What is an RV inverter?

Simply put, an RV inverter is a device that converts direct current into alternating current for use in an RV. It neither generates power like a solar panel nor stores power like a battery, but only converts it.

Types of RV inverters

(1) Pure sine wave inverter: The output waveform of this type of inverter is sine wave. Its advantage is that the voltage output range is large, and the output voltage is more accurate, and the interference ability to some communication equipment is weak, some refrigerators, microwave ovens and other large household appliances can use pure sine wave inverter. However, its line is more complicated and expensive.

(2) Modified sine wave inverter: The output waveform of modified sine wave inverter is different from that of pure sine wave inverter, which is composed of folded lines like a square wave, it contains more harmonics, and the waveform is unstable, which is easy to make some equipment’s produce noise.

(3) Square wave inverter: The output of square wave inverter is square wave with poor load capacity. Its advantage is that the line is simple, not troublesome to repair, and it is cheaper.

How to choose the right size inverter for RVs

I recommend a 1000W inverter. In caravans, smaller power appliances such as hair dryers (600W), rice cookers (600W), microwave ovens (800W) are common, and a 1000W inverter will be able to make these appliances work properly.

However, if the RV comes with higher power appliances such as a washing machine (1800W), water heater (2200W), etc., it is recommended to use a 3000W inverter.

Below are the specific steps to determine the power of the inverter:

(1) List the power consumption: find out the appliances that need to use the inverter and list the power of these appliances one by one.

(2) Determine the starting power: for some electrical appliances containing motors, the power required during startup is higher, and then we should choose a higher power inverter.

(3) Calculate the power demand: add up the power consumption of all the appliances that need to use the inverter and the starting power, then you can get the approximate power demand of the caravan, and you can also determine the total amount of batteries needed according to the power demand of the caravan.

(4) Determine the power of the inverter: According to the power demand of the RV, determine the power of the required inverter, and select the inverter that is larger than the power demand of all the electrical appliances of the RV when they are used at the same time for installation.

Characteristics of RV inverters

Different inverters have different features. Some inverters have a built-in transfer switch that converts DC power from batteries or solar panels to AC power, and also converts AC power to DC power for charging batteries.

There are also inverters that protect the RV’s electrical system, and they may have two features. One is a surge protection feature: in the event of a sudden increase in the RV’s surge power (the power required by the equipment when it is initially started up), the RV inverter can attenuate its effect on the RV’s electrical system; the other is the possibility of an automatic shutdown, which means that the inverter itself can be shut down automatically when the current is overloaded, thus preventing the RV’s electrical system from being affected.

Can the inverter power the whole caravan?

The answer is yes. If the solar panels produce enough power and the batteries store more power, then an inverter with a large enough wattage will be able to power all the electrical appliances. So, as long as there are enough batteries and solar panels to provide power, then the inverter can power the entire RV.

Whether or not you need an RV inverter

Most owners struggle with whether they should install an inverter for their RV or not, but in fact, this can be a choice that can be made on your own merits. If your RV often has access to shore power or does not use AC power then there is no need to install an inverter. But if your RV is often away from shore power and you want to use appliances like TVs and hair dryers, then installing an inverter is necessary.

Conclusion

For the choice of RV inverter, we should determine what power inverter to choose based on the power needs of the RV. Choosing the right RV inverter can guarantee the comfort of our traveling.