In my teardrop, I currently have a pigtail going from shore power to a GFI that is upstream of several outlets around the camper (in the kitchen area and inside for a fan and such). I want to get an inverter to run some other things, specifically a stand up fan for outside use, microwave for quick heating, and maybe a blender for tailgating events. I have some 8ga wire going from the battery to the back where I plan to put the inverter. I plan to add a second pigtail to the GFI to plug into the inverter to power the outlets when away from shore power.
I've been looking at various inverters and had a few questions that I could not find in an FAQs. First off, I want to get a power point plug to also use the inverter in the car to power a laptop at times. Most high wattage inverters do not have one, but low wattage ones do. I assume this is to prevent people from trying to draw too much power through the low amp rated dashboard wiring. If I am sure to limit the wattage usage, am I incorrect in thinking I can just as readily use a high wattage inverter? I wouldn't think the higher rated inverter arbitrarily draws more amps when the powered device (pretty much will be just a laptop and maybe small (AA/AAA) battery charger) doesn't need it.
Any particular recommendations regarding inverters brands/models. I figured something like the Xantrex 700W (for about $50 on amazon) would suffice. I would like something that will auto shut down if the battery gets too low (I already have the voltage / state of charge chart so I can manually check). I'll have to, of course, be sure that the pigtail is removed from the inverter whenever plugged into shore power.
Also, to reduce sparking when connecting the leads, I planned to use a simple wall switch in an outdoor rated box next to the battery to act as a master switch. I planned to just cut the positive 8ga wire and attach it to the switch and cut it off when attaching the leads or when away from the camper. Any concerns regarding this kind of set up that I may not have assumed yet?