living without a generator

[dyere]

We just bought a 1998 Dodge conversion by American Cruiser. The prior owner stripped it down to the essentials (removed the black water tank/septic system and bathroom) which we do like, but he also removed the generator in favor of an auxillary battery.

My question: is it worth installing an inverter so that we can run a microwave, fridge and TV off of the auxillary battery? how much space does this require? Special considerations or precautions? Would it make more sense to run the fridge off of the still present propane tank?

Is installing an inverter something I can do myself? I am not much of an electrician, but pretty good at figuring out technical issues.

Thanks for the input
ed

[Heapie]

While camping this summer we had to leave the air conditioner on for the dogs while we were gone. The first time, we ran the generator so we could run the air conditioner. The second time we just ran the RV Air conditioner connected with the engine, and locked the door with our spare key.(The dogs seamed to like sitting on the front seats.) Both worked well, but this got us thinking, why do we need the generator? I have not tried it yet, but can we run the microwave oven while running the van engine, or could we run the microwave on a battery with the inverter?

Needs a little more study. Our RV is a 2002 Roadtrek 190 V.

Heapie

[Horizon170]

When all your batteries are dead, this is nice to have around. 🙂 It is a bit noisy though.
http://www.harborfreight.com/engines-generators/gas-engine-generators/900-peak800-running-watts-2-hp-63cc-gas-generator-60338.html

[ennajean]

We haven't got a generator and manage just fine. Do have 2 batteries that run the frig and lights when not hooked up to power.

[Icky]

I disconnected the generator in my Sportsmobile Sprinter many years ago and gave it away. Too much trouble. I have 2 group 27 batteries, large normal size 12 volt type. The inverter is a 3000 watt unit. The fridge is a DC 4 cu ft model. I boondock a lot. The fridge will run about 3-4 days in the hot desert on battery alone. But since I start the engine every day or so, I usually don't discharge the battrys too deep. I have run the microwave many times with the van engine off, no problem. The Coleman roof air conditioner will run 30 min only on battery alone, so I don't do this often. The van has a "high idle" switch that holds the engine at 1600 rpm and it has a high output alternator (200Amps) installed. With the van engine running (way quieter that the old genset, but not as fuel efficient) on high idle, I have used the airconditioner continuously for many hours without running the batteries down. The AC normally cycles about 50% anyway. So yes its possible to operate without a genset. I would never even consider owning one again. Someday I will add a solar panel just for the fun of it.

[Fastpaddler]

I agree re buying a portable generator. The Honda is popular here.

[Shearwater]

2oldman provided a link to the 12V side of life. You should definitely read that. It will tell you what you can and cannot do with battery power.

Battery power is very limited and, as a rule of thumb, you cannot run much of anything that generates heat (like your 3 way refrigerator or microwave) off of an inverter unless you have huge battery bank - probably 5 or 6 100 Amp-hour batteries.

The lack of a bathroom and a black water tank is not much of a problem if you are at most campgrounds - they provide toilet and shower facilities at centralized locations as well as 110 V hookups at each site. However, you should be aware that disposing gray water on the ground is generally illegal.

[stan909]

"The prior owner stripped it down to the essentials "(methhead?) . Deffinitly a different idea of what is essential. I sure hope you got a great deal. Yes you can run micro off inverter. Sportsmobiles do it all the time. Low wattage micro with big battery bank and engine running. I would get a generator capable of running everything. Camping World has a 4000 watt with remote battery start for $600. My bro inlaw has the same without remote and it works great. You will need to have someone build a mount at the bumper. Maybe the Alluminess company sells them. Merry Merry.

[Shadow_Catcher]

A good introduction into figuring out what you need vs. want and a primer on RV electrical http://www.jackdanmayer.com/rv_electrical_and_solar.htm
When we are not on "shore power" all of our needs a re supplied by a 185W high voltage solar panel but our 'needs' are supplied differently i.e. coffee is made using a french press, water is heated using propane. A 300W inverter supplies the TV/DVD, laptop etc.
Boondocking requires a different set of tools and thinking unless you can not live with out them in which case you have a noisy smelly generator.

[2oldman]

It seems like a bathroom would be way more important than an inverter.

[PapPappy]

The microwave is out of the question, unless you happen to find a really small, low power one, but even then, you're still probably talking almost 600W of power.

The battery back-up and an inverter are valuable, and worth the investment (size it to your needs), but a Genset will be VERY valuable if you plan to use the RV.

But, you can use the RV like you would a tent, and not need any extras. Pretty much depends on the amount of "luxury" you are looking for.

Not sure why you don't want the water and holding tanks, or the head.....those are things that make the RV...recreational.:)

[pugslyyy]

dyere wrote:
My question: is it worth installing an inverter so that we can run a microwave, fridge and TV off of the auxillary battery? how much space does this require? Special considerations or precautions? Would it make more sense to run the fridge off of the still present propane tank?

1. microwave - not possible don't even try it takes too much power
2. fridge - why not buy a 12V fridge (ARB/Engel)?
3. Absolutely, especially if it is a new LED flat panel - those things are very very efficient.

[the_bear_II]

Make sure all of the propane lines have been capped. If the previous owner removed a lot of stuff he may not have been real concerned about capping off the propane and water lines.

X2 small portable generator.

[2oldman]

Don Rowe site Inverter FAQ
Inverters by Phred
inverter thread
MSW v. pure sine
Inverters and MW thread


This tutorial may be of some help. 12v side of life.

[donn0128]

Unless you have a very large battery bank and a way to recharge the batteries, an inverter is pretty useless. Remember for every amp of 120VAC power you use your batteries will have to supply approx 12 DC amps.
How do you plan to use this thing with no waste holding tanks? BTW there is no septic system in an RV, all they have are storage tanks for potable water, gray water and black water.

[mlts22]

What will be charging the battery? Also, one battery won't run things long, especially if the fridge is electric.

If I had a similar van, I would go out and buy a decent Honda eu2000is. Since you really don't need A/C in the PNW (if so, you can buy another Honda and parallel them), one small 2000 watt inverter generator will do the job. You will need a generator anyway, so might get one that has an excellent track record.