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Member
Posts: 8
Location: Cottonwood, CA | I was told that it is possible to have an inverter installed using battery power, that would run my AC, microwave, frig, and lights in my living quarters trailer. Using this I would not need a generator. Does anyone have this set up? Please advise what I need to know, what to purchase and where, plus costs and pro's and cons. And is this possible?Thanks in advance. |
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Regular
Posts: 93
Location: Southern Indiana | The inverter converts dc battery power to ac current that will run lights or water pump in living quarters. The High demand power items like air conditioning or microwave only run on generator or shore power( like when plugged in). When you dry camp, the inverter is very useful so you don't have to have a plug in or generator running, but your microwave and air won't work. Have fun!! |
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Member
Posts: 8
Location: Cottonwood, CA | I questioned this also, but was told that there are inverters large enough to run the AC and Microwave. Searching on the Internet, I did see some powerful Inverters. Are there none that are big enough to run the AC? Would sure like to know. |
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Veteran
Posts: 155
Location: North Salem, IN | Yes, there are power inverters large enough to run a microwave or AC, However they are designed for use in a semi or something like that where the truck would be left running in order to keep the batteries charged. You would not have enough battery power to run something like that for any length of time at all. In theory, it would work, but you would have to have a lot of batteries harnessed together. As it is, most semi's have 3-4 batteries and they have to leave the engine running to keep them charged. Hope this helps. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383
Location: Texas | Yes, this is possible. You need a very large battery bank is the main problem, several thousand pounds of batteries if you wanted to run your AC overnight, you need a medium or heavy duty truck, not a pickup. Inverters are available that are capable of doing this, most in the $2500+ range for the high quality ones. I plan to make a setup like this in the very distant future so I can run my AC overnight without a generator bugging my neighbors and my horses. My plan is to use a 24v forklift battery (since they are the most robust and longest lasting).... that's around 3,000 pounds! This is a good website for info on doing this kind of setup, at least it's been discussed and many use an inverter for microwaves etc. in their truck cabs. http://escapees.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/cfrm/f/307606751
Look for solar power sites when you look for inverters and batteries, basically the same thing you would use except using solar power to charge the batteries.
Unless you used it constantly a generator is much cheaper.... and would still be needed.
Edited by greyhorse 2007-06-23 4:17 PM
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Member
Posts: 8
Location: Cottonwood, CA | OK, thanks for all of the info. I guess it will not work for me and I will just have to use my generator. Darn, sure seemed like a good idea! |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 335
Location: Decatur, Texas | I saw an inverter system a couple of years back that was designed for RV trailers and horse trailers. It was built into a pickup tool box and had custom made lead-acid batteries and the inverter system in the box. Weight was around 235 lbs as I recall. It was supposed to run an a/c for about 8-10 hrs before discharging. The company that built them also replaced your p/u alternator with a heavy duty one that was to recharge the batteries in about one and a half hours. It was manufactured by a company in Kyle, TX but was pricey at around $5,000 back then. Instead, I bought a Honda EU 3000is generator for less than $2,000 and still use it. It looked like a great system though if you could afford it. |
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Member
Posts: 8
Location: Cottonwood, CA | Does your Honda 3000 run the AC? I was told that I need at least a 3500. Is the Honda Generator different and puts out more power? I know that they are quite.Thanks. |
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Regular
Posts: 93
Location: Southern Indiana | I also have the Honda 3000 inverter/generator.........Until you hear one, you will not appreciate one.........They are so fuel efficient and quiet-- You can talk at normal voice volume with thegenerator at full rev and not have a problem hearing!!! Best ofLuck!! |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 335
Location: Decatur, Texas | The Honda 3000 that I have runs the a/c without a problem. It can't run the a/c and the microwave at the same time however. It has an overload protector that shuts the generator down when overloaded. Our LQ stays quite cool in the Texas heat and humidity with the generator and a/c. And ditto on the quietness of it. Unbelievable. |
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Member
Posts: 9
Location: waterman, IL | do you ever run into any problems with neighbors or parks/facilities complaining or banning the generators?? Would like to purchase one this fall at latest have ability to camp more places. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
 
Location: western PA | When your generator is keeping your neighbor from sleeping, there IS a problem. |
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Power Inverter vs Generators. Info. needed please
