Inverter

[Fabiotravel]

Hi all,
I’m new to the RV world and we’re going dry camping for the first time. I’m trying to get an understanding on how to use the inverter on our Alante 29F. We have 2 coach batteries and I use a C-pap machine at night. Any information on how to use the inverter would be greatly appreciated.
Ron

[JimD]

An inverter has its pros and cons. Its pro is that it can give you 120 volt power for a certain period of time. Its con is that it will eat up your battery voltage usually quicker than you like.

Having 2 batteries is a definite plus and may get you through the night if they are fully charged when you go to bed. The rub comes in the morning and you must somehow recharge them. This can be done with the use of a few hundred watts of solar or perhaps a small inverter generator. If you have an onboard generator that would do it too although it is typically larger than is required to simply charge your battery. You end up using a bit more fuel and putting run time on a big generator. I like using my small inverter generator and use my big one when needed for high power items. Much less expensive to replace the little guy when they finally wear out.

If you have the option of using a 12 volt C-pap machine, that would be the better choice because you wouldn't have to convert 12 volts to 120 volts and then back down again to what the unit actually needs which is inefficient.

Inverters are good for short term use as long as you can recharge the batteries. It may work just fine for you. My recommendation is to get a volt meter and monitor your battery voltage. Don't let it go below 12.1 as you can damage your battery shortening its life and lowering its ability to recharge fully.

[sturgissteele]

Welcome to the forum!

[robchampagne]

Congrats on the Alante and welcome aboard.
I echo what Jim said. Inverters aren't efficient, especially if your CPAP normally 'steps down' the 120V as my RESMED 10 does. Although I upgraded to 2 Lithium batteries, it didn't seem efficient to use the inverter. I bought a KFD Car Charger DC Adapter off Amazon (about $50) and run my CPAP off straight 12 Volt. (cigarette lighter adapter)
Happy trails.