If you have a recreational vehicle, or just planning to own one, then you might have heard people recommending you to buy an RV inverter. It is mainly because the best RV inverter is one of the things that you need to keep your recreational vehicle very satisfying to stay in.
It is a must-have accessory, which is the reason why you can find plenty of RVs being equipped with it. With the help of an RV inverter, it is possible for you to operate and run all the things that are on-board your RV, including your LD TV, computer, and other appliances and facilities.
What Is an RV Inverter and What Can It Do?
Also called a power inverter for a recreational vehicle, an RV inverter is known for being an indispensable tool for running the standard domestic appliances present in your motorhome, caravan or RV while you decide to live off the grid away from most of the main things that you need.
The inverter works by converting Direct Current (DC) of around 12v or 24v from the battery of your RV into Alternating current (AC) of around 230v or 12ov. Such is beneficial if you want to run powered lights, power tools, mobile gadgets, and any other onboard appliances and facilities.
Regardless of where you decide to take your camping trip, you can expect the inverter to be a big help. It is particularly helpful especially if you plan on camping in places without electrical hookups and you need something to run your luxury items, like your PC, TV, microwave, and air conditioning unit.
You can’t expect the items to operate using solar panels or battery alone since they supply 12v DC. In this case, the best RV or power inverter is what you really need. To let you choose from the many power or RV inverters today, I will present to you seven great products to choose from.
Best RV Inverter Reviews
Choose the best RV inverter that’s right for you.
- CONTROLLED, QUIET, COOL - Temperature controlled Quiet fan cooling with LED Indicator Light
- 13.6 Vdc range For PM3 55 PM3-55
- 14.4 Vdc range
- 🚚【30 day hassle-free return and an 18-month replacement】We understand the importance of a worry-free buying...
- 🚚【high-quality features Ampeak 2000w inverter 12v DC to 110v AC】Inverter provides 2000W of continuous power,...
- 🚚【Soft start and 17 Safety protections】At Ampeak, we take safety seriously,designed with an incredible 17 safety...
- DUAL FUEL: Operate your 4500-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit...
- ELECTRIC START: Battery included, plus Quick Touch Panel allows you to access all your controls in one spot
- QUIET OPERATION: 61 dBA is perfect for RVs, tailgating, your next project or backup power for your home, featuring 4500...
- 10, 000 watt, 20, 000 watt surge power, Modified Sine Wave
- 50% smaller & 48% lighter than previous models
- NEW Integrated SMT (Surface Mount Technology) circuit boards offer greater reliability, better efficiency, and fewer...
- 【POWERFUL DC-AC】This power inverter 12V to 110V provides 3000W continuous DC to AC power, 6000W peak surge during...
- 【SAFE FOR USE】LED indicators for under-voltage and over-voltage protection, over-temperature protection, over-load...
- 【PROTECT YOUR ELECTRONICS】Advanced pure sine wave technology provides quality AC equivalent to grid power which will...
RV Inverter Buyer’s Guide
With the numerous sizes, brands, models, and types of inverters for RV, choosing the best one might be very confusing for you. You can reduce the confusion by ensuring that you take these factors into consideration during your RV inverter selection process.
Waveform Output
You have actually two options for the waveform output – the pure and the modified sine. Each type can actually be determined on the waveform that the DC source of your RV’s battery generated. If you go for a modified sine wave, then note that it is more affordable than the pure one.
You can expect it to run most but not all of your appliances. However, take note that this waveform output has the tendency of interfering with some audio gadgets, PCs, and TVs. Still, the modified sine is a great choice if you want to run power tools, lights, non-digital microwave ovens, and some motor-driven appliances.
A pure sine wave, on the other hand, is capable of generating a much cleaner output analogous via the mains supply of your home. With that, you can expect this type to run all appliances.
Size
Another thing that you have to assess prior to making your ultimate choice is the size. However, take note that the size as it relates to RV inverters does not point to physical dimensions. It can actually be described as the output in the form of watts.
To figure out the correct size of RV inverter for your case, you have to know the exact quantity of power or watts needed by your devices in order for them to run. After identifying that, get the sum of all the acquired wattages. Also, add around fifteen percent more so you can have some overhead.
The sum will help you figure out the actual size of an inverter that you need. To calculate watts from amps, you just have to multiply the volts into amps. It is highly recommended to figure out the specific wattage requirements of all your devices then pick an inverter, which is slightly larger.
Overload Protection
Ensure that you check whether the RV inverter comes with an overload protection. This specific feature is actually helpful as it shuts down the inverter automatically in case a load, which is more than what it can naturally tolerate comes in.
Note that some electric appliances, particularly those with induction motors, such as tools frequently require at least two times of the wattage when they begin. With that, it is important to think about extra overhead and ensure that your chosen inverter has an overload protection to keep you safe.
Available Battery Power
Another thing that you have to figure out is whether or not the available battery power is already adequate. You have to make sure that the batteries have adequate capacity to operate an inverter using your desired devices.
To determine the expected power consumption delivered by your batteries, get the total power consumption and convert them into watts. Once you get that figure, you should divide it by ten. This is helpful as it works in giving you some overhead to cover some natural inefficiency when it comes to voltage conversion.
Efficiency
It is also crucial to ask whether the RV inverter you are planning to buy is efficient. Make sure that it won’t let you increase your energy consumption too much. It should not also trigger an energy loss.
Also, take note that once you turn it on, your chosen RV inverter has the tendency of consuming battery power even if you do not connect any device to it. That said, you should not fail to turn it off each time you no longer use it. You can also choose those inverters with an on/off remote switch, making it more convenient to use.
Operating Period
This factor actually refers to the specific length of time your chosen inverter will operate. In most cases, this will depend on the capacity of the battery, which is usually measured in Amp/Hour as well as its present condition.
Several inverters in the market today have the tendency of preventing users from causing their battery to run completely flat right after the input voltage goes below the predetermined level. Such models perform that function by sending an alarm as a means of alerting you in case of a falling battery power.
Such inverter also tends to turn off automatically to guarantee that the battery power does not go flat.
Stick to what you can afford without compromising quality. Furthermore, consider choosing an inverter, which is lightweight so you will not have trouble handling it. It should also be highly durable so it will last for a long time.
Best RV Inverter Options Found
Finding the best RV inverter is the key to ensuring that you will have a constant supply of power to run all the appliances and facilities within your recreational vehicle. With the help of this device, you will have a constant source of power for all the electrical equipment not only in your RV but also in a boat or work truck.
It is also helpful as it protects your appliances and facilities in case of a power outage. It is mainly because the RV inverter can provide an emergency backup power to vital equipment, including your sump pumps, phones, medical devices, and freezers.
Learn more about how to choose the best RV battery, best RV deep cycle battery and best RV surge protectors with a buyer’s guide and in-depth reviews. By the way, have a look at our best RV generators, best RV solar panels and best RV converter chargers to make living in an RV easier and more comfortable!
Last update on 2023-05-06 at 08:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
can I use a cigarette lighter plug on the 750w inverter
I think it’s ok