Forum Discussion
RedRocket204
Mar 15, 2017Explorer
kandkbrand,
As mentioned, it would be best to understand what it is that you are wanting to run via 110 AC. Something like a coffee maker uses a lot of amps to run so trying to just use an inverter with your current batteries is not necessarily your best option.
If you are planning on boondocking multiple days, you will need a way to recharge the batteries. You mentioned a generator. That is very common but beware if you are planning on boondocking multiple days at altitude here in CO, you will need to look into what your needs are for amp usage and then increase the generator size to compensate for the decrease in generator power when at altitude, say altitude at around 9000'. For an example, I have a Champion 2000W (starting watts) generator and when I run it at 9000', it will not run my coffee maker, so forget trying to run a microwave too. I would need two of those generators running in parallel to run that coffee maker. Could I run my air conditioner at 9000' with that combo, unknown at this point.
Solar is a great way to go but you also need to size that appropriately too. That means a good amount of solar panels along with an adequate battery bank, charge controller, inverter, etc.
Just some additional concerns to think about.
As mentioned, it would be best to understand what it is that you are wanting to run via 110 AC. Something like a coffee maker uses a lot of amps to run so trying to just use an inverter with your current batteries is not necessarily your best option.
If you are planning on boondocking multiple days, you will need a way to recharge the batteries. You mentioned a generator. That is very common but beware if you are planning on boondocking multiple days at altitude here in CO, you will need to look into what your needs are for amp usage and then increase the generator size to compensate for the decrease in generator power when at altitude, say altitude at around 9000'. For an example, I have a Champion 2000W (starting watts) generator and when I run it at 9000', it will not run my coffee maker, so forget trying to run a microwave too. I would need two of those generators running in parallel to run that coffee maker. Could I run my air conditioner at 9000' with that combo, unknown at this point.
Solar is a great way to go but you also need to size that appropriately too. That means a good amount of solar panels along with an adequate battery bank, charge controller, inverter, etc.
Just some additional concerns to think about.
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