inverter use?

[NO3putt]

we don't dry camp at all but some people turn on their inverter and just wondering why. Think we have turned ours on like twice, but only to watch tv during a power outage at a campground. Are we missing something by not having it turned on?

[dan-nickie]

I turn it on while travelling to keep the residential fridge and ice maker working while we are on the way to the next rv park.

My wife sometimes watches tv from the back bedroom as some of her ailments kick in between rv park stops.

[Campin Cajun]

I've never used mine. I have turned it on a couple of times but never used it. I guess I should try it out to see what actually works on it.

[tnbendr]

Originally Posted by NO3putt

we don't dry camp at all but some people turn on their inverter and just wondering why. Think we have turned ours on like twice, but only to watch tv during a power outage at a campground. Are we missing something by not having it turned on?

I don't really get the question...aren't we always using the inverter? Isn't it what provides 110 ac from the batteries when not plugged into shore or Gen? Isn't it also what controls the power in general when we switch from shore to Gen or vice versa? Or are we talking about the control box that can be programmed for various preferences and functions related to power needs?

[NO3putt]

My understanding is with the inverter turned on it will provide 110 to some AC outlets, ours povides to the TVs and a couple outlets in the bedroom area using the battery as power source. We just don't use it since it will not run the air conditioners, microwave etc. With the inverter off we will not have 110 unless generator or shore power. The 12volt items like light, fans etc. will work with or without the inverter on.

Ben, your correct, the inverter provides 110 to the HM when not plugged in or generator off. Just never tested it to as how long the batteries would last.

[gasman94]

Originally Posted by dan-nickie

I turn it on while travelling to keep the residential fridge and ice maker working while we are on the way to the next rv park.

My wife sometimes watches tv from the back bedroom as some of her ailments kick in between rv park stops.

X2. Plus we have the keurig plugged in while travelling, so a cup of coffee going down the road is great.

Rich

[CAT-RN]

I turn mine off when on generator or shore power. I turn it on while on the road to keep the frig running.

Russell

[boowho]

Originally Posted by NO3putt

My understanding is with the inverter turned on it will provide 110 to some AC outlets, ours povides to the TVs and a couple outlets in the bedroom area using the battery as power source. We just don't use it since it will not run the air conditioners, microwave etc. With the inverter off we will not have 110 unless generator or shore power. The 12volt items like light, fans etc. will work with or without the inverter on.

Ben, your correct, the inverter provides 110 to the HM when not plugged in or generator off. Just never tested it to as how long the batteries would last.

Obviously, it depends upon how much load you are putting on it. But when I use it for TV in the evening (while on the road) a couple of hours (running TV, surround sound and dish receiver) will pull my SOC down to around 70%.

Something else I do every now and again, it cut the charger off completely and let the batts go all the way down to 50%. Supposed good for them to "exercise" them occasionally.

Boowho??

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by boowho

Something else I do every now and again, it cut the charger off completely and let the batts go all the way down to 50%. Supposed good for them to "exercise" them occasionally.

Boowho??

Hmmm, never heard that about wet cell automotive batteries.
I thought it hurt them.

I know we used to do that with mobile phones and the like back in the day.

[captnrick3]

Originally Posted by NO3putt

we don't dry camp at all but some people turn on their inverter and just wondering why. Think we have turned ours on like twice, but only to watch tv during a power outage at a campground. Are we missing something by not having it turned on?

Ours is on all the time when traveling or not plugged in for the fridge. We dry camp quite a bit at bluegrass festivals, solar provides plenty of power by day, batteries/inverter do fine at night.

[boowho]

Originally Posted by dan-nickie

Hmmm, never heard that about wet cell automotive batteries.
I thought it hurt them.

I know we used to do that with mobile phones and the like back in the day.

I've been told by a solar guy, that going down to 50% (no lower) is actually GOOD for the batteries once in awhile.

Also, your batts should be using at least SOME water here and there. If no water ever need be added, the batts are not working hard enough and will fail prematurely.

Boowho??

[Gottawonder]

I never turn the switch off. Residential fridge runs on it and microwave as well ( the Magnum 2000 watt model) This thread forced me to read the manual, and sure enough, the MS2012 has an auto standby mode. So the inverter is on, it will go into standby mode automatically when you run the generator or shore power. Ditto the charger. Mostly brainless operation, which is a good fit.

Gottawonder

[Paulie Boy]

Originally Posted by Gottawonder

I never turn the switch off. Residential fridge runs on it and microwave as well ( the Magnum 2000 watt model) This thread forced me to read the manual, and sure enough, the MS2012 has an auto standby mode. So the inverter is on, it will go into standby mode automatically when you run the generator or shore power. Ditto the charger. Mostly brainless operation, which is a good fit.

Gottawonder

X2