Looking to install inverter

[diamanti1]

I am looking to install an inverter in my toyhauler and would like some suggestions on brand, best place to purchase and what to look for when purchasing. Would like it to be able to run the TV, SAT, and DVD Player. Also how "difficult" are they to install? Any help is appreciated.

Dave

[Arizona Griz]

check out this link on RV.net.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/15212765/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm

[gdavis]

I direct wired a 400 watt (Coleman) inverter to my DC bus at the electrical panel and mounted it in the same area on my Weekend Warrior.

Went out to Home Depot and bought a heavy duty extension cord that I plugged into the inverter. Cut off the other end and ran the cord and secured it under the frame. I wired it to a weather proof, double outlet electrical box which I attached to the frame on the entry/awning side of the trailer so I had a 110v outside outlet (my SuperLite didn't come with one). From there I drilled a hole between the inside and outside wall and ran wire about 8" - 10" up and installed another 110v outlet below my TV stand.

The 400 watt inverter will run my TV, satellite receiver, portable stereo and laptop all at one time, if I need it.

It's also set up so I can unplug it from the inverter and plug it into generator power to run things that require more power.

PM me if you need more info.

[K.T.G.]

Sorry,
But what is the purpose of an Inverter?[:I][:I]

[azotto]

An inverter changes DC power to AC power.

[gdavis]

......So you don't have to run the generator to run those small (low current/wattage) 110 volt appliances.

[K.T.G.]

quote:Originally posted by gdavis

......So you don't have to run the generator to run those small (low current/wattage) 110 volt appliances.




Oh ok. Thanks,
I had an external generator, so if someone wanted to watch TV or use the Micro, I had to go outside and fire up the generator.
Then turn it off after everyone fell asleep watching TV.........I'll have someone help me do this on my next Hauler.

[holrbak]

They are a must have....it's nice to make a pot of coffee, blow dry your hair, and vacuum without having to turn your generator on!:)

[K.T.G.]

quote:Originally posted by motomom

They are a must have....it's nice to make a pot of coffee, blow dry your hair, and vacuum without having to turn your generator on!:)

WOW, that's great news.
Although, I don't drink coffee, blow dry my hair or vacuum, but it would be great for other things.
Especially for us po foke that have outside port-a-power ;)
Makes it easier for me, but ALSO helps out your neighbors from having to hear the Gene running, especially the annoying outside one's that I have used.
Can you run the A/C and Tv with one?

[NEVERENOUGH]

You can run the tv but don't think you can run the ac. My buddy installed one on his ww and could run the micro off of it though.

[holrbak]

No on the ac, yes on tv & micro.:)

[gdavis]

Don't be misled. Some out there may have a 2000-3000 watt inverter and a [u]huge</u> bank of batteries that might allow them to run vacuum cleaners and microwaves and blow dryers.

Your typical toy hauler however does not have the battery capacity to run much more than your TV, DVD, satellite receiver and other low wattage appliances.

[Arizona Griz]

quote:Originally posted by K.T.G
Can you run the A/C with one?


Maybe with a 8000 watt inverter and a truck load of batteries for about 5 minutes [:0][xx(];):D[:p] but then you would need a 10KW generator and a 100A charger to charge them back up. [8D]