Inverter

[esfd243]

In our 5th wheel we have an inverter that allows us to run the fridge while driving. It also runs the fridge and 1 outlet next to it when the power is out.

Can I leave this on full time to cover for a power outage when we are not in the camper? Or does it need to stay off while not in use?

[pianotuna]

Hi Mex,

Your system is magnificently efficient.

In my condo I'm using 4.3 kwh per day. That does not include space heating or water heating. I do pay for them, but the costs are hidden in the condo fee. It does include about 48 hours (run time) of a triple mini split air conditioner with only one evaporator turned on. The billing period was actual meter readings that were 20 days apart. The condo is 1100 square feet on the 2nd floor.

The peak loads were in the class C rv, when it was close to -40, with a wind of 20 mph. I'm able to heat it 100% electrically. I don't recommend attempting this unless you have access to a 50 amp pedestal, or a 30 amp, and twin 15 amp shore power supplies.

On a 50 amp, I am able, except for peak load, to stay below 80% of the rated output. The OEM is 30 amp and I added both a 20 amp, and 15 amp auxiliary shore power cords. On the peak load I'm out of balance by about 5 amps on the two legs, but only over 80% on one leg. I do have a nice break out box with its own 30 and two 20 amp outlets, with breakers. I do use the autoformer on the 30 amp leg, so I can have full power.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Holy Mole Piano Tuna,

I run an entire 1 bdrm apartment on 146 kWh for 63 days. I put a tiny 82mm fan behind the monster 20CF refrigerator to expel the heated air and run time dropped by 35%. No washing machine and all 120VAC lighting. I forgot but the fan draws something like 3 watts. Dual ball bearings.

[theoldwizard1]

What you really want is an inverter/charger/automatic transfer switch !

[pianotuna]

The residential fridge at my condo uses less than 2 kwh per day.

[wa8yxm]

An RV Fridge can draw around 3 amps AC or 30 DC when running. that's a lot of current. A GC-2 pair only has about 220 amp hours total 110 that you can use so that's 3 hours (less actually) per pair.

A Residential fridge is often a bit more efficient. figure 4-5 hours max and the Inverter may not let you run it down that far.

Also if the Fridge compressor is RUNNING when shore power is lost (Residential type) that ... May not be good depending on just how fast the inverter's transfer switch flips.. YOu can weld the switch.

[time2roll]

Yes the inverter can run 24/7/365 and will operate perfectly as long as the batteries have enough voltage.

[BFL13]

esfd243 wrote:
In our 5th wheel we have an inverter that allows us to run the fridge while driving. It also runs the fridge and 1 outlet next to it when the power is out.

Can I leave this on full time to cover for a power outage when we are not in the camper? Or does it need to stay off while not in use?

You can run the fridge from the inverter, which is supplied by the battery when there is no shore power, but when there is shore power, the inverter runs from the battery which in turn is "supported" by the converter. However, when the "power is out", no converter, so as stated above, it won't last long on just the battery. Some solar can extend that battery time.

It is ok to leave it on the inverter with shore power and converter support. Just hope the power comes back on soon. (Don't leave anything on in that one outlet though, or it will shorten in the battery time even more.)

[2manytoyz]

Our Class A has 4 house batteries, and a separate battery for the chassis.

I used to only run the inverter while driving. Now I leave it on anytime the residential fridge is running. This way the power doesn't bump on/off when running on the generator, or shore power.

Furthermore, with this pandemic, I'm using the fridge to store additional food while it is parked next to the house. Even though it's connected to shore power, the inverter stays on in case the grid power goes down. The inverter doesn't care.

The inverter in the RV is a Xantrex Prowatt SW2000 model. Same one I have at home, used with my solar setup. This one has been running 24/7/365 since 2011, and powers my office, and workshop. I replaced the GFCI once, but no other issues. This is why I have no concerns about leaving the one in the RV powered when needed.

[2oldman]

Depends on how it was wired.

[jdc1]

That depends on where your power source is. If it's just a battery, it won't last long. If it's plugged in, it'll be fine.