How to Use an RV Inverter
Dave SolbergDescription
For many RVers, there may be times that you will choose to camp without any hookups for water, electric, and sewer. Also referred to as “boondocking,” this type of RVing is called dry camping and is legal as long as you are staying in a designated dispersed camping area.
If you prefer dry camping in your RV and have limited amenities or you don’t want to run a generator for whatever reason (noisy, expensive, etc.), an RV inverter is just what you need when you don’t want to start up your generator, but also don’t want to give up use of your TV, microwave, hair dryer, or other small appliances.
A 130-watt RV inverter is the ideal solution for your basic power requirements, offering a quiet alternative to gas generators with no fumes, fuel or noise. In this quick lesson, RV expert Dave Solberg teaches you about the simple setup and use of an RV inverter, explaining what you can expect from your inverter and filling you in on the things you need to know for safe and proper hookup.
Setting Up Your RV Inverter
As Dave will teach you, the type of RV inverter needed on your dry camping adventures depends on how many and which type of small appliances, computers, or devices you want to use in your RV. Most often you’ll only need to utilize an RV inverter for TV/VCR/DVD watching, so the best solution is a 130-watt inverter. This small box is a synch to install, requiring only a 12-volt battery and a wall outlet.
To ensure you get the most out of your new inverter, Dave demonstrates the correct method for installing and using a basic 130-watt unit. Each unit comes equipped with two feeds, which should be run directly into the 12-volt battery. Once you’ve hooked up the unit, all you have to do is plug the power cable into an outlet.
Or if you prefer not to use the battery simultaneously, you can charge up the inverter beforehand and then plug your TV or other small appliances directly into the back of the inverter. In no time you’ll be returning from your relaxing hike to watch your favorite shows or sporting events! It’s the easiest solution on the market!
What else do you need to know?
Before wrapping up the lesson, Dave explains other aspects of proper RV inverter use that you might need to know prior to starting it up. There’s not much that can go wrong with an inverter, but if you run into any issues, there are plenty of discussion boards and user guides on the Internet, as well as RV Repair Club videos perfectly tailored to helping you solve whatever problem you encounter!
For more information on the type of RV inverter you might need for your appliances, you might also want to look into using an RV inverter power consumption diagram, which lays out the power requirements (watts) of most basic devices that you’ll likely utilize on an RV trip. With Dave’s expert advice and a few minutes of your time, you’ll be living the leisure life!
If you're dry camping and you don't want to start the generator up to watch a little TV, you do have an option with an inverter and they come in a variety of different sizes. But if you just want to do the TV, the VCR or DVD player, like that, this 130 watt model is very easy to install and will power that. You simply run your two feeds here into a battery source, the 12-volt battery, like you would have in your house system, right here. Plug this into an outlet. When you are plugged into electricity, you don't want to always have to use the inverter and the house batteries. So when you're plugged in, it's gonna run through here, basically pass through and provide the TV. When you don't have power, it'll come through the system. You'll see a little light coming on right here. It's got a GFCI and would simply plug your TV and your DVD player back here and it will sense the power. When this goes off, you'll have enough 12-volt power to power your TV and VCR.
you need a copy editor or proofer..."This small box is a synch to install, requiring only a 12-volt battery and a wall outlet." To what does the inverter synch?...or is it a cinch to install...
Any suggestions on the brand and model of a TSW 2000 watt inverter that has both the 12v and 120v sources? Also, my rv came with a 1000watt inverter. Is it safe to switch out to a 2000watt inverter and use a 1800watt portable induction stove?
Four months ago, my wife and I bought a new RV. It has 2 inverters. The user group for our RV is urging us to buy "pure sign" inverters to replace the stock inverters. What is a "pure sign" inverter and is it really that much better?
Roughly, how long will a TV and VCR run on a 12 volt battery?
Never used an inverter before and seeking basic info