This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no extra cost to you. As an amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more from the privacy policy page
An inverter in an RV is good to have on hand no matter where you camp because you just never know what may happen.
There are large vehicles that function as a home away from home for adventurers and people who are traveling known as recreational vehicles, or RVs for short. In order for it to function correctly, this vehicle normally comes with all the things you would naturally need for a comfortable stay, and this is why it can qualify as a home away from home.
Now, what is an RV without enough source of power, hence it must be equipped with both an inverter and a converter because it is meant to be used both in remote areas that are not connected to the electrical grid and in areas that are connected to the grid. Today, I will be telling you all you need to know about an RV.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need An Inverter In An RV?
The thing is that you need an RV because an RV’s house battery provides an input of 12V DC, and an inverter in the RV needs to transform that voltage to 120V AC making it possible to use it to power appliances in an RV that require a 120V AC supply in order to function, even in the absence of shore power or a generator; well, lot of the RV’s appliances.
In addition to those that call for 12V DC power, require 120V in order to function properly, just like they do in your own home.
Hence, 120 Volts are required for the operation of larger equipment like televisions, microwaves, hairdryers, and air conditioners. 12V DC is used by more compact home appliances such as carbon monoxide detectors and roof vent fans and almost everything that can be powered by shore power or a generator can also be powered by an inverter tells why you need on.
And if the inverter in your RV is rated for the necessary amount of watts, you can use it to power any of the appliances listed below.
SEE ALSO| 5 Best Foldable RV Bunk Ladders and Factors To Consider
What Is An Inverter?
This is a device known for raising the voltage, in addition to converting direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) power. The battery of a recreational vehicle (RV) delivers direct current (DC), while the vast majority of the appliances found in RVs operate on alternating current (AC).
Moreover, in talking about an inverter, it is that which powers appliances in an RV, that is if the onboard battery of a recreational vehicle (RV) is equipped with an inverter. A wide variety of home appliances and tools call for 120V AC power.
When you link your RV to shore power, you are essentially bringing a source of electricity into your RV which is 120 volts of alternating current (AC), allowing you to run your home appliances and electronics just as if you were there.
However, you need an inverter to convert the 12V DC electricity that comes from your RV’s batteries into 120V AC electricity that can be used with your 120V equipment. Since the 12V DC electricity comes from the battery or batteries in your RV.
Well, it is also an inverter that you need if you need AC power more frequently, say if you work from the road, or if you’d rather not listen to the hum of a generator for extended periods of time.
How Does An Inverter Work?
The inverter works in a very interesting way, but first, you need to know that DC (direct current) is unchanging, in contrast to AC (alternating current), which varies in intensity between +120V and -120V and back again.
What an inverter does is takes a direct current of 12 volts and change it to an alternating current of 120 volts by first increasing the voltage and then altering it so that it alternates. This process is called inverting the current.
To put it another way, an inverter converts a power supply that has a voltage of 12 volts direct current to one that has a voltage of 120 volts alternating current.
Inverters with a higher price tag also typically contain bypass circuitry in their designs. When you are hooked up to the electricity from the shore, this will cause them to switch into “Standby Mode,” which will prevent them from drawing power from your batteries and instead permit the power from the shore to flow right through to the circuits.
More so, the functionality is known to be offered by some inverters that are even more advanced than those previously mentioned.
In the event that the load or demand exceeds the supply of shore power (or a generator), what these kinds of inverters do is supply the power supply by temporarily drawing power from the batteries and converting it to 120-volt electricity that is perfectly in phase with the incoming power supply.
RV Inverters: The Good, Bad and Ugly
Getting around the entire truth about RV inverters is that they are wonderful devices that can provide you with all of the conveniences of home, even if you are in the middle of a desert, on the beach, or in the middle of the forest. And it does its work without making a sound!
Although RV inverters are a great investment, especially when combined with larger battery banks and a solar array that continuously charges the batteries with the incredible energy of the sun, these inverters are given a rating for the greatest amount of power that they are capable of producing hence they are somewhat limited.
It is important to be aware of the maximum wattage capacity of your inverter as well as the amount of power you want to use from it. Take for instance the 1000-watt inverter that I own. It had enough space for ten light bulbs of 100 watts each.
They also have the tendency of overheating. This is why, when we are dry camping and using an inverter, make sure not to overload it by only utilizing it for particular chores that we are confident it can manage.
How To Choose An Inverter for your RV
You are going to need an inverter that allows you access to use the power from your RV’s batteries for anything other than starting the vehicle. They also should be easy to set up and function, in addition to being inexpensive.
It should also be able to operate all of your appliances off of your batteries, something that can generate electricity that is identical to the alternating current (AC) power that you’d find in a house.
When shopping for an RV inverter, it is imperative that you pay attention to the amount of power that it can supply.
This will inform you of the maximum amount of power that the inverter is capable of producing, and you will not be able to go beyond or beyond that; because if you surpass that wattage with all of your gadgets, the inverter may simply turn off, it may refuse to power specific things, or it may be overloaded and, over a length of time in that situation, become broken.
Power needs
Determine how much power you will need for your RV’s appliances and electronics. Make sure to choose an inverter with a wattage rating that meets or exceeds your power needs.
Type of inverter
There are two main types of inverters: modified sine wave and pure sine wave. Modified sine wave inverters are less expensive and work well for most appliances, but they may not be suitable for sensitive electronics such as computers and TVs.
Pure sine wave inverters provide a cleaner, more stable power supply and are better suited for sensitive electronics, but they are more expensive.
Size and weight
Consider the size and weight of the inverter, as well as the available space in your RV. You’ll need to find a balance between power and portability.
Efficient use of power: Look for an inverter that is energy-efficient and has features such as a low idle draw and automatic shut-off to help save on power.
Safety features
Choose an inverter that has built-in safety features such as short circuit protection, overvoltage protection, and thermal protection.
Warranty
Look for an inverter that comes with a good warranty, as this can provide peace of mind and save you money in the long run.
Price
Determine your budget and try to find an inverter that fits within it while still meeting your power needs and providing the features you need. It may be worth it to invest in a higher-quality inverter with a longer warranty if it will be used frequently or for long periods of time.
Conclusion
In the end, inverters are typically straightforward to set up, but before you go out and buy one, you should ensure that you have a solid understanding of the power demands that you will be facing
And since the vast majority of people who own RVs will, at some point, discover that they require an inverter, investing in an inverter and quality onboard batteries can offer you the ideal comfort you desire.