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1000w vs 2000w power inverter amperage draw

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  • 1000w vs 2000w power inverter amperage draw

    Getting ready to purchase an inverter for boondocking and wonder if any of you have knowledge regarding amp draw differences between 1000w and 2000w inverters? A 1000w is probably all we need but a 2000w would be nice to have for those once in a while needs. .Wondering if when we just watch TV will a 2000w inverter be a greater draw on the batteries than a 1000w just because it's a more powerful inverter? Also wondering what you think about the Xantrex Prowatt 2000? Thanks in advance for your input.

    Phyllis & Dennis
    Dennis & Phyllis Manley
    2018 Reflection 27RL; 2008 Silverado 2500HD 4X4

  • #2
    The Xantrex are good products. The 2000 draws a little more battery power at no load than the 1000, but not much. The 1000 is specified at <600mA. The 2000 at <800mA. Your TV probably only uses around 100W, so even the 1000W inverter will be overkill for that.
    John & Kathy
    2014 Reflection 303RLS
    2014 F250 SC SB 6.2

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    • #3
      Originally posted by Dennis&Phyllis View Post
      Getting ready to purchase an inverter for boondocking and wonder if any of you have knowledge regarding amp draw differences between 1000w and 2000w inverters? A 1000w is probably all we need but a 2000w would be nice to have for those once in a while needs. .Wondering if when we just watch TV will a 2000w inverter be a greater draw on the batteries than a 1000w just because it's a more powerful inverter? Also wondering what you think about the Xantrex Prowatt 2000? Thanks in advance for your input.

      Phyllis & Dennis
      Potentially an even more important question--how long do you expect the inverter to provide power?

      Think of your battery (or batteries) like a fresh water tank. One wet-cell battery (the one that comes with the camper) is a really small water tank. Doesn't matter how big (or small) the inverter is, the amount of "water" in the "tank" is very limited.

      If you're considering an inverter, upgrading your batteries is (IMHO) essential. Especially if boondocking is the goal.

      Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

      2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

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      • #4
        A 1000 watt inverter will have a no load current of less than 1 amp. To compute your APPROXIMATE current for appliances divide the wattage of your appliance by 12 volts. Example: for a 300 watt TV (300/12 = 25 amps). Inverters will discharge your batteries quickly unless you have a large battery bank or solar panels to assist in recharging your batteries.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by qcable View Post
          A 1000 watt inverter will have a no load current of less than 1 amp. To compute your APPROXIMATE current for appliances divide the wattage of your appliance by 12 volts. Example: for a 300 watt TV (300/12 = 25 amps). Inverters will discharge your batteries quickly unless you have a large battery bank or solar panels to assist in recharging your batteries.
          Most TV's and appliance in new rv's are 120 volts, and seeing we are talking inverters the formula would be (300/120=2.5amps) Theres not a lot of pure 12 volt appliances in a trailer. Your furnace fan motor being one that would use the most power. Lighting depending on wether it is florescence or LED would be another.

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          • #6
            Originally posted by billdean View Post

            Most TV's and appliance in new rv's are 120 volts, and seeing we are talking inverters the formula would be (300/120=2.5amps)
            2.5 amps at 120V AC is 25 amps from the battery at 12V DC.

            Jim

            Jim and Ginnie
            2024 Solitude 310GK
            GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
            GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

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            • #7
              Billdean. I just saw that you are a new member on the forum. Welcome!

              Jim
              Jim and Ginnie
              2024 Solitude 310GK
              GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
              GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

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              • #8
                Originally posted by billdean View Post

                Most TV's and appliance in new rv's are 120 volts, and seeing we are talking inverters the formula would be (300/120=2.5amps) Theres not a lot of pure 12 volt appliances in a trailer. Your furnace fan motor being one that would use the most power. Lighting depending on wether it is florescence or LED would be another.
                Thanks for reminding me about the furnace fan drawing down the batteries. I was thinking about the convenience of using the inverter in early mornings to charge my laptop or watch a little TV but in cold weather the furnace fan would also be using the power.
                Dennis & Phyllis Manley
                2018 Reflection 27RL; 2008 Silverado 2500HD 4X4

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