Last Updated on July 7, 2023
When you RV often or live in one, you either already know you need an inverter or have had people recommend that you get one (unless you have one built-in). Having an inverter is one way to ensure that your RV is satisfying to live in and it is the RV must-have accessory for good reason. With an inverter, you can run all onboard gadgets like your computer, TV, appliances, lighting, and more. There should be no question about having an inverter; the question should be which one is the best one to have for your needs.
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Getting the Best RV Inverter
There are various sizes, brands, and types of inverters to choose from so it can be confusing to know which the best ones are, especially for your own needs. Let me provide you with a few of the important facts to consider when buying an inverter, to help you narrow your search.
- Size: When it comes to inverter size, physical dimensions should not be the focus. You want to pay attention to the output it gives. To figure out which size is best for your RV, you need to work out the power of watts required by all the devices you plan to run. Be sure to add about 15 percent to the total that you get and look for an inverter that covers the watts you need. I would say most of the time if you are not planning to run high-wattage devices at the same time, a 2000 or max 3000 Wats inverter will be enough. I personally have only a 300W inverter to charge my devices, when I run my larger devices like the coffee maker or toaster, I just turn on my built-in generator.
- Waveform Output: You have two choices here; pure and modified sine. Note that the modified sine is cheaper than the pure one. The pure one does generate much cleaner outputs and you can expect to run more appliances with this type. With the modified sine you can expect to run most appliances but likely not all.
- Overload Protection: You want an inverter that comes with this because it helps to shut the inverter down in the event a load too large to handle comes in.
- Operating Period: This refers to the length of time that your inverter will be in operation and this usually depends on the battery capacity. Some inverters will turn off automatically to save battery power which is a bonus feature to look for.
An RV affords you to travel and go off the grid whenever you need it. However, in this technological age, it cannot be denied that having some modern technologies at your fingertips certainly makes your travel and stay via RV more convenient than ever. After all, it ensures you have the best of both worlds.
You wouldn’t be able to enjoy all these modern conveniences all at once without the help of an RV inverter. From powering up laptops to being able to use your household appliances, an RV inverter allows you to gain a foothold on these simple luxuries and conveniences even while you’re on the road.
If you’re on the fence about getting an RV inverter and what it really does, we’re here to give you an idea of what it’s really about.
What is an RV Inverter?
An RV inverter is a type of converter that allows RVers to use all of their devices and appliances even while they are on the road. This is a valuable piece of equipment that lets power outlets in RVs function efficiently even without a generator or shore power.
Instead of being plugged into shore power or a generator, an RV inverter takes energy from the RV’s battery. This functions by converting direct current, otherwise known as DC, to alternating current (AC) to help increase the overall voltage.
Given that the RV’s battery provides 12V DC power and household appliances and modern technological devices normally run on AC power, the latter of which requires 120 AC power. With the help of an inverter, appliances can run seamlessly using only the onboard battery of the RV.
Get to Know How an RV Inverter Works
By now, you might have an inkling as to how RV inverters work given the context provided above. Simply put, RV inverters work by converting power from your engine’s battery which runs and provides DC power to AC amperage instead, the latter of which most appliances and devices run on.
This inverter ensures that the devices you have in your RV, such as the microwave, television, stove, and even laptops, can run safely using only the RV’s engine. This means that the inverter takes the 12V current from the engine battery and converts it to 120V current so that appliances and devices that need it can use it properly.
Benefits of Having an RV Inverter
While many newer RVs now come with an inverter, there are some that are already old while there are some recreational vehicles that are still without this powerful and valuable tool. One of the advantages that this can afford you is that you can run your appliances and devices even when you’re going off the grid. This allows you to enjoy the little comforts and luxuries you normally experience at home.
In addition to this, having an RV inverter with you lets you run a number of appliances and devices all at the same time, particularly when you have a higher engine battery capacity.
Moreover, an RV inverter also gives you the peace of mind you need knowing you can have power wherever and whenever you go. Not all campsites and locations offer electrical hookups and going up in the mountains would prevent you from connecting to a shore power source. An inverter affords you this and more while on the road.
With an inverter on hand, you can keep the fun running in your RV at all times, even when there’s no shore power to connect to. By using this to invert the power from your engine batteries to AC amperage, you’ll have no shortage of appliances and devices you can power, making this a precious investment to consider when you’re planning to travel using your recreational vehicle.
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The 5 Best RV Inverters
Once you have narrowed down the features that will fit your RV and your needs, then you get to go shopping. Some of the top recommended RV inverters are below for you to help get your search started.
- Ampeak 2000-Watt Power Inverter: This inverter is relatively new and super powerful. It delivers continuous power up to 2000 watts and has a 4000-watt surge capacity. This will allow you to power all the devices in your RV. It comes with 3 AC outlets and a USB port as well as a digital display and auto shutdown protection. It also has protection against overheating, low voltage, short circuit, and overvoltage, which therefore keeps you safe. The one drawback to this inverter is the price tag which is high because of the features and benefits. Because of what you get from this inverter, the initial investment is worth it in the end.
- POTEK 2000-Watt Inverter: Another top-rated 2000-watt inverter with 3 ac outlets is this gem from POTEK. The outlets and USB ports allow you to power multiple devices at once. This device also comes with highly-rated safety features to protect you from overvoltage, overload, overheating, and short circuits. It is also equipped with a cooling fan that allows the unit to cool should it reach a temperature of over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This unit has been reported to start making noise after use for a few months, which can be distressing. While the function is intact, the noise can be a disturbance.
- VertaMax Pure Sine Wave 3000-Watt 12V Inverter: This unit by Windy Nation offers an impressive 3000-watt power supply and is equipped with 3 grounded AC outlets as well as a hardwired terminal block. The LED digital display makes it easy to keep track of the readings and the pure sine wave technology is perfect for all electronics. It comes with overload protection as well as protection against reverse polarity, overheating, and short circuits. The thermal shutdown feature is a bonus as is the high/low voltage alarm. This unit does not come with a USB port, remote switch, or cables, but is one of the more sturdy units on the market.
- AIMS Power 3000-watt 12V DC Inverter: This unit is one of the best values for the money you will spend. Using reliable pure sine wave technology makes this ideal for industrial or marine use and it comes with a 100A smart battery charger. You can choose from different battery type settings so you can pick exactly what fits your needs. The dual outlet plug in the front makes it easy to connect appliances below 1500 watts quickly. You get great value for what you spend on this unit and it will keep most of your devices well-powered, but it has been reported to make a lot of noise which many find disruptive.
- Xantrex PROWatt 806-1220 2000W Inverter: This inverter is top-rated for the features you get and the impressive supply of 2000-watt power. It comes with an easy-to-read digital display and is made according to strict quality standards, so you can be assured of the quality product you are getting. The handy USB port allows you to charge electronics like your phone or tablet. The smart protection features cause the automatic shutdown to prevent any overload, so your safety is never an issue. This unit comes with many beneficial features that make it an ideal road companion and it has proven to be more reliable than previous Xantrex models.
Whichever inverter you decide to go with, what really matters is getting what fits your needs. There are many to choose from but so long as you get a reliable unit that covers your power needs and protects your safety, you will be on the right track.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
