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inverter size

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 10:56 am
by jwhite
I bought a 1100 watt inverter on ebay, it worked fine for a couple years but now has quit working so I need another.
I am wondering if I should buy a smaller size for less money maybe from lowes ? if it's only going to last only a couple years?
I only use it for my TV or small fan while I watch a movie, I may charge a phone or tablet but I don't use it for anything large.
I have 2 golf cart batteries that I use.

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 7:46 pm
by Shadow Catcher
Sizing an inverter larger than you need wastes power. We have a Morningstar Suresine 300W inverter (surge to 600 for 15 min) no moving parts and 5 year warranty.

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 8:30 pm
by MtnDon
The Suresine is a superb inverter!!! The internal losses are extremely low. The pure sine wave is also kinder to electronics, long term.

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 10:55 pm
by Rainier70
ShadowCatcher, what all do you generally run off of your inverter? And why did you choose the SureSine rather than a less expensive inverter?

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 1:43 pm
by professorkx
Rainier70 wrote:what all do you generally run off of your inverter?


This is your first question to answer, which will determine your inverter size. I want to run a coffee pot so I don't have to start the generator first thing in the morning, which means I need a little larger inverter...

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 2:47 pm
by Wookie97
Since we are on the topic of inverters, What is the thought of installing the PD4050 Mity mini instead of an inverter. Im still doing research but doesn't it do all the above plus charge your batteries when connected to shore Power?

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 3:09 pm
by MtnDon
Wookie97 wrote:Since we are on the topic of inverters, What is the thought of installing the PD4050 Mity mini instead of an inverter. Im still doing research but doesn't it do all the above plus charge your batteries when connected to shore Power?



I think you mean the PF4035 or PD4600

No, they do not take the place of an inverter. The PD's take shore power and charge your battery; that is a converter and battery charger all in one. The PD's also act as a distribution center for both your AC and your DC circuits. If you want AC power when not connected to shore power, that is an inverter. The PD is not an inverter.

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 7:27 pm
by Shadow Catcher
We run the TV/DVD, battery charger for flashlights etc. Laptop, Ipad.

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 8:26 pm
by Wookie97
MtnDon, thanks for the info. I was looking at the PD4050 but wasn't sure if it acted as an inverter also. Not really sure how much AC stuff I am going to run, if any at all, when boon docking. Thanks again

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 6:30 am
by SalsaDog
professorkx wrote:
Rainier70 wrote:what all do you generally run off of your inverter?


This is your first question to answer, which will determine your inverter size. I want to run a coffee pot so I don't have to start the generator first thing in the morning, which means I need a little larger inverter...


OR, leave the 120v coffee pot home and use a coffee press.

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 8:43 am
by Socal Tom
I have a cheap 150w inverter that runs a 22 inch lcd TV and a Roku.
Tom

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 8:44 am
by Socal Tom
SalsaDog wrote:
professorkx wrote:
Rainier70 wrote:what all do you generally run off of your inverter?


This is your first question to answer, which will determine your inverter size. I want to run a coffee pot so I don't have to start the generator first thing in the morning, which means I need a little larger inverter...


OR, leave the 120v coffee pot home and use a coffee press.

X2

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 8:51 am
by dales133
Socal Tom wrote:I have a cheap 150w inverter that runs a 22 inch lcd TV and a Roku.
Tom

Is it a standard modified sine wave or pure sine wave?

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 8:59 am
by Socal Tom
dales133 wrote:
Socal Tom wrote:I have a cheap 150w inverter that runs a 22 inch lcd TV and a Roku.
Tom

Is it a standard modified sine wave or pure sine wave?

Probably modified, I've had it for several years it's made by wagan tech. It doesn't say pure sine wave on the labeling.
Tom

Re: inverter size

PostPosted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 9:01 am
by dales133
Thanks, I've got a cheap one I might use to run a tv as the 240v tvs here are much cheaper and more avaliable than 12v