Inverter

[TAK14Swift]

Trying to get a little education on inverters. We have never had a real need for one, only occasionally boondocking with at least part time generator use. However, in the next few years we hope to transition from weekend warriors to part timers and I can I see the utility in having an onboard inverter .
But, I have very little understanding of how equipping my trailer would look like.
Is this something I can do myself ? (I'm not an electrician)
It usually seems that they are often paired with lithium batteries but this requires a system mod too, right ? (still using lead acid)
What type of cost range could I expect?
Sorry to throw out so many questions but the people on this forum have never failed to educate me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[RDTC]

There is a broad range of inverter solutions for an RV. Benefits can be from running a single 120 volt device for a short period of time to full RV off grid capabilities for long periods of time. The cost can range from a few hundred dollars to $5k-$10k (and possibly more).

Your goal should be to only do the upgrade once. You can do the project all at once or over several phases. You may be setting a new foundation for your electrical system. You do not want to upgrade the same component multiple times.

Start with what you want the system to do. What equipment do you want to run. How long will it run. Do you want to monitor AC & DC load/input, battery status, and solar power. From that you can calculate power, storage, and charge requirements.

You do not need to be an electrician. But, you will need to understand AC/DC electricity, voltage, amperage, wire sizing, disconnects, protection, and other items. The depth of these will depend on your system size and complexity.

Off grid capabilities are fantastic. They open up lots of other camping options. We are currently dry camping at Ten-X Campground, next to the Grand Canyon. Here for the week. With inverter, solar, generator (run the generator 2 hours a day in the late afternoon), and lithium batteries. TV Throughout the day, coffee/toaster/microwave in the morning, WIFI/computer throughout the day.

 

[Kevin Cooper]

Tak14Swift, Before you can decide to do inverters, batteries, and solar, you must decide what kind of off grid camping you are wanting to do. How long in time? What parts of the US and what times of the year? What you are wanting to power at 120 volts from the system. You need a complete list, and make decisions on how much they will be used. Please note that AC off an inverter system will be toward the high end of $ given by RDTC.

 

[TAK14Swift]

The cost feasibility of AC was a question I had and as I suspected it’s probably going to be expensive.
I should have stated in the original post that our future RV travel goals will be to extend our travel radius covering as much of the US as possible, so not really looking at off grid destination camping but looking at the inverter more for a short overnight at Walmart, Cracker Barrel, etc.
It may for our purposes not be worth the investment. Last boon-docking trip we used a DC fan directly off the battery and cooked off propane.
All good information though, thanks.

 

[Kevin Cooper]

The cost feasibility of AC was a question I had and as I suspected it’s probably going to be expensive.
I should have stated in the original post that our future RV travel goals will be to extend our travel radius covering as much of the US as possible, so not really looking at off grid destination camping but looking at the inverter more for a short overnight at Walmart, Cracker Barrel, etc.
It may for our purposes not be worth the investment. Last boon-docking trip we used a DC fan directly off the battery and cooked off propane.
All good information though, thanks.

This might be part of the solution. Look at the 3600w unit. The schedule shows how long it lasts at how much load. A AC unit uses about 1000 to 1800 watts depending on the size it is. You could charge it at a campground on the extra receptacle on pedestals, or charge it with a small generator ahead of time.
Make sure you do not overload your trailer, as these are heavy.
https://us.ecoflow.com/pages/portab...gAlKeoawE9cm_I4t_rgKqlJ5oE6pSGsBoCAEcQAvD_BwE

 

[kevinantholt]

This might be part of the solution. Look at the 3600w unit. The schedule shows how long it lasts at how much load. A AC unit uses about 1000 to 1800 watts depending on the size it is. You could charge it at a campground on the extra receptacle on pedestals, or charge it with a small generator ahead of time.
Make sure you do not overload your trailer, as these are heavy.
https://us.ecoflow.com/pages/portab...gAlKeoawE9cm_I4t_rgKqlJ5oE6pSGsBoCAEcQAvD_BwE

I second what Kevin Says, I did that in my 2024 Whitehawk 26FK with a Transfer switch and EcoFlow Delta Pro, Runs A/C and everything. Cost for all was under $3K.