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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: floridarandy on October 19, 2017, 12:52:59 am

Title: Small inverter Recommendations
Post by: floridarandy on October 19, 2017, 12:52:59 am
Have 640 watts solar up top today and looking for small inverter to power Main Tv and DVD player separate from Xantrec inverter.
Title: Re: Small inverter Recommendations
Post by: Jack Lewis on October 19, 2017, 02:16:35 am
There are lots of options out there, I would just make sure it is sine wave, not modified sine wave, especially if you put an additional outlet to charge your cell phone or notebook.
Title: Re: Small inverter Recommendations
Post by: wolfe10 on October 19, 2017, 08:11:27 am
Agree-- pure sine wave only.
Title: Re: Small inverter Recommendations
Post by: bbeane on October 19, 2017, 08:37:21 am
About any of the less expensive 3-400 watt pure sine wave inverters will work just fine. On our coach we also powered the outlet by the front seat.  I just did a 1000 watt just  in case we install a residential fridge. You might take a look a beamalarm.com additional inverter install works great.
Title: Re: Small inverter Recommendations
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on October 19, 2017, 09:36:20 am
Definitely PSW if it is for a refrigerator or electronics.

This one from Victron is a good one, 650 watts continuous, 1500 watts peak.  A bit over $300.
Victron Phoenix 12 Volt / 800 VA Pure Sine Inverter (https://baymarinesupply.com/chargers-inverters/inverters/victron-phoenix-inverter-12v-800va.html)

I also have a 1000 watt Magnum PSW inverter that I got new on eBay for under $200 like this one.
Magnum Energy Inverter, 1000W, 12V, Pure Sine Wave | ECMarine Supply (https://www.ecmarinesupply.com/products/magnum-energy-inverter-1000w-12v-pure-sine-wave?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&variant=45684017674)


Xantrex option.
Amazon.com: Xantrex 806-1210 PROwatt 1000 SW Inverter: Xantrex: Cell Phones... (https://www.amazon.com/Xantrex-806-1210-PROwatt-1000-Inverter/dp/B002I04A74/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1508420847&sr=8-6&keywords=1000+watt+pure+sine+wave+inverter)

It is not too hard to isolate the part of the circuit that powers the refrigerator and the front end electronics.  Add an extra outlet for plugging in your phones etc.  A DPDT switch lets you power that sub-circuit from either inverter or landline if you are plugged in.  My Samsung uses about 135 watts when running, some less, many more.  And startup loads are higher.  Getting the capacity you need for that option now is cost effective.  Not much difference in power to run small inverters in this size range.
Title: Re: Small inverter Recommendations
Post by: gracerace on October 19, 2017, 02:42:50 pm
We use a sine wave 300 watt. Under $100.00 delivered from Ebay. Runs 32", DVD, 2 sat receivers and an in-motion sat. and a modulator. Called for #10 wire. Ran #8 from overhead to house batts. with auto breaker. leave it on 24/7, even dry camping. Have 600 watts solar.
Have a 100 watt for rear TV when needed at night.
Chris
Title: Re: Small inverter Recommendations
Post by: Dakota Slim on October 19, 2017, 03:06:17 pm
I've used these $45 750 watt inverters for over 12 years with no problems -- on 2 different coaches...
https://www.samsclub.com/sams/750-watt-power-inverter/prod862841.ip?xid=plp:product:1:1

* I disconnected one of the coach's 110v circuits from the breaker (the one that powers the TV and several outlets) and power it with the inverter. 
Title: Re: Small inverter Recommendations
Post by: wolfe10 on October 19, 2017, 03:15:56 pm
I've used these $45 750 watt inverters for over 12 years with no problems -- on 2 different coaches...
https://www.samsclub.com/sams/750-watt-power-inverter/prod862841.ip?xid=plp:product:1:1

* I disconnected one of the coach's 110v circuits from the breaker (the one that powers the TV and several outlets) and power it with the inverter. 

But, you will want to move not just the hot, but also the neutral and at least on most inverters, also the ground.