Question on the use of the inverter

[Michigan-Traveler]

I have 2018 Greyhawk 29MVP. It has a on/off switch for the inverter. Can someone explain to me when I should and when I shouldn't have the inverter on? I do have the optional larger refrigerator as well if that makes a difference.

[WinnieView]

The switch needs to be On when anything, such as the TV, needs to be on without the generator on or plugged into shore power.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by 2008Seneca

The switch needs to be On when anything, such as the TV, needs to be on without the generator on or plugged into shore power.

+1

Except in the 29 MV/MVP, doesn't the inverter ONLY power that one outlet up by the TV? That was what I understood when I was researching for purchase. I meant to test it yesterday before I put it back in storage, but I forgot.

For some reason, I was led to believe that if you wanted to power anything else, you needed to attach it to the inverter yourself. ETA: According to documentation, it is 1000W, so it should be able to handle more than just the TV and Blu Ray player?

[2edgesword]

When you're not on shore power, don't have a generator running and want to power some device you should have the inverter switch to the on position. Note the inverter is converting the DC power from your battery to AC power to operate an AC powered device. In the process it is draining your battery.

The power requirements for some devices are...

19" Color TV 100 watts
Circular Saw 1500 watts
Computer System 300 watts
Microwave Oven 1100 watts
Power Drill 400 watts
Toaster 1000 watts

One thing you will be interested in knowing is how long can your battery power a device(s) via the inverter. There is a calculator that can estimate the total time on this website: Power Inverters | Frequently Asked Questions About Power Inverters | DonRowe.com

You'll need to know the amp/hour rating of the battery and have some idea of the power requirement of the device(s) you are using.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

+1

Except in the 29 MV/MVP, doesn't the inverter ONLY power that one outlet up by the TV? That was what I understood when I was researching for purchase. I meant to test it yesterday before I put it back in storage, but I forgot.

For some reason, I was led to believe that if you wanted to power anything else, you needed to attach it to the inverter yourself. ETA: According to documentation, it is 1000W, so it should be able to handle more than just the TV and Blu Ray player?

Possibly the bedroom TV too, since they went from 400w to 1000w.

[MrJackSprat]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

+1

Except in the 29 MV/MVP, doesn't the inverter ONLY power that one outlet up by the TV? That was what I understood when I was researching for purchase. I meant to test it yesterday before I put it back in storage, but I forgot.

For some reason, I was led to believe that if you wanted to power anything else, you needed to attach it to the inverter yourself. ETA: According to documentation, it is 1000W, so it should be able to handle more than just the TV and Blu Ray player?

In our 2018 it also powers the 110 outlets next to the bed as well.

[Camper_bob]

Cool!

I always assumed it was just that one outlet. So, the next time I have it out of storage, I'm going to turn on the inverter and walk the unit with a test light and see what I can find out!

[cabinetmaker]

Bob our 2018 Greyhawk 29MVP has inverter plugs in the bedroom as well as all the tv's.

Be aware that you will be running off that cheap factory coach battery. It will die in no time so keep a close eye on it. If you plan to use inverter power a lot when camping I would suggest investing in some solar and decent batteries. Many on here have added more and better batteries and solar.

[MrJackSprat]

Originally Posted by cabinetmaker

Be aware that you will be running off that cheap factory coach battery. It will die in no time so keep a close eye on it.

For those of us that use a CPap, I use mine all night long via 110 outlet (inverted) and lose about 1/2 battery capacity by morning. I do turn off the humidifier option to save power. We still have the standard Jayco OEM battery in place.

[Hockeywolf]

Originally Posted by MrJackSprat

For those of us that use a CPap, I use mine all night long via 110 outlet (inverted) and lose about 1/2 battery capacity by morning. I do turn off the humidifier option to save power. We still have the standard Jayco OEM battery in place.

MrJackSprat, it's kind of miracle I was searching for inverter info when I saw your post. We're traveling with a relative who has a CPAP, and we were afraid we were going to have to run a generator all night! Did you plug yours into the outlets in the master bedroom??

[MrJackSprat]

Originally Posted by Hockeywolf

MrJackSprat, it's kind of miracle I was searching for inverter info when I saw your post. We're traveling with a relative who has a CPAP, and we were afraid we were going to have to run a generator all night! Did you plug yours into the outlets in the master bedroom??

Yep, both outlets are powered with inverter on. Be sure to turn off any heating elements on CPAP (hose/humidifier) so it doesn't drain coach battery too much. I can get through the night without any issues along with watching TV a bit before bed. If your guest is sleeping up front, just run an extension from TV outlet above cab for use.

[Shakedown St.]

Originally Posted by Hockeywolf

MrJackSprat, it's kind of miracle I was searching for inverter info when I saw your post. We're traveling with a relative who has a CPAP, and we were afraid we were going to have to run a generator all night! Did you plug yours into the outlets in the master bedroom??

They do make a lithium-ion battery pack for most CPAP machines, and it is excellent for boondocking. I can usually get 3-4 nights out of mine with the heating element turned off, before needing recharged. Not cheap, but Amazon has them starting around $250-300. Great option without having to power your inverter!