Inverters

[nxski]

I just realized that I will probably be wanting to buy an inverter before I leave on my North America trip. I have a cheap Crappy Tire one but as it doesn't have true sine wave I'm told it will kill the battery in my computer quite quickly. I got a lead on a Xantrex 1800 Watt inverter for $350 and am wondering if anyone else has suggestions. I need the size to be less than 12"x16" or if I put it in a not so preferable location I could stretch that to 13"x26": Unfortunately the Xantrax is 16"x17" which I think will be too big (there may be a last resort way of making it fit though).

Any thought's on what kind / size of inverter to get or a place where I could get a good deal? I'm planning to buy a crappy laptop (for theft and breakage reasons) as well, but I'll still be powering other electronics and don't want to destroy my batteries. The inverter I have now did a quick number on my Ipod's batteries.

Cheers

[jessef]

What's it for?

For $380 you can buy a solenoid/sys and deep cycle battery. There's your aux power source !

[nxski]

I want to plug in a power bar and recharge 2 camera's, 2 phones, 2 laptops and possibly more at once. I also don't have a lot of excess room.

[jessef]

Call Jay. He's the man to speak with about inverters

[fmande]

I have a 2500w inverter that I use for work.It isn't a pure sign but it did only cost about $160 delivered.
I use a 400w inverter in my ute(sorry I don't know what you guys call a dual cab 4wd)I paid about $50
It runs my laptop phone and battery charger.I haven't had any problem with it.
Ideally a pure sign inverter would be better and I will get one as soon as these die.

[FalcoColumbarius]

......... in my ute(sorry I don't know what you guys call a dual cab 4wd)............

A truck.

[tonydca]

How 'bout this one?

http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/ssw_350.html

Two receptacles plus a USB charging port for $130 new.

[fmande]

......... in my ute(sorry I don't know what you guys call a dual cab 4wd)............

A truck.

Thanks falco
It's funny if I called my ute a truck I would get very funny looks
The only vehicles we call trucks are things like Macks and kenworths.

[nxski]

How 'bout this one?

http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/ssw_350.html

Two receptacles plus a USB charging port for $130 new.

I like the price of that but will going from 1800 watts to 350 be a problem if I'm charging so many things?

[FalcoColumbarius]

......... in my ute(sorry I don't know what you guys call a dual cab 4wd)............

A truck.

Thanks falco
It's funny if I called my ute a truck I would get very funny looks
The only vehicles we call trucks are things like Macks and kenworths.

Those are bigger trucks.

In North America they are often referred to as "Semi-Rigid", or ~ "Semi-s", 18 wheelers, tractor/trailer.... In the UK they would be referred to as lorries, articulated lorries; or "artics" ~ juggernauts...

[fmande]

How 'bout this one?

http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/ssw_350.html

Two receptacles plus a USB charging port for $130 new.

I like the price of that but will going from 1800 watts to 350 be a problem if I'm charging so many things?

You are only charging batteries.It all depends on how many watts your using.
I only have 2500w for power tools and pumps.

[tonydca]

How 'bout this one?

http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/ssw_350.html

Two receptacles plus a USB charging port for $130 new.

I like the price of that but will going from 1800 watts to 350 be a problem if I'm charging so many things?

Just add up the total power draw of all the items and figure out what you need.

Cell phone chargers draw next to nothing (avg. around 4 watts each IIRC), cameras only slightly more, and your laptop charger will have the output stamped on it (the Acer unit on which I type this has a charger rated 3.42 amps at 19V = (3.42*19) = 65 Watts)

So 350 Watts should easily handle 2 each of cell phone, camera and laptops at the same time.

Microwave oven or hair dryer; that's another story.

That same company also sells a 600W version if you are worried about it. Mo' power, mo' money.

[nxski]

I guess I should decide I'f I'm going to try to put in a microwave or fridge. The 1800watt one usually sells for 800-1000 so 350 is a good deal, I'm just trying to scope out some options. The size is a concern as well.

This is the one I was looking at (a much better deal than normal but still a lot more expensive)... http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/xm_1800.html

[tonydca]

I guess I should decide I'f I'm going to try to put in a microwave or fridge. The 1800watt one usually sells for 800-1000 so 350 is a good deal, I'm just trying to scope out some options. The size is a concern as well.

This is the one I was looking at (a much better deal than normal but still a lot more expensive)... http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/xm_1800.html

I have never had a vehicle with either, so take my free advice for all it's worth BUT....

I have heard at least as many negative comments than positive ones about microwaves. Great things to have around, but they take up room and power; plus, there are more conventional ways of heating food if you're not in a screaming hurry. Or too far off the beaten path; most Quicky-mart type stores and gas-bars in the States have microwaves for nuking frozen burritos - just borrow theirs!

Speaking of convenience within a few days of civilization, my latest trip to Washington reminded me of a neat thing that several US stores like Fred Meyers and Walgreen's provide that I have never seen up here - freezers full of dry ice for sale.

Seriously - get a good cooler and line the bottom with an inch or two of dry ice covered with some regular ice and those steaks'll stay frozen solid for a week, not to mention the pop and beer on top staying nice and cool too. Who needs a fridge?

Something to think about. I'm envious of your trip! Take lotsa pics for us housebound family-laden types!!

[jessef]

You are only charging batteries.It all depends on how many watts your using.

David, when did you become a moderator? I had no idea !

Nick, aside from the 'what is a truck called' banter, you've got some reading and calculating to do.

This is the one I was looking at (a much better deal than normal but still a lot more expensive)... http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/xm_1800.html

Designed for RV and marine electrical systems that already have a battery charger or generator installed, Xantrex PRO Inverters deliver modified sine wave power for small appliances, TVs, and other onboard electronics from a battery bank.

Using an inverter is really the last leg of efficiency for power. When you're in a vehicle on the road, you'll need your reserve power and inverters suck it back like ice cold coca cola on a hot day.

Ask yourself this. Why do you need the inverter?

Example. My past rig had a 24V system so an inverter was not an option. I found 12-24V charging devices for every single powered device I have. Realized in a short order that I never needed an inverter to begin with.

This is what I had charging while we were on our trips with the standard 12V cig lighter.

two iphones
one macbook pro laptop
two canon 5D chargers (lipo batteries)
edgestar fridge (god send on hot days)

Just add up the total power draw of all the items and figure out what you need.

If you must have one, then you need to calculate this before you go out and buy one.

Also if you're running an inverter and charging more than what you would normally charge with your DC 12V's, then you'll suck your batteries dry in no time flat. If you're stock batteries can't handle the charging, than an inverter that is eating up the efficiency will drop amp's much faster.

If that's the case, then you'll need a larger bank of batteries to support the charging rates.

One more thing no one mentioned... Alternator.

Running an inverter off your batteries while you're driving will put more strain on your stock Alternator (hope you have at least the 90A one).

My suggestions, get a watt/volt meter and start measuring each electrical device hard mounted (headlights, heater blower motor,etc..) to see what they pull individually. Add them up and circle that total. Then take your soft mounted accessories (chargers/inverters/fridge/etc..) and see that they pull individually. Circle that.

Put both circles together and it should be less than 80% of your total amperage availability on your battery banks and alternator output. If you are closer to the 100% mark or above, you will either fry something or deplete the power source faster than the alternator can charge it. 20% is reserved to start your van once it's off.

There we go. Got all the info down.