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Topic: Do I really need a hard wired inverter? (Read 812 times) previous topic - next topic

Do I really need a hard wired inverter?


  Now that the mystery fan noise is solved, here's a question for the group:
Apparently Alice either did not come with, or had her inverter removed.  (Inverter-ectomy?)
There is a 1000W inverter wired in inside one of the front compartments in the cab.  Two outlets there only, right on the inverter along with two USB ports to charge phones and tablets.  In the time that we've had her, I only used the inverter once while driving to charge the DW's scooter battery.
  So, I guess I'm asking for reasons for adding a whole coach unit.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Do I really need a hard wired inverter?

Reply #1 –
An inverter would only be of value if you want to be able to run 120 VAC items with no shore power or generator running.  Only you know how important this is to you.

And, I would be very leery of a 1000 watt inverter in the very front of your U225.  It is a very long way from the batteries. I would sure confirm wiring and proper fuse before putting more than a small demand/load on it.
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: Do I really need a hard wired inverter?

Reply #2 –
After being spoiled by a hard wires inverter/charger and large battery bank, I could never go back to a converter and small batteries like most RVs. It is exceptionally easy for boondocking to just flip a switch and make your morning coffee in total silence while my girl runs her hair dryer or straightener or whatever accessory is required that day. Later in the day when it is acceptable to make noise I can fire up the generator and get a charge.

I do have a small portable inverter for my TV so I dont run the big one all night, but the built-in is so convienent.
95 U300SE

Re: Do I really need a hard wired inverter?

Reply #3 –
Clearly an individual choice.

But, the OP has a smaller coach, smaller battery bank and 230 HP Cummins B.  Adding a few hundred pounds of batteries and a coach buck or two may or may not be worth it to him.

Again the question is how much of the time do you want to be able to run 120 VDC items when not on shore power or generator?

No right or wrong answers here.
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: Do I really need a hard wired inverter?

Reply #4 –
As Wolfe said, it depends on your situation.
It sounds like your coach may be identical to mine. I full time and live off the grid so I added 500 watts of solar panels and an inverter. I use a 750 watt modified sine wave inverter which is mounted in the closet directly above my batteries and is only used to power ONE existing AC circuit which I disconnected from the main service panel. 
I still use the Onan to power the microwave and anything else that the 750 watt inverter won't power.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Do I really need a hard wired inverter?

Reply #5 –
  A couple of coach bucks for a system that I have yet to say: ""Gee, I sure wish I had an inverter right about now".
Thanks for the input, but I think I'm going to pass for now.  Later?  Who knows.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Do I really need a hard wired inverter?

Reply #6 –
The only thing that I would want an inverter for would be if I replaced the refrigerator with a residential one and took out the propane one and of course solar panels on the roof to keep it working.



Wantabe

Re: Do I really need a hard wired inverter?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Moby –
  A couple of coach bucks for a system that I have yet to say: ""Gee, I sure wish I had an inverter right about now".
Thanks for the input, but I think I'm going to pass for now.  Later?  Who knows.

Good approach, discover YOUR needs. The only thing I can offer, is you might want to determine what inverter/charger you have and maybe update to a multistage unit to protect your battery system investment. And as Brett stated check your invertor loads and wiring sizing. Modified sine wave inverter can play havoc with modern electronics.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake