Inverter Question

[Mach428]

Hi folks. I'm new to this forum as I've just purchased a 2012 FR Forester 3011DS. I cannot find anything about an inverter. I thought these were standard. Is it possible my MH doesn't have one?

[GL1800Rider]

It does not have an inverter as there is no residential refrigerator.

If you are talking about the "converter" it is a Progressive Industries and is part of the electrical panel at the foot of the bed where your breakers are. There is a green light that flashes about once every 4 seconds when the converter is maintaining the battery on float mode.

[Mach428]

Thanks for the reply. I thought there was a built-in inverter (like I have on my 2016 Tacoma) that would invert 12V to 120V for small wattage electric devices

[slamac]

Yep, everything runs on 12 volt DC except the microwave and Air con if you need AC power run the generator. It can be run while driving down the road. Might nick your fuel economy a bit. but whats another few gallons per mile anyway

[Mach428]

Got it. Thanks much

[slamac]

If you want a very low wattage inverter you can buy the ones that plug into your 12 volt power source ( cigarette lighter) for under $20.00

[slamac]

Check Amazon there are a lot to pick from ranging from Around $15.00 to over $100.00

[Mach428]

Okay. Thank you

[bikendan]

I hard wired a 400w inverter to the battery, for tv, dvd and electronic devices.

[Mach428]

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about. Would you please share brand, where you bought it, mounting, etc

[slamac]

Not an expert on Inverters but I would guess if you need 400 watts for any length of time your gonna take a prety good bite out of your batteries? thus needing to run the gen to recharge anyway. Unless you need is while driving but that may require a bigger alternator?

[GL1800Rider]

Not sure what your needs for an inverter are, but your tv's are all 12 volt

[Frank & Eve]

DH uses a CPAP we have a 400 and a 600 watt inverter. He uses one or the other when we boondock at Walmart. Hardly shows any battery drain after 8hrs use.

[RVLifeIsGood]

Have been faithfully reading all these posts, but I still don't quite get what situation would benefit from adding an inverter on top of existing power in my new 2401W. Granted, I am new to RVs, so must be missing something. Is it a boondocking need? Thanks for continued enlightenment!


Kelly & Mary Beth
2017 Forester MBS 2401W

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Mach428

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about. Would you please share brand, where you bought it, mounting, etc

Be advised that if you go for a 400 watt inverter, that's equivalent to 33 amps at 12VDC. You will need to run at least #10 wire from your battery to the inverter to power it. Most cigarette lighters have 20 amp fuses.

[Bluepill]

Originally Posted by kdwallin

Have been faithfully reading all these posts, but I still don't quite get what situation would benefit from adding an inverter on top of existing power in my new 2401W. Granted, I am new to RVs, so must be missing something. Is it a boondocking need? Thanks for continued enlightenment!


Kelly & Mary Beth
2017 Forester MBS 2401W

A small inverter (100 Watts or so) is good for recharging laptops, cell phones, Tablets, etc. that have 120 volt plug-in power supplies.

If you are connected to shore power or run a generator, the inverter is not needed.

[RVLifeIsGood]

Got it ... thanks so much, Bluepill!


Kelly & Mary Beth
2017 Forester MBS 2401W

[Mach428]

I suppose the biggest reason for an inverter is that I didn't want to run a generator all night just to power my c-pap

[n-e-d]

Mach428 have you looked into a 12v adapter? I have an Intelipap that I ordered with a 12v adapter . It uses minimal power while dry camping and I have also run it off my jump starter

[lgray]

Our Winnebago Aspect, class C, has a 1,000 watt inverter with two NAPA house batteries to support it. That being said, it is rarely used.