buickanddeere
Super Member
Bigger is better. How about a unit that will both charge batteries and convert battery power to AC
Inverter question
- Thread starter handirifle
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OP
handirifle
Veteran Member
Well, now you have me wondering. I will have to look again, it's out in the 5th wheel. The 3 could have looked like an 8. A 1375 would be better for me and the batteries, but either way I am covered.
OP
handirifle
Veteran Member
Last edited:
aeblank
Veteran Member
your usage will be what the dryer needs, not what the inverter is capable of.
Handily oversized helps with cooling capacity, like cooling fans not having to come on because the load is a small enough percentage.
Sure, more $ in the device and the cable. It's likely pretty nominal though, in your case.
Handily oversized helps with cooling capacity, like cooling fans not having to come on because the load is a small enough percentage.
Sure, more $ in the device and the cable. It's likely pretty nominal though, in your case.
RNeumann
Elite Member
The “need” on the 120v side will be as stated. The “need” on the 12v side is 120v side draw (W=AxV) plus the 10-20% loss created by the transformer and inverter. Typically the loss or “stand-by” amp draw also increases with size. So running the 2000w inverter to only power a little tv will actually drain the batteries faster than a little inverter. Most reputable inverters will dissipate enough heat if they are installed per the manual.
As an example one would be better off using a 12v computer charger rather than using the big inverter to charge your computer.
Btw- it’s difficult to find an appliance that will constantly trip a 15a circuit. So finding an appliance that draws more than 1700w or so would be rare.
As an example one would be better off using a 12v computer charger rather than using the big inverter to charge your computer.
Btw- it’s difficult to find an appliance that will constantly trip a 15a circuit. So finding an appliance that draws more than 1700w or so would be rare.
OP
handirifle
Veteran Member
I looked and the hair dryer IS 1875w on high setting. Pretty potent and has never tripped a 15a breaker. I realize the 2000 is definatrly overkill for the rest of the needs but that is the primary reason for getting one, so pointless in our case not to have one large enough. I might invest in some DC meters just to keep tabs on actual power draw.
RNeumann
Elite Member
A Kill-a-watt is a must for this type setup. The basic model, with some basic understanding of electrical will get you a long way.
I have a similar setup- sans the generator and solar- in my RV. With some monitoring and education of the wife we can “camp” for several days without needing shore power.
I also have a big DC shunt to monitor draw- mine is “fancy” enough it will give percent of battery left etc. Once the novelty wore off I hardly ever check that. Not trying to discourage you- just telling you my experience. I also have an inductive amp meter (Fluke) too- At least that can be used for other purposes if you are trying to get a feel for how things are doing.
Btw- still confused and wondering what the thinking behind the mounting position limitations was based on.
I have a similar setup- sans the generator and solar- in my RV. With some monitoring and education of the wife we can “camp” for several days without needing shore power.
I also have a big DC shunt to monitor draw- mine is “fancy” enough it will give percent of battery left etc. Once the novelty wore off I hardly ever check that. Not trying to discourage you- just telling you my experience. I also have an inductive amp meter (Fluke) too- At least that can be used for other purposes if you are trying to get a feel for how things are doing.
Btw- still confused and wondering what the thinking behind the mounting position limitations was based on.
BukitCase
Elite Member
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"still confused and wondering what the thinking behind the mounting position limitations was based on. "
Most people are - there are a few reasons why manufacturers do what they do, and unfortunately some of them are driven by cost of manufacturing -
from a user's standpoint, the "bad" things are circuit boards that are too large to be well supported against vibration and bumps - repeated flexing will shorten the life of the printed traces on the board, so early failure.
Ways around that are staying with smaller individual boards, rather than trying to cram ALL the functions of that piece of gear onto one LARGE board - if a company recommends their unit gets mounted only in one plane, there's a good chance they did EXACTLY THAT and are trying to compensate for it by mounting that too-large board so it's standing on edge - this lessens the effect of gravity/bumps, etc, on FLEX.
If circuit boards are kept narrower, in at least one axis, then they're less likely to flex in transit and can sit either horizontally OR vertically, with little difference in longevity. Still, for mobile equipment it's better if the internal boards end up sitting vertically if possible. Also, vertical boards are better able to take advantage of any convective cooling, so a bit less likely to "let the magic smoke out" if a cooling fan fails.
If one manufacturer's similar unit costs more than another, it's probably either greed or they've actually hired people who KNOW what's the better way to do things, and that way costs more.
A couple of my "past lives" jobs entailed design/build/test of proprietary parameter testing equipment, and more/smaller was one of our main objectives when designing boards for that gear.
However, nearly ALL my experience in the design area pre-dates SMT (SurfaceMountTechnology), so SOME of the above may not be quite as important... Steve
Most people are - there are a few reasons why manufacturers do what they do, and unfortunately some of them are driven by cost of manufacturing -
from a user's standpoint, the "bad" things are circuit boards that are too large to be well supported against vibration and bumps - repeated flexing will shorten the life of the printed traces on the board, so early failure.
Ways around that are staying with smaller individual boards, rather than trying to cram ALL the functions of that piece of gear onto one LARGE board - if a company recommends their unit gets mounted only in one plane, there's a good chance they did EXACTLY THAT and are trying to compensate for it by mounting that too-large board so it's standing on edge - this lessens the effect of gravity/bumps, etc, on FLEX.
If circuit boards are kept narrower, in at least one axis, then they're less likely to flex in transit and can sit either horizontally OR vertically, with little difference in longevity. Still, for mobile equipment it's better if the internal boards end up sitting vertically if possible. Also, vertical boards are better able to take advantage of any convective cooling, so a bit less likely to "let the magic smoke out" if a cooling fan fails.
If one manufacturer's similar unit costs more than another, it's probably either greed or they've actually hired people who KNOW what's the better way to do things, and that way costs more.
A couple of my "past lives" jobs entailed design/build/test of proprietary parameter testing equipment, and more/smaller was one of our main objectives when designing boards for that gear.
However, nearly ALL my experience in the design area pre-dates SMT (SurfaceMountTechnology), so SOME of the above may not be quite as important... Steve
RNeumann
Elite Member
OP says in post 6 manual makes no mention of position limits. But it continues to come up. Even if it uses an “atypical” type “transformer” (stepping hz up and down to save weight and size) I can only assume the manufacture would know best.
I’m just wondering what design limiter or past experience would create the position concerns. Maybe it’s general mobo concerns as stated? Still scratching my head.
I’m just wondering what design limiter or past experience would create the position concerns. Maybe it’s general mobo concerns as stated? Still scratching my head.
FredH
Platinum Member
Company I currently lease my truck to , had thermo king apu's installed along with rand mcnally / thermo king 2000 watt inverters . Big , heavy duty inverters , not some small thing . After about 6 to 8 months , there was numerous units failing , usually resulting in 1/2 power , with some going completely blank . After consulting the maker and several other companies , they moved the install mounting to a flat surface ( horizontal ) under the bunk rather than a vertical surface under the bunk , ( this was a small foot kick wall that was at the front of the bunk as one faced rearward ) . Problem virtually disappeared . Now problem could of been several factors of which include to much vibration as that foot kick wall can flex just by itself along with the jarring of boucing down the road . Could of been ventilation also ???? I never seen the install myself but did talk to a few drivers having issue's at the time and was advised as to were they were installed .
Semi's take a beating far more than any pov vehicle or r.v. simply because of the suspension required to haul loads . OP mentioned California roads and I can attest to that statement . Certain sections of I-5 between Sacramento and L.A. are pretty bad .
My current inverter has a built in wattage meter . Shows current voltage from source then flashes to current load ( watts ) on inverter and back .
Circuit boards dislike flexing be it from shock , vibration or in my 2006 dodge tach case , heat or lack there of .
Op should be fine with install , sounds like he is doing everything overkill , which will provide not only the best service but also longevity for his investment .
Happy Wife = Happy Life .:thumbsup:
Fred H.
Semi's take a beating far more than any pov vehicle or r.v. simply because of the suspension required to haul loads . OP mentioned California roads and I can attest to that statement . Certain sections of I-5 between Sacramento and L.A. are pretty bad .
My current inverter has a built in wattage meter . Shows current voltage from source then flashes to current load ( watts ) on inverter and back .
Circuit boards dislike flexing be it from shock , vibration or in my 2006 dodge tach case , heat or lack there of .
Op should be fine with install , sounds like he is doing everything overkill , which will provide not only the best service but also longevity for his investment .
Happy Wife = Happy Life .:thumbsup:
Fred H.
