Inverter to run off coach batteries

[Excel]

Wow! The things I learn from all of you.....Thanks Beth....I do have a hook up (that looks like a cigarette lighter plug in) for a TV in my rear bed area...didn't know that was any good for anything other than hooking up another TV there....Only had the RV for 8 yrs. or so & still learning new things.....

[oregonrambler1]

From talking to many on inverters, and listening to pro's in maintenance classes, most coaches with built-in inverters have supplementary charging systems, mainly solar panels. Appliances can be a huge drain on house batteries especially those that stay on for a predetermined amount of time, like coffee pots. It's just something we're used to at home and forget about in the RV. When we boondock we try minimizing electricity use. We start the generator, brew a pot, put that in a thermos, vacuum real quick -done. We also travel with an old fashioned perculator pot in case we don't want to disturb the neighbors. The rest of the day we're good. We don't watch TV, I usually have 2 or 3 books downloaded on the MP3 player for bedtime entertainment.

[Bethers]

From talking to many on inverters, and listening to pro's in maintenance classes, most coaches with built-in inverters have supplementary charging systems, mainly solar panels. Appliances can be a huge drain on house batteries especially those that stay on for a predetermined amount of time, like coffee pots. It's just something we're used to at home and forget about in the RV. When we boondock we try minimizing electricity use. We start the generator, brew a pot, put that in a thermos, vacuum real quick -done. We also travel with an old fashioned perculator pot in case we don't want to disturb the neighbors. The rest of the day we're good. We don't watch TV, I usually have 2 or 3 books downloaded on the MP3 player for bedtime entertainment.

I actually replaced my generator with solar this past winter - so I need sun But even with cloud cover, can get my batteries charged. Yes, I also added batteries - am up to 4 now. And to run things, need the inverter. Love it - clean and efficient. I do the heavy use things on the really good days - and early in the day - so that the sun can recharge everything.

When you boondock using the generator, you really need to run it an hour twice a day in most cases to keep the battery(ies) charged (if you aren't driving and charging them during the day). Longer if you have more batteries and have been doing things that drain them.

One of my pet peeves when boondocking is someone who starts their generator at unGodly hours (anything early is unGodly to me!) to simply make a pot of coffee. On Baja we would have a talk to those people if they came in and ruined our peace. And I was still using a generator, not solar at the time. I never considered using my generator before 9 am or after 9 or so pm when others were around. Just trying to be a good neighbor.

I, too, am always learning - but learned the most when I did my almost 2 year research before taking the plunge and getting the solar the way I did. Originally was going to simply augment the generator, etc. But instead replaced it! Maybe someday I'll see a need for one again - but if so, will go with a portable one, most likely - although my next coach will probably have one built in again. And I'll definitely keep up with solar no matter what coach I get next time. Love it.

[Liz]

My Roadtrek already had a 600 watt inverter that powered 3 outlets. With the 2 house batteries I was able to keep my electronics charged neither no problem. Used the generator when needed to charge the house batteries if I was boondocking for several days.

My current RV had no inverter. I had a 1200 watt inverter added and a solar panel as I boondock a lot. Bought 2 of the best no maintenance marine type house batteries...well worth the initial investment. My inverter was wired to power 3 outlets of my choice.

[JudyJB]

Found a 12v outlet today in my motorhome!! Yea!

However, it is on the outside of the coach, hidden in the external entertainment center compartment. I opened it today to use the 120 v plug to power my air compressor and fill my bike tires, and there it was.

I would much rather have one inside the coach that will run off the two coach batteries, but this is certainly better than using the cigarette lighter that pulls off the engine battery and a LOT better than sitting in a visitor center charging my laptop or running my generator just to charge it.

Will be going to the dealer in a few days, hopefully to get my new steps, and am going to ask them about installing another one inside.

I will have electric in almost all places I am planning on being, but will not have any hookups at all for 7 days at the Grand Canyon North Rim, so I am very happy about this discovery. I have searched around the other tvs inside but haven't found anything.

[Bethers]

Judy, if they put one their, I really believe they'll have one by the tv inside, also. Double check there. I could be wrong, but would be very surprised that they put one by the entertainment center outside, and not by the one inside.

[JudyJB]

I hve three tvs and have checked with a flashlight around and behind each, although I admit the access is not very easy, especially the big one over the cab.

I will ask the dealer when I get there, and also check again with customer relations. It does make sense that there would be another one inside, and I also do keep discovering things.

I ordered a car adapter for my laptop from Amazon today. The one from Dell was very expensive, but I did find out from them that I need 90 watts for my laptop because it is a fast one. That enabled me to pick a 90 watt one from the internet. It was only $25 and is due to arrive tomorrow, so I am hoping it works.

If there are no more plugs, I will probably pay to have at least one more installed, if it is not too horribly expensive. I need to watch my budget more carefully for a while.