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Why would you put a power inverter in a camper?

StiltzM109R
Explorer
Explorer
What is the point of putting a power inverter in my toy hauler? I see other people putting power inverters in their campers.
2014 Echo Bandit 250QB Toy Hauler
20 REPLIES 20

Searching_Ut
Explorer
Explorer
It depends on what you want to use, and how you camp. My first TT some 35 years ago had a hand pump for the sink, gas powered mantel type lamp, catalytic type heater and built in ice chest. No battery and no power cord. Most of my subsequent rigs were used mostly for remote dry camping and I didn't use an inverter. My current rig requires AC power for the recliners to work, needs AC for the stove vent fan which is part of the microwave, needs AC for the televisions etc. Since it doesn't have any DC outlets I also just decided to go the easy route and use AC power for my Bipap machine. I ended up installing two inverters on auto transfer switches that power all my outlets. 1 is a 600 watt unit that is sufficient for most things we run, and a 2000 watt unit I just use for short duration high power usage such as the microwave, wifes hair dryer, or the coffee pot should we decide to go Kurig that day.
2015 Ram 3500 Laramie CTD, 4X4, AISIN, B&W Companion Puck Mount
2016 Heartland Bighorn 3270RS, 1kw solar with Trimetric and dual SC2030, 600 watt and 2k inverters.

RoyB
Explorer II
Explorer II
I am using mine to power up alot of emergency radio comms electronics when off-grid... It is also my Home Entertainment 120VC source of power.

The alternative would be to run a generator during this time frame which is not allowed in alot of places.

The other alternative is to have a good SOLAR POWER setup to keep your batteries charged up . Then you can run Power Inverters off the batteries and allow the high sun to replenish them in silence without having to run a generator for three hours each day like i do...

If you are only interested in running some small fans and having a couple of lights going then a bag full of D CELLs and a can of white gas is about all you need... This is what we did back in our tent camping days back in the 50s - 60s...

Now days we all have battery banks to keep up with items we want to have running when camping off grid...

All depends what you want to do when you are camping...

Roy Ken
My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - Words in CAPS does not mean I am shouting
Roy - Carolyn
RETIRED DOAF/DON/DOD/CONTR RADIO TECH (42yrs)
K9PHT (Since 1957) 146.52M
2010 F150, 5.4,3:73 Gears,SCab
2008 Starcraft 14RT EU2000i GEN
2005 Flagstaff 8528RESS

SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
StiltzM109R wrote:
What is the point of putting a power inverter in my toy hauler?


Who knows? ... that's obviously up to you to determine. :R

I see other people putting power inverters in their campers.


I installed one in my own camper for those times we may lose campsite shore power ... allows us to continue using a toaster, coffee maker, 120 vac fans, etc, just as usually do. ๐Ÿ™‚

Everyone's needs are different and so too are their solutions. ๐Ÿ˜‰
2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2003 Fleetwood Yuma * 2008 K-Z Spree 240BH-LX
2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH * 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe
1998 Jayco 10UD * 1969 Coleman CT380

coolmom42
Explorer II
Explorer II
An inverter converts 12 V from your batteries, to power the 120V outlets, when you do not have shore power.
Single empty-nester in Middle TN, sometimes with a friend or grandchild on board

Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Explorer
The inverter creates 120vac out of 12vdc. One thing is, you can watch TV while on
Battery power.
Jerry Parr
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SKYWARN Weather Spotter

whatimmadoboutm
Explorer
Explorer
Assuming your TH doesn't have one built in, it would allow you to convert the 12v power from your batteries to run 110v (household) items.