Inverters: From 12VDC to 110VAC - What kind?

[Joe]

In the futile hope of keeping up with Melissa, I have just obtained my first power inverter: a 400W dealie from XANTREX.

http://www.amazon.com/Xantrex-Technologies-851-0400-400-Watt-Invert...

Now I can plug in my hair dryer.

What kind of inverter do you have?

[westywoman (Melissa)]

LOL! I am using a Powerline Mobile AC Outlet (dual a/c outlets) with USB Port. $27 at Amazon. I esp. like the USB port-it can charge up the iPhone or iPod or such things without carrying a separate charger. It plugs right into you cigarette lighter socket, or to your aux. battery dc port if you have one. 400W peak, 200W continuous power. I have only used it once or twice but will be giving it a real workout in the coming month.

[Blake]

Joe,

I have two power inverters in my van and they are directly wired to my second battery just for camping. I have a small 300 W ($40) unit and a much larger 1000 W ($110) unit. I bought them at different times. They both have fans and the larger one makes a bit of noise. When the van runs it charges the battery and keeps everything powered up automatically. I'm also trying to get all my camping lighting switched over to run off of the second battery.

I think the Xantrex unit will serve you well. I've heard they are good quality. They make a lot of the very large units for motorhomes.

I assume you are going to wire yours into your main car battery. You might want to get a voltage meter that you can plug into your cigarette lighter to check to see how far you have drawn down your battery. These meters usually cost about $15.

Good luck! -Blake

[Romy]

We have a little black and decker 200W RMS that we use when in need of some extra power. I had bought a 1500W inverter a while back, but it was super overkill so I resold the thing. I had wanted to be able to run...hell, power tools? I was thinking of permanently mounting a 750W inside my cabinet, but that's pretty low on the list.

[Swiftriver]

I have a little 90W inverter connected to a second battery system, completely seperate from the chassis. It is deep cycle and charged with a solar panel, and given a good charge before and after each outing. I use it for interior lighting, charging my laptop, and 18v batteries for my DeWalt cordless drill and sawzall (great for cutting campfire wood.) I can also jump start myself if need be. I would caution against excessive inverter use on batteries connected to the van's electrical. Really taxing on the alternator and the battery. I try not to push my luck with my 30 yr old wiring... The Bus is much heavier than my luck, I don't wish to push it either :-)