Small microwave in Dodge caravan. Can I use an inverter?

[artfd]

I had considered what you plan to do & decided against it. I posted my story elsewhere. All things considered, you really need a honking, big, heavy, expensive deep cycle battery (or batteries) to run a 700 W microwave full out for just 10 minutes through a 12 VDC inverter, along with big heavy cables from the battery to the inverter. My scenario involves 110 A at 12 VDC for 10 minutes. It was cheaper for me to buy a small generator to do this job, and the generator is useful for many other tasks besides. I think my solution even weighs less.

[nawlinsteardrop]

I think your microwave scenario is an easy one. A good 1750 watt power inverter would do the trick

http://www.outsidesupply.com/index.asp? ... &ProdID=44

Figure 1000 watts to run Microwave

Right at 83.3 amps DC

Then Figure 83.3/.90 for inefficiency in inverter

92.5 Amps

92.5 Amps/ per Hour

92.5 Ah/ 6 ( Since only using 1/6 th of hour)

15.41 Ah per Run

Calculate for increased Drain Rate on Battery

15.41 Ah * 1.3 = 20 Ah

20 Ah is a reasonable figure to use an inverter for.

Microwaves pull alot of power, the beauty is that no one wants to cook in them for 30 minutes or an hour.

More fast food options.

Also make sure the continous rating of the inverter is at least 1500 watts.

Get an inverter too small and they kinda brown out when running microwaves.

Also not the new fast cook microwaves require true sine wave inverters for the most part.

We also sell auto isolator switches to allow vehicle to charge 2nd battery but not allow for devices behind 2nd battery to drain start battery.