Need help with inverter size

[RVPhD]

I plan to boondock in my small RV. Right now I do not have an inverter but I plan to install a small one to allow me to use my 30 inch TV and my Dish Satellite system (antenna and Wally) at night. Question: How many inverter watts do I need to support these two items? I will not use the microwave or any other 120v appliances. How much battery power would I need if we use the TV for 3-4 hours per day and we charge the batteries using our 4000 watts generator and a 200 watt portable solar system? Your help and comments are welcome!

[RVPhD]

I plan to boondock in my small RV. Right now I do not have an inverter but I plan to install a small one to allow me to use my 30 inch TV and my Dish Satellite system (antenna and Wally) at night. Question: How many inverter watts do I need to support these two items? I will not use the microwave or any other 120v appliances. How much battery power would I need if we use the TV for 3-4 hours per day and we charge the batteries using our 4000 watts generator and a 200 watt portable solar system? Your help and comments are welcome!

[formerFR]

1,000w inverter, or a simple 1,000 'power inverter' found at most W*mt battery section or any auto parts store would certainly suffice...easily.

a TV and receiver are only going to be pulling about 2-3 amps each, at most, so 6amps total on the high end...which equates to 6ampx120v = 720watts

they even have several 750watt power inverters to choose from...
I've done it many times with ours, even with a fan also plugged in.

[tomkatb]

Find the wattage required on both units. On the literature.

Add them together. About 75 watts

The small inverters that plug into a 12 volt plug would be enough. I would think about a better unit wired in. More efficient. You could run higher need units if necessary. Drills vacuum cleaner. DVD.

Total wattage divided by 12.5 will give amps used per hour. Then look at the available amps in the battery. One 12 volt is typically 50. So about 10 hours or so.

[LTDunltd]

A 350 watt inverter will give you ~3 amps on 120 VAC.
Make sure you get one with low battery shutdown, and install a fuse on the battery power leads.

[cavie]

for the inverter all you need to do is add up the wattage of the things you want to plug in and use at the same time. It will be listed on a tag or printed on the unit. go bigger than you think you need. Wife will love you if she can use her hair dryer!!

[Bama Rambler]

You don't say which RV you have so we don't know how many batteries you can fit on it, but I would recommend getting as many, and as large as you can fit.

If I were serious about boondocking, I'd personally install 2,000 watt inverter, and maybe larger.

[RVPhD]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

You don't say which RV you have so we don't know how many batteries you can fit on it, but I would recommend getting as many, and as large as you can fit.

If I were serious about boondocking, I'd personally install 2,000 watt inverter, and maybe larger.

I have room for two car-sized batteries. Thanks for your reply!

[MR.M]

need to find out what the wally receiver and dish use . the receivers are more then you might think . my guess is an 800watt inverter will be more then enough

[TitanMike]

Take a look at the Bestek True Sine Wave inverter they offer in 300 watt size. Amazon has them. While a cheaper MSW will work, you might end up with "noise" in sound and unsteady picture on TV.

The 300 W True Sine Wave unit sells between $25 and $29 online (Walmart, Amazon, etc).