Why a inverter generator? Because they are pretty quiet. You will get annoyed by a construction grade generator that runs at full throttle all the time. Anyone camped near you will get even more annoyed that you.- This...
Sandia Man wrote:
Any generator with enough wattage will power an RV AC unit or any other items requiring 120 AC volts. Inverter based generators offer better fuel efficiency, quieter operation, cleaner power, and are smaller and lighter than the non inverter counterparts. They do cost quite a bit more initially which is why some choose to go with a non inverter version since they only use them sporadically throughout the RVing season.
We do lots of RVing off the grid and purchased a Champion 3100 inverter genny 4 years ago, much quieter and fuel efficient than our Onan, it easily runs our RV AC unit with plenty of wattage to spare. Check your TC AC unit specs to determine wattage requirements, 3K watts is normally recommended for reliable operation at higher elevations.
