Window AC project

sizzy wrote:
What kind of inverter do you have? I don't really understand them but would like to be able to use the microwave.

It is done all the time but it takes the right combination of inverter, wiring and batteries.

As BillMFl pointed out check the label on the microwave oven and look for power consumption or running watts. My 600 cooking watts microwave oven is 900 running watts. My 1000 watt pure sine wave inverter will just run it (it is really maxed out). A 1200 watt or even 1800 watt inverter would have been a better choice for me.

On two fully charged marine/RV AGM batteries my inverter sounds an alarm when I run the microwave oven. On four batteries it runs ok. I measured the DC amp draw and it was 103 amps! It is wired using 4 gauge which is a bit on the light side. Bigger wires would be better.

For a small microwave oven like my 600 watt unit you need a battery or more likely a combination of batteries they are capable of delivering the needed 100 amps DC.

BillMFl - have you had a chance to try either the microwave or the air conditioner on the inverter?

I recommend some sort of travel cover for the air conditioner. I've seen photos of a cover made of vinyl with snaps. The cover will keep the road dirt and bugs out. Only problem with the cover is that you have to remember to take it off to use the A/C.

I have a window type a/c in my van probably the same size as yours Bill. It cools the back area quickly. It takes a while for the cooling to get the cab area but it is better than no cooling at all. I've been woken up by birds hopping around on the a/c at dawn. I guess it is a nice place for them to land on.