To Invert or Not Invert: RV Inverters Explained
02-22-2016
As our technological world advances, camping has become more high tech. Today’s newest coaches are being filled with all the comforts of home and all the best new gadgets. The dilemma that comes to mind is “How will my coach power all of these fancy things?” A lot of RVers are using inverters to keep their coaches in “tech-top” shape. Before you run out to purchase this miracle working electrical device, let’s ask a couple of questions and find out if we really need “to invert or not invert.”
How In the Heck Do I Work This Thing?
Before we discuss the inverter, let’s take a minute to discuss RV power. Oh that crazy “I can’t just plug in and it will just work all day” mystery that is RV power. Your coach runs on 120 volt DC power, which is just like the one that you plug into at home, only it is a very limited supply and on 12 volt AC power which is supplied by your batteries. The thing you must remember is that there are certain items in your coach that will only work on 12 volt and will not work at all without it. For instance, your refrigerator and your water heater will only run on 12 volt power. Other appliances, like your microwave and television use large amounts of 120 volt power which is very limited. RV power can also be supplied by a generator which powers on gas or diesel. Running a generator all day to power your coach, is not only loud but costly.
Inverter…What is that thing?
An inverter is a piece of equipment that takes your 12 volt battery power and makes it into 120 volt power. Inverters come in many different sizes and can be used for small tasks like running a DVD player or television to running a large number of electronics and electrical plugs depending on size of inverter. The process is exactly the opposite of a converter, which takes your 120 volt power to charge your 12 volt batteries. Inverter/chargers are now being used to do away with converters all together, because they charge your 12 volts while powering your 120 volt.
Considerations
What should you look for when picking your inverter? To start with, be sure to pick out an inverter that can handle the load you will be putting on it. The more you want to run the stronger your inverter will need to be. Also, think about your batteries. The bigger the inverter the larger your battery pool will need to be. You will need to figure out how many amps will be needed for how many hours before charging to determine your correct inverter needs. Look at all your options carefully before making a choice.
Reaping the Benefits
No longer do you have to worry about counting your amps or turning off this to turn on that. The inverter and inverter/charger have changed the game. The benefits are so beneficial you will wonder how you ever lived without it. So let’s make coffee and blow-dry our hair. Let’s start the movie while the popcorn pops. Get out there and live wild and reckless…Happy Trails!
How In the Heck Do I Work This Thing?
Before we discuss the inverter, let’s take a minute to discuss RV power. Oh that crazy “I can’t just plug in and it will just work all day” mystery that is RV power. Your coach runs on 120 volt DC power, which is just like the one that you plug into at home, only it is a very limited supply and on 12 volt AC power which is supplied by your batteries. The thing you must remember is that there are certain items in your coach that will only work on 12 volt and will not work at all without it. For instance, your refrigerator and your water heater will only run on 12 volt power. Other appliances, like your microwave and television use large amounts of 120 volt power which is very limited. RV power can also be supplied by a generator which powers on gas or diesel. Running a generator all day to power your coach, is not only loud but costly.
Inverter…What is that thing?
An inverter is a piece of equipment that takes your 12 volt battery power and makes it into 120 volt power. Inverters come in many different sizes and can be used for small tasks like running a DVD player or television to running a large number of electronics and electrical plugs depending on size of inverter. The process is exactly the opposite of a converter, which takes your 120 volt power to charge your 12 volt batteries. Inverter/chargers are now being used to do away with converters all together, because they charge your 12 volts while powering your 120 volt.
Considerations
What should you look for when picking your inverter? To start with, be sure to pick out an inverter that can handle the load you will be putting on it. The more you want to run the stronger your inverter will need to be. Also, think about your batteries. The bigger the inverter the larger your battery pool will need to be. You will need to figure out how many amps will be needed for how many hours before charging to determine your correct inverter needs. Look at all your options carefully before making a choice.
Reaping the Benefits
No longer do you have to worry about counting your amps or turning off this to turn on that. The inverter and inverter/charger have changed the game. The benefits are so beneficial you will wonder how you ever lived without it. So let’s make coffee and blow-dry our hair. Let’s start the movie while the popcorn pops. Get out there and live wild and reckless…Happy Trails!
Comment
BoA36February 24, 2016 | 07:38 AM
Tammy - You may want to correct your description above as you have AC and DC backwards. It is 12 volt DC and 120 volt AC. Also there is a significant difference between modified sine wave inverters and pure sine wave inverters. The former, though generally less expensive, will often damage smaller electronics when being charged. - Terry
Author: Tammy Daly
