Do I need an inverter

[kfrenette]

I feel a little stupid asking this question, but I want to make sure I understand. We are doing our first dry camping, and wanted to know if I need to have an inverter. I want to be able to run my laptop periodically and may need a plug here and there. Also we have a tv installed that the kids may watch once in a while (not for long). We have a Jayco x213.

Any help will be appreciated.

[kfrenette]

I have 2 232ah 6v and 85ah 12v . We aren't going to be that long, and I can charge the laptops in the truck, so I am not looking for much. Just wanted to know what I am in for, like I said this is all new to me.

Thanks for the responses.

[CT_WANDERER]

300 Watts should take care of the TV or the laptop. You will be limited to what you can run with the inverter. It will run the battery down faster. Hope you have a good battery system. Gary


Added information You will need some way to recharge the battery

[ScottG]

kfrenette wrote:
Ok, I am not looking at doing anything crazy, so would a 300W be enough or should I look at something bigger?

Add up the wattage of all the things you want to run at once and then add at least 15~25% for a safety margin. That will give you the size you need.

[Matt_Colie]

kfrenette,

There are lots of things to consider here and you have given no specifics.
You can get a little (cheap) inverter or a 12 adapter for the laptop.
Unless you have added some, your HTT battery will probably not support much of a television for very long. You should look it over and find a power tag an think about an inverter that is large enough to handle that plus. Remember that the 12V current drain will be about 10X the 120V current. So, if you don't have a house banks that would sink a small boat, get the kids some books.

Matt

[kfrenette]

Ok, I am not looking at doing anything crazy, so would a 300W be enough or should I look at something bigger?

[time2roll]

If you want 120vac power then you need an inverter or a generator.

Inverter runs off battery power. Battery will need to be charged about every one to three days. Generator or solar is needed for charging although a few jump some power off the tow vehicle.

The 12 Volt Side of Life

[Not_a_Clue]

Do you have a generator? If yes, than you can do all these things.
No generator, then no TV or charging the laptop. These items would need household current (120) via an inverter.