Inverter for Ice Maker

[stauchy]

I'm new to the travel trailer world, we just got a Jay Flight 174BH. Silly me, I didn't realize we couldn't use the outlets when we were dry camping. Well, after some self-education, I'd like a second opinion on the following that I'm thinking about implementing: my wife has an ice-maker that she loves (regular freezer ice doesn't cut it) - it needs a 2.5 amp 120v input, so 300 watts. I was thinking of installing an off-the-shelf inverter that plugs directly into the TT battery and putting it under the bed and running an extension cord from it to the counter. I figure I can also use it to charge laptops, etc, as a bonus.

Given that the ice make requires 300 watts, my back-of-the-envelope calculation tells me the ice maker will drain the battery in about 3 hours, which isn't ideal, but it's something. Also, does anyone know if the tow-vehicle alternator will provide enough juice to power the ice maker (via the 7-way connection) while we're driving?

Are there any safety or practical concerns that I'm missing?

Thanks!

 

[norty1]

You will need to look into a small generator, 1 or 2kw as an alternative. Your battery will be toast quickly and good for nothing else if it is not recharged. A small generator will allow both options.

The truck alternator will not likely be satisfactory long term.

 

[Mustang65]

Given that the ice make requires 300 watts, my back-of-the-envelope calculation tells me the ice maker will drain the battery in about 3 hours,
Thanks!

That is 2.5Amps, 300 watts on 120VAC. You need to convert that to 12VDC.
300 watts / 12Volts = 25Amps of battery power to run that unit. With the standard 85Ah battery you will get about 1.5 hours out of the battery. Understand, on an 85Ah battery, you can only use 1/2 of the Ah which is around 40Ah (12.0VDC)... the 50% rule.

Like Norty1 said...."Generator..." or only park at CG's with shore power, or buy a big bag of ice

Remember your TT battery voltage should NEVER be discharged below 12.0VDC. Get an inexpensive Digital Voltage Display for your 12Volt accessory plug in the TT to monitor the battery voltage.

Don

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