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Old 08-21-2014, 05:30 AM   #1
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Inverter

I'm going to install my first inverter. What kind/brand of inverter should I buy? Is the Harbor Freight inverter a good one?
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Old 08-21-2014, 06:05 AM   #2
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I'm going to install my first inverter. What kind/brand of inverter should I buy? Is the Harbor Freight inverter a good one?
If you want a good reliable inverter I'd stay away from harbor freight anything.
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Old 08-21-2014, 06:06 AM   #3
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What brand would you suggest?
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Old 08-21-2014, 06:21 AM   #4
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What brand would you suggest?
When I get to my shop this morning I'll look at the one we use for our party bus.

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Old 08-21-2014, 06:24 AM   #5
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We really need more information. What do you plan on powering. If it is electronics you want a True sine wave inverter.
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Old 08-21-2014, 06:27 AM   #6
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Yes it is electronics, and possibly the Microwave for very short periods of time.
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Old 08-21-2014, 07:32 AM   #7
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I've used a Samlex for a bunch of years now. Installed one in a friend's RV. They work good. We both got the 1000 watt pure sine wave as it comes with a remote. you can get for about $350.

If you want to spend less, then they have other PSW models.

BTW, the fans on cheaper inverters make a lot of noise and run continuous. But better inverters have a control system that only turns the fan on as needed at various speeds.
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Old 08-21-2014, 09:16 AM   #8
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Go with Samlex or Xantrex. Samlex are built to last with very few problems.

Most important is to decide how much wattage you need, and whether you need a modified or pure sine wave inverter. Cheaper inverters are modified sine wave and will have issues when running some power sensitive appliances.

I upgraded from a 1000 watt Xantrex to a 2000 watt Samlex so I could run my microwave.
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Old 08-21-2014, 07:30 PM   #9
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Just remember if you have a 1200w microwave you will draw 100A from your battery when you run it. (12V x 100A = 1200W). So you will need a large battery, best to have two 6V, to run it.
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Old 08-23-2014, 02:42 PM   #10
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My microwave is rated 900 watts - but that is output...wattage input is almost twice that. It draws about 1750 watts off the 2000w inverter while running. I use 4 6-volt golf batteries in pairs with 4/0 welding cable to handle the 145 amps pulled out of the batteries.

While running the microwave, the voltage of the batteries goes from 12.6 to 11.8, but then right back up to 12.6 when microwave done.
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Old 08-23-2014, 02:56 PM   #11
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My microwave is rated 900 watts - but that is output...wattage input is almost twice that. It draws about 1750 watts off the 2000w inverter while running. I use 4 6-volt golf batteries in pairs with 4/0 welding cable to handle the 145 amps pulled out of the batteries.

While running the microwave, the voltage of the batteries goes from 12.6 to 11.8, but then right back up to 12.6 when microwave done.
With all that battery capacity to maintain, why not get a small portable M/W with half the capacity and 1/2 the power requirement? Just thinkin?
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Old 08-23-2014, 03:11 PM   #12
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If you want to be able to run your electronics 24/7 I would suggest a smaller psw inverter plus a larger one dedicated for the microwave because even on standby the inverter will draw quite a bit of power from the batteries and there is no need to run a 2000 Watt inverter to charge an iphone.
Xantrex and Samlex are definitely proven brands.
Psw inverters do cost more initially but deliver cleaner power and appliances that tolerate msw power operate more efficiently on a psw inverter and oftentimes last longer.

But everyones setup and requirements are different.
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Old 08-23-2014, 04:18 PM   #13
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I installed this one. 1000 watts and wireless remote on and off. So far works great. I use the honda 2k generator for the microwave.

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Trailer plugs into the inverter from outside outlet.


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