Update. I was in Harbor Freight today and saw a 750W (continuous) inverter for $47.99 so I thought I'd give it a shot. I connected it to the terminals in the power distribution center, turned on every light, fan, furnace and water pump in the camper and tested it. Even with the low voltage alarm screeching on the inverter, the TV stayed on without a hiccup. I'll wire it in more permanently this winter.
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Hello, I just picked up a new camper (2000 Arctic Fox 1150) and I would like to add an inverter. In my old camper, I stuck a low-quality, 1500W inverter in one of the cabinets, wired it to the 12V posts on the power distribution panel, and ran a 3' wire to an outlet under one of the cabinets. When I wanted to run the TV or charge the phones, I would flip it on and plug in. Easy-peasy! The one complaint I had was the noise from the cooling fan.
For the new camper, I would like one that is silent or at least very quiet. I have a generator now so I no longer need to use my inverter to power a microwave or coffee maker. I think a 500W RMS inverter will do the job since I only need to run a laptop, a small TV, or charge phones. I would like to do the same install I did in the old camper.
Here's where you come in. I bought a Stanley FatMax 450W(?) inverter and used the included clips to hook it to the posts on the distribution panel. I had a full charge, but every time the water pump went on, the TV shut off. The indicator light on the inverter did not indicate any problems. I never had this issue with the old inverter, even when the batteries were weak. Do you guys think it was a poor inverter, or are the new inverters more picky on dirty power? Perhaps there is another explanation?
If you have a recommendation for an inexpensive ($50 - $75) inverter that would do the job, let me know.
-2000 Chevy K3500 CC DRW 7.4L, Auto; 2000 Arctic Fox 1150 WB; 1999 Bayliner Capri 1800LS Outboard
-Air Lift bags, Torklift tie-downs, Superhitch w/48", Rancho RS9000X, K&N FIPK, MagnaFlow exhaust.