Inverter question

[handirifle]

I am also thinking cushioned mounts for it as well. Yes that section of I5 is HORRIBLE. I guess Gov Jerry doesn't have to drive on it. Then again maybe he does and thats why he's so screwed up.

 

[sandman2234]

Bigger is better. How about a unit that will both charge batteries and convert battery power to AC

Mine does that along with having a bar slide meter to tell how much power is available. Kind of neat, but also about what would be expected when a battery manufacturer builds an inverter. The drawback (and probably why they don't make it now) is it was expensive when it was purchased. It sold for $600 back in early 2001.
David from jax

 

[jenkinsph]

With so much focus on the power needs of a hair dryer I would recommend checking out new products. Prices vary widely for hair dryers and some are better than others. Dyson has one that is $400 which find is a lot to pay but may need less power to run. Point is you may find it is cheaper to get a different hair dryer which uses less power to operate. I recommend looking at the entire picture, to make the best decisions.

Sitting here with a large bald spot on my head with thinning hair, hair dryers are not a concern of mine.

I used a Xantrex prosine 2000w inverter charger with a 100 amp charger output on my prior service truck that worked very well for me. I don't remember what it cost but it was a pure sine wave output and recharging the batteries was fast. For most uses including a hair dryer a cheaper modified sine wave model with 40 amp charger built in for about $500 might be a good choice.

I have looked into the use of inverter/chargers extensively to reduce generator runtime. I found that the weight of the batteries, cost of replacement and physical size was too much for mobile use. A quiet generator set was a much more practical solution along with a small inverter for satellite and tv. Currently I use a 12v flat screen tv in my camper and don't need the inverter at all. In the cooler months I use a single Honda 2000is which weighs 46lbs. (less than a deep cycle battery). In the hottest months where AC is needed I use a Honda 3000is which with outboard fuel tank weighs in about 180lbs. That is still a lot less weight than setting up an inverter with batteries.

 

[ultrarunner]

Mine does that along with having a bar slide meter to tell how much power is available. Kind of neat, but also about what would be expected when a battery manufacturer builds an inverter. The drawback (and probably why they don't make it now) is it was expensive when it was purchased. It sold for $600 back in early 2001.
David from jax

Paid over $1000 for mine in 1990... with no charger.

One thing I quickly leaned is it would shutoff when I used my skill saw or air compressor...

Called the manufacturer and was told said it was because of the load going from "Sleep" mode.

The fix was to keep a small load on it so it would not go into sleep mode...

I kept a 40W lightbulb plugged when I had high amp tools to run.

 

[ultrarunner]

With so much focus on the power needs of a hair dryer I would recommend checking out new products. Prices vary widely for hair dryers and some are better than others. Dyson has one that is $400 which find is a lot to pay but may need less power to run. Point is you may find it is cheaper to get a different hair dryer which uses less power to operate. I recommend looking at the entire picture, to make the best decisions.

Sitting here with a large bald spot on my head with thinning hair, hair dryers are not a concern of mine.

I used a Xantrex prosine 2000w inverter charger with a 100 amp charger output on my prior service truck that worked very well for me. I don't remember what it cost but it was a pure sine wave output and recharging the batteries was fast. For most uses including a hair dryer a cheaper modified sine wave model with 40 amp charger built in for about $500 might be a good choice.

I have looked into the use of inverter/chargers extensively to reduce generator runtime. I found that the weight of the batteries, cost of replacement and physical size was too much for mobile use. A quiet generator set was a much more practical solution along with a small inverter for satellite and tv. Currently I use a 12v flat screen tv in my camper and don't need the inverter at all. In the cooler months I use a single Honda 2000is which weighs 46lbs. (less than a deep cycle battery). In the hottest months where AC is needed I use a Honda 3000is which with outboard fuel tank weighs in about 180lbs. That is still a lot less weight than setting up an inverter with batteries.

PhotoCom back in the 90's marketed a generator "Extender"

It was a battery with inverter on a small hand truck coupled with a 800W whisper quiet Honda generator... the idea was the battery provided the surge and it was shown running a refrigerator in one picture and a well pump in another...

 

[jenkinsph]

PhotoCom back in the 90's marketed a generator "Extender"

It was a battery with inverter on a small hand truck coupled with a 800W whisper quiet Honda generator... the idea was the battery provided the surge and it was shown running a refrigerator in one picture and a well pump in another...

The new model inverters can do this from Xantrex, helping with starting loads among others. In some applications this can be very helpful.

JMO though that batteries at present are still very heavy and expensive for their storage capabilities. The upside is no noise and easy access to power.

 

[ultrarunner]

I needed power for my service van and did not want a noisy generator just to run a drill or pipe threader...

The inverter proved to be the ticket although expensive back in 1990.... still have the van and still using it so cost per year/month has all worked out.

My little Honda 1000 was a real trouper too... it was enough to run my Spartan Sewer Cable machine... thing is I used the inverter so much and not the generator I started having problems when California reformulated gasoline... would not run last time I tried...

I also changed my stock alternator to the highest amperage single pulley... and added a battery idolator and Deep Cycle second battery...

If need be I also added a 100% duty rated solenoid so I can combine both batteries at the touch of switch... this helps for long use and I can also start the engine...

As a side note it let me start the truck when a courtesy light was left on... hit the switch and used the deep cycle to start.

 

[handirifle]

Well as for looking at alternatives, I really am not worried about that, I already have the inverter. All I need are 2 more batteries and the cabling, and fittings of course.

I will also be using this to power my 40" LED TV and Sat dish, and no way will I spend $400 on a hair dryer. Yikes.

As for battery weight, I am biding my time, getting lead acid for now, but I know lithium ion's are in the future if we keep RV'ing. Prices are coming down and they weigh a fraction of lead acid batteries, plus more usable power. Currently though cost is still too high for me to consider a complete swap.

Four lead acid's and a 2K inverter will meet my needs nicely. I don't currently dry camp enough to warrant a larger investment as yet. As for generators, we have 2 but many campgrounds are shortening their run time hours, with some not starting till 9-10AM. I get that, but if we want to take a side trip the wife cannot dry her hair as she likes and won't go out with it wet. Waiting till generator hours will eat most of the morning up.

This way she can be happy and the neighbors are happy because of no generator running. That makes me happy.

 

[JPRambo]

I don't have power at my N. Georgia property Yet. When I am there (usually 10 days at a time) I charge the camper batteries with jumper cables from the truck for 10 - 15 minutes. But I also have a couple of solar panel for those sunny days.

 

[jenkinsph]

I needed power for my service van and did not want a noisy generator just to run a drill or pipe threader...

The inverter proved to be the ticket although expensive back in 1990.... still have the van and still using it so cost per year/month has all worked out.

My little Honda 1000 was a real trouper too... it was enough to run my Spartan Sewer Cable machine... thing is I used the inverter so much and not the generator I started having problems when California reformulated gasoline... would not run last time I tried...

I also changed my stock alternator to the highest amperage single pulley... and added a battery idolator and Deep Cycle second battery...

If need be I also added a 100% duty rated solenoid so I can combine both batteries at the touch of switch... this helps for long use and I can also start the engine...

As a side note it let me start the truck when a courtesy light was left on... hit the switch and used the deep cycle to start.

Your use sounds very similar to mine. When I built my service truck back in 1998 I put a Miller Trailblazer gas welder on it with an Ingersoll Rand T30 compressor. I also had an 800w inverter with three group 29 deep cycle batteries and mounted a 30 amp charger with 120v plug mounted in the side of the body. Pull in the carport when I got home and plugged in the cord to charge over night. This powered a small fridge and provided power for a laser printer/fax/copier, Compaq computer and credit card machine. For that time having the ability to have internet and fax line in the truck with a separate cell phone was pretty slick. I could print a proposal while sitting in the customers driveway and hand it to them before I left the site. That really helped my business a lot. But I found the welder to be so loud that it made it difficult to hear the Marco sewer machine cable when turning in the pipes. So about 2003 I removed the welder and bought an Onan quiet diesel generator which made it easy to hear the cable in the pipe. On a couple of occasions I did use the Honda 2000 to run the sewer machines which worked very well.

Retired from the plumbing business I just traded the sewer machines for new tool boxes I need for my other service truck. Put the Onan on this truck and will put the welder and air compressor on a "welding trailer" easy to grab if I need them for a field repair. At one time I had over thirty batteries to keep up with in the various vehicles. Thankfully I am down to about ten now. Hopefully I learned something about generators and batteries in mobile applications, QUIET generators come to mind.

 

[ultrarunner]

The older I get the more I appreciate quiet and willing to pay for it...

I do service work for the Hospital and manage rentals... I think my truck got me the Hospital Job... it looked really good back then!

Mounted a Microwave in the truck at the same time as the inverter... also carry small Oxyacetylene bottles too...

I bought my cable from the welding shop... top quality and worth the price to me... didn't skimp on gauge but there was not a lot to buy... everything "Plumbed" with insulators and protection from exposure, chaffing, etc...

Took this picture when the truck was 10 years old...

As far as mounting the inverter... one is mounted upside down and the smaller portable one is mounted vertical... 26 years and no issues.

 

[jenkinsph]

The older I get the more I appreciate quiet and willing to pay for it...

I do service work for the Hospital and manage rentals... I think my truck got me the Hospital Job... it looked really good back then!

Mounted a Microwave in the truck at the same time as the inverter... also carry small Oxyacetylene bottles too...

I bought my cable from the welding shop... top quality and worth the price to me... didn't skimp on gauge but there was not a lot to buy... everything "Plumbed" with insulators and protection from exposure, chaffing, etc...

Took this picture when the truck was 10 years old...

As far as mounting the inverter... one is mounted upside down and the smaller portable one is mounted vertical... 26 years and no issues.

Nice truck and looks well cared for.:thumbsup:

Here are two pictures of the truck I built in 1998 these were taken about 3 or 4 years ago. The frame is powder coated and the tool boxes are Craftsman painted to match the truck cab. I had a microwave and coffee pot on mine too.

 

[jenkinsph]

Well as for looking at alternatives, I really am not worried about that, I already have the inverter. All I need are 2 more batteries and the cabling, and fittings of course.

I will also be using this to power my 40" LED TV and Sat dish, and no way will I spend $400 on a hair dryer. Yikes.

As for battery weight, I am biding my time, getting lead acid for now, but I know lithium ion's are in the future if we keep RV'ing. Prices are coming down and they weigh a fraction of lead acid batteries, plus more usable power. Currently though cost is still too high for me to consider a complete swap.

Four lead acid's and a 2K inverter will meet my needs nicely. I don't currently dry camp enough to warrant a larger investment as yet. As for generators, we have 2 but many campgrounds are shortening their run time hours, with some not starting till 9-10AM. I get that, but if we want to take a side trip the wife cannot dry her hair as she likes and won't go out with it wet. Waiting till generator hours will eat most of the morning up.

This way she can be happy and the neighbors are happy because of no generator running. That makes me happy.

For battery cables I buy tinned copper cable and fittings from Marine Wire, Boat Wiring & Marine Electrical - BestBoatWire.com
Good quality with no corrosion problems after twelve years running.

Hope your project goes well.

 

[ultrarunner]

Nice truck and looks well cared for.:thumbsup:

Here are two pictures of the truck I built in 1998 these were taken about 3 or 4 years ago. The frame is powder coated and the tool boxes are Craftsman painted to match the truck cab. I had a microwave and coffee pot on mine too.

Looks well outfitted and heavy duty...

I was the first with a heavy duty inverter around here and that was 1990.... so you beat me to it.

Amazing how prices of electronics have dropped with everything else going up...

First thing I had to do was beef up my suspension... it is a 3/4 van with an 8800 gvw and I typically run around 9400 with tools and stock on hand... can't tow anything due to lack of power but original untouched 1985 drive train except for a transmission repair when the governor went bad... the last of the carburetor V8

Would a Motor Home application be harder on a Inverter as say a Service Truck?

I'm a careful driver... have to be with the weight I have on a 3/4 series.

Vibration and exposure have not been a problem.

Some of my RV friends have 12 volt appliances like Hair Dryers... would that be a work around?

 

[jenkinsph]

Looks well outfitted and heavy duty...

I was the first with a heavy duty inverter around here and that was 1990.... so you beat me to it.

Amazing how prices of electronics have dropped with everything else going up...

First thing I had to do was beef up my suspension... it is a 3/4 van with an 8800 gvw and I typically run around 9400 with tools and stock on hand... can't tow anything due to lack of power but original untouched 1985 drive train except for a transmission repair when the governor went bad... the last of the carburetor V8

Would a Motor Home application be harder on a Inverter as say a Service Truck?

I'm a careful driver... have to be with the weight I have on a 3/4 series.

Vibration and exposure have not been a problem.

Some of my RV friends have 12 volt appliances like Hair Dryers... would that be a work around?

I don't think vibration that exists in most road vehicles is a problem for inverters and electronics in general. My service truck is rated for 19,000 lbs. yet rides fairly smooth, haven't had any issues with vibration in any of my electronics so far. Even the Topcon electronics on my 4520 seem to hold up well but that is newly installed and will have to see how that works out.

As far as 12 volt appliances go I think it depends on how good the design is and how high the production is whether these items are a better solution. I have found that low voltage led lighting, camper refrigerators, low voltage electronics are good choices. Some of the more obscure or low production items such as 12v coffee pots do not work as well as the 120vac models. Have not tried the 12v hair dryers so don't know but since it would be a high current device if it has any guts I would be suspicious to start with.

When I use to build dental and medical clinics in rural locations with no facilities nearby I started researching generators, inverters and batteries. One of the first things I had to do was provide electricity for the jobsite. Then get the electrical service built up and running along with the other utilities. Some of these locations were 60 miles from a gas station and 150 miles from a good supply house. I quickly found that getting the septic tank and sewer lines in place was the most important. Then rush to get water and electricity available asap. Dry camping with employees isn't fun, just amazes me how soft some people are. While the jobs were good I gave up on them after a few years because of employee issues.

Fast forward to today you can dry camp with hvac, sat tv and internet almost everywhere, not what I would call primitive by any means. A truck camper with 70 gallons of fresh water, large holding tanks and a Honda generator can be quite comfortable imo.

Back to the original issue of supplying ac power for mobile applications. I found that it was far easier to use the generators that operated around 58 dbA sound level as these were so quiet that no one ever seems to complain. Most of the state parks I use for camping and boating have rv hookups, the primitive sites seem to have more distance between sites and this is where I use a generator. Anyone shopping for a generator needs to compare the noise levels in person before purchasing one. For consumer use I find the Honda 3000 inverter generator with 58 dbA sound level hard to beat and super quiet. Less noise than the hair dryer cranked up for sure.

Using a hair dryer with a rating of 1850 watts will load a 12 volt inverter down to about 200 amp load ballpark. With four batteries at 50 amp load each you can get it done. But with 250 lbs. of batteries that need to fit in an rv it would not be my choice. To each his own though if that is what the OP needs to keep happy then go for it.

 

[ultrarunner]

The 12volt hair dryers are a little anemic for sure... but they do work.

They also make portable curling irons that require no electricity... wonder if the same exists for hair dryers?

 

[jenkinsph]

A short ride on a motorcycle should do it.

 

[handirifle]

A short ride on a motorcycle should do it.

At least YOURS is the most fun suggestion. I realize there is a down side to all this (weight) but it is livable. I have 2 in there now, so only adding 2 more. I have considered just 2 batteries, at first, and may well try it, but I don't think the 2 I have would last long.

I am also strongly considering adding boxes to the rear bumper to put generators in and that would offset the pin weight a little bit.

 

[handirifle]

jenkensph
One of the CG's specifically San Simeon, in CA where we fish, is state run, dry camping only and THEY PATROL REGURLARLY and tell you to shut it down if the generator is on too early or late. It does not matter if it's a quiet one or not.

My whole point is when we want to get up and out before generator hours begin, then she cannot use it. I have no desire to even consider a $400 blow dryer especially considering the short life span those things have.

I am not the least bit concerned if it suits anyone elses idea of camping, roughing it, or what ever you want to call it. If I had the money I would be driving a 45ft diesel pusher, but I don't, so I will make this as much like home as possible. My "roughing it" days are over. I roll my mobile condo where I want and that suits me just fine. Based on the number of sat dishes I see when out "camping" I am far from alone in that respect. I live very rural and sometime there are calamities at home and it's good to be able to see what is going on and if it affects me. We also have certain shows we like to watch too. My choice.

 

[ultrarunner]

I love threads like this as an opportunity to apply technology to solve problems...

The TBN Brain Trust runs deep and learn something everyday here.

Never heard the phrase Dry Camping until this thread...

Been fortunate to make two cross country National Park Motor Home trips... saw a lot of the country I would not have otherwise... certainly a lifestyle I would like to try again... maybe a modern Charles Karalt who started crisscrossing the United States 50 years ago this week in a Motor Home now on Display at the Henry Ford.