Posted 2008-01-16 3:26 PM (#74564 - in reply to #74563) Subject: RE: Inverters/Generators...???
Expert
Posts: 2958 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by Mandi/Abby on 2008-01-16 2:11 PM
Someone had mentioned to get the inverter type generator if I will be running things like my laptop, TV, etc off my generator. There's a significant price difference in those and the others. Would something like this work close to or as well as those generators?? http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-converters/tripp-lite-power-i... If not, what is this particular thing for??
Mandy..
Inverters are electronic circuits to alternate the current.
The Tripp-lite is an inverter that runs off a battery. The pricey inverter generators like the Honda combine an inverter with a DC generator to produce 120 AC power. The advantage is a quiet slow turning DC generator vs a noisy 3600 rpm alternator/generator like most people have. The electronic inverters also hold 60 cycles accurately. A regular generator depends on the engine speed to hold 60 cycles.
Posted 2008-01-17 11:44 AM (#74632 - in reply to #74566) Subject: RE: Inverters/Generators...???
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
What types of appliances are you planning on running off the generator? I was advised to not plan on running any high end electronics like laptops or TV's off a non-inverter generator. Since I travel with a laptop for work, I went with an inverter generator. Yes, they are more money but it sure beats frying your laptop or TV, and the inconvenience factor of losing a relatively low-cost applicance like a microwave wasn't something I was willing to risk either.
Posted 2008-01-17 11:59 AM (#74633 - in reply to #74563) Subject: RE: Inverters/Generators...???
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
I looked briefly at getting an inverter to run AC appliances off the trailer batteries, but I'd either have to upgrade to a whole bank of batteries or not plan on running anything off the two standard RV batteries very long. A generator was the primary solution, but I may look at having solar panels installed at some point. Had solar panels on a 5th wheel we used to own and they would recharge two RV batteries in a day. I want and need AC power so the generator made sense for me, but to just keep the batteries recharged solar panels make more sense for some.
Inverters/Generators...???
