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Old 07-10-2018, 06:37 PM   #1
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Inverter question

What do you power using the inverter? Is the inverter used only when you don't want to run the generator. The dealer didn't talk about the operation or use.

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Old 07-10-2018, 06:50 PM   #2
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The inverter is used for "necessities" while boondocking like keeping the beer cold in a residential refrigerator or running the TVs for essential programming.
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Old 07-10-2018, 06:56 PM   #3
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We mainly use it for TV's so we dont have to fire up the Genny. But I also charge the lap top. I run my frig on propane mostly.
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Old 07-10-2018, 07:14 PM   #4
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Our Magnum inverter is always on...it is the 'back up' power from the batteries to either Generator or Shore Power, so that we don't 'lose' electricity and have to reset the microwave, or worse, lose things in the fridge.

The Inverter is simple the third arm to your 3 different power supply sources: Shore power, Generator power, and Battery power. Since the batteries are a 12v output, the Inverter simply changes it to 120v, just like shore and generator power.
Now, there are some limitations of the inverter, compared to the other two power sources, since it is limited by the 12v power of the batteries, so it typically is only going to power several breakers in your main panel, generally the Fridge, microwave, bathroom and other GFCI protected outlets, and probably another set of regular outlets.

The inverter typically also acts as a battery charger when you are plugged into shore power, or run the generator, though your Alternator may also charge them when you are traveling....of course, any solar power would also add to that.
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Old 07-10-2018, 07:19 PM   #5
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My take on the inverter: It takes the 12 Volt DC power from the batteries, and coverts it to 110 AC...
How your rig uses it will depend on how things are wired...
In my rig: it powers the TV, radios, and the charging station.
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Old 07-10-2018, 08:00 PM   #6
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Interter

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Originally Posted by Tfryman View Post
The inverter is used for "necessities" while boondocking like keeping the beer cold in a residential refrigerator or running the TVs for essential programming.
If I'm on shore power, is there any reason to have the inverter on?
I'm concerned about killing the battery's.
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Old 07-10-2018, 08:05 PM   #7
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If I'm on shore power, is there any reason to have the inverter on?
I'm concerned about killing the battery's.
If you are on shore power you won't kill the batteries if your converter is working and your USE/STORE switch is in USE. But no, no reason to run the Inverter if on shore power.
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Old 07-10-2018, 08:21 PM   #8
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we leave ours on, because, when you are on shore or generator, the inverter simply then goes into 'sleep' mode, until it is needed when you unplug or turn off the generator.
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Old 07-11-2018, 12:04 AM   #9
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Good evening, I have a 2013 Chateau 24 C, Does anyone know where the inverter is located? I looked under the small access cover under the bed and I do not see anything light all the pictures I have seen.
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Old 07-11-2018, 12:50 AM   #10
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Inverter

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Originally Posted by Tfryman View Post
If you are on shore power you won't kill the batteries if your converter is working and your USE/STORE switch is in USE. But no, no reason to run the Inverter if on shore power.
Why have the switch on (USE) while using shore power. Is that to keep the batteries topped off?
Before hooking to shore power do you turn your inverter on and USE/STORE switch to USE?
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Old 07-11-2018, 02:01 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by skiptut View Post
Why have the switch on (USE) while using shore power. Is that to keep the batteries topped off?
Before hooking to shore power do you turn your inverter on and USE/STORE switch to USE?
There are items connected to the battery that always draw from the battery regardless of the state of use/store. Thus if you are plugged into shore power and in store those items will drain the battery without it being charged.

The only time to put use/store into store is when you're storing the coach when it is not plugged in.
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Old 07-25-2018, 06:25 PM   #12
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We use the inverter when driving only, to keep the residential fridge and freezer supplied. When we camp and hook up to power, we turn it off.
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Old 07-25-2018, 06:41 PM   #13
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Doesn't the inverter "kick out" when connected to shore power??
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Old 07-25-2018, 06:45 PM   #14
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Ours does!
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Old 07-25-2018, 07:25 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton View Post
Doesn't the inverter "kick out" when connected to shore power??
Most of the RV inverters have an automatic transfer switch that detects AC shore power and bypasses the inverter. Some aftermarket inverters may or may not have that feature.
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Old 07-25-2018, 07:29 PM   #16
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Another reason why I'm glad, that I bought a well-equipped rig!
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Old 07-25-2018, 09:38 PM   #17
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Ours does not.
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Old 07-25-2018, 10:01 PM   #18
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Another reason why I'm glad, that I bought a well-equipped rig!
Yeah, I thought about stepping up to something larger to get all the bells and whisles but it was my first RV (so was not sure how much I would use at frist) and I really wanted something kinda small (but larger than the Sprinter based RV's) with good towing capacity.

I think 10 years from now my needs will change and we will step up to a 32 - 35 footer.

The Axis fit my bill perfectly right now. Plus with my long list of impovement I have almost everything I need / want. The only large ticket item I have left is 350 watts of solar.

Just not sure how much I really "need it" right now..... I just "Want it". LOL But I think next year when I have more time to travel I will be glad I added it this year.
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Old 07-25-2018, 10:03 PM   #19
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DLM - which "Thor" RV do you have. You dont have it listed in your profile.
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Old 07-25-2018, 10:19 PM   #20
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Originally Posted by Long & Winding road View Post
Yeah, I thought about stepping up to something larger to get all the bells and whisles but it was my first RV (so was not sure how much I would use at frist) and I really wanted something kinda small (but larger than the Sprinter based RV's) with good towing capacity.
I think 10 years from now my needs will change and we will step up to a 32 - 35 footer.
The Axis fit my bill perfectly right now. Plus with my long list of impovement I have almost everything I need / want. The only large ticket item I have left is 350 watts of solar.
Just not sure how much I really "need it" right now..... I just "Want it". LOL But I think next year when I have more time to travel I will be glad I added it this year.
But you've been "Rockin' the House": with some really nice modifications!
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