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Topic: Small inverter Recommendations  (Read 425 times) previous topic - next topic

Small inverter Recommendations

Have 640 watts solar up top today and looking for small inverter to power Main Tv and DVD player separate from Xantrec inverter.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Small inverter Recommendations

Reply #1 –
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.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Small inverter Recommendations

Reply #2 –
Agree-- pure sine wave only.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Small inverter Recommendations

Reply #3 –
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.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Small inverter Recommendations

Reply #4 –

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

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


Xantrex option.
Amazon.com: Xantrex 806-1210 PROwatt 1000 SW Inverter: Xantrex: Cell Phones...

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.

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Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Small inverter Recommendations

Reply #5 –
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
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Small inverter Recommendations

Reply #6 –
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. 
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird
 

Re: Small inverter Recommendations

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020