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  • Inverter sizing

    OK I have gone through numerous web pages on how to size. I am not wanting to run everything boon docking. No AC just the microwave (900W-1200W) and TV TCL D 100 series (say 300 watts?) and possibly a drip coffee maker (1200W) If I run all 3 at same time 2700W. We rarely watch TV, and don't use micro except for defrosting mostly when we forget to put something out to thaw and re-heating leftovers. Then there would be charging DW lap top 100W and the cell phones (25W). I do know I need a pure sine wave unit.

    So I am debating something between 2000W and 3000W. Right now I am leaning toward 3000W. What size are folks running in their trailers and how did you choose?

    Sources
    https://gpelectric.com/all-about-inverters/
    https://www.solarstik.com/stikopedia...inverter-size/
    https://theinverterstore.com/portfol...ter-do-i-need/

    Thanks Folks
    Keith
    2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

  • #2
    Originally posted by Yoda View Post
    OK I have gone through numerous web pages on how to size. I am not wanting to run everything boon docking. No AC just the microwave (900W-1200W) and TV TCL D 100 series (say 300 watts?) and possibly a drip coffee maker (1200W) If I run all 3 at same time 2700W. We rarely watch TV, and don't use micro except for defrosting mostly when we forget to put something out to thaw and re-heating leftovers. Then there would be charging DW lap top 100W and the cell phones (25W). I do know I need a pure sine wave unit.

    So I am debating something between 2000W and 3000W. Right now I am leaning toward 3000W. What size are folks running in their trailers and how did you choose?

    Sources
    https://gpelectric.com/all-about-inverters/
    https://www.solarstik.com/stikopedia...inverter-size/
    https://theinverterstore.com/portfol...ter-do-i-need/

    Thanks Folks
    Keith
    I choose the largest I could reasonably install in the trailer (space) with a close eye on the $$$ along with capability.

    I go into extensive detail in the PDF I put together--have you read it? Attached in this thread: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...s-in-a-315rlts

    Howard
    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

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by howson View Post

      I choose the largest I could reasonably install in the trailer (space) with a close eye on the $$$ along with capability.

      I go into extensive detail in the PDF I put together--have you read it? Attached in this thread: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...s-in-a-315rlts

      Howard
      Ill read it tonight - First priority is DW's PIZZA - I must have priority's in order - correct? Thanks
      2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by Yoda View Post
        OK I have gone through numerous web pages on how to size. I am not wanting to run everything boon docking. No AC just the microwave (900W-1200W) and TV TCL D 100 series (say 300 watts?) and possibly a drip coffee maker (1200W) If I run all 3 at same time 2700W. We rarely watch TV, and don't use micro except for defrosting mostly when we forget to put something out to thaw and re-heating leftovers. Then there would be charging DW lap top 100W and the cell phones (25W). I do know I need a pure sine wave unit.

        So I am debating something between 2000W and 3000W. Right now I am leaning toward 3000W. What size are folks running in their trailers and how did you choose?

        Sources
        https://gpelectric.com/all-about-inverters/
        https://www.solarstik.com/stikopedia...inverter-size/
        https://theinverterstore.com/portfol...ter-do-i-need/

        Thanks Folks
        Keith
        I went with an 1800 W peak 1500 W continuous inverter. All I wanted to power was the outdoor fridge so I could have gone lower but the TV, Dometic Fridge, recliners and several outlets are on the same circuit. At least I can run the Dometic on AC as well as Shadows' (13 yo mini Dachshund) bed warmer when stopping at Wal-Mart overnight and chilly out. With the 297RSTS layout the fridge is blocked with the slideout in so we use the outdoor fridge for travelling food which was the only reason I went with the inverter but it has come in handy for sure and Shadow appreciates the warm bed.

        Rob
        Rob & Barb
        2022 RAM 3500 Big Horn, 6.7 Cummins HO/Aisin
        2022 Solitude 378MBS

        Comment


        • #5
          I'm using a 2,000 watt pure sine inverter and it works fine for us. Typical usage is as follows:

          1. Drip coffee pot brewing. As soon as it's brewed, we put the coffee in a thermos so we're not running the batteries down.
          2. Toaster once in a while
          3. Microwave - 10-15 minutes a day.
          4. TV for a few hours from time to time if we're not camping with anyone else. Otherwise, we're outside around the campfire.

          We practice load shedding. For example, if the microwave is in use, we don't run the coffee pot.

          Typical battery consumption for us in the winter is about 130 amp hours as long as we're careful not to run the furnace too much.

          When I first wired it up, we'd kick the inverter for too much load. But I was only using 2 AWG wiring. Once I switched to 2/0 AWG, it never tripped again.
          Jim
          Jim and Ginnie
          2024 Solitude 310GK
          GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
          GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

          Comment


          • #6
            howson
            TucsonJim
            Calbar

            Thanks folks.
            Jim - thanks for answering my next question wiring - from all the reading I was leaning towards the 2/0.
            Found this sizing comparison chart from Go Power https://gpelectric.com/inverter-comparison/
            Looks like I might get away with the 2000W unit. Now to find this type of comparison chart for the other brands.
            And just think of the new tools I will need and money you all are forcing me to spend
            2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by TucsonJim View Post
              When I first wired it up, we'd kick the inverter for too much load. But I was only using 2 AWG wiring. Once I switched to 2/0 AWG, it never tripped again.
              Jim
              Went through exactly this scenario on our boat. I kept upsizing the inverter until I realized that it was the wiring size that was the problem. Same before and after wire size as Jim describes, solved the problem. In fact, the 1800 watt inverter in the RV is the one I removed from the boat when I replaced it with a 3000 watt there (that I really didn’t need after I upsized the wiring).

              Rob

              Cate & Rob
              (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
              2015 Reflection 303RLS
              2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
              Bayham, Ontario, Canada

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by Yoda View Post
                And just think of the new tools I will need and money you all are forcing me to spend
                Hi Keith,
                You have probably seen this elsewhere, but I will post it here again. Making your own battery/inverter cables is not difficult . . . with the right parts and tools.
                Rob
                Attached Files
                Last edited by Cate&Rob; 12-20-2020, 10:06 PM.
                Cate & Rob
                (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
                2015 Reflection 303RLS
                2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
                Bayham, Ontario, Canada

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Cate&Rob View Post

                  Hi Keith,
                  You have probably seen this elsewhere, but I will post it here again. Making your own battery/inverter cables is not difficult . . . with the right parts and tools.
                  Rob
                  Thanks Rob
                  So you are saying
                  NOT this
                  https://www.amazon.com/TEMCo-Hammer-...ag=googhydr-20

                  This
                  https://www.amazon.com/LICHAMP-Hydra...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

                  or something similar. Any recommendations?

                  Also in another thread I asked about a rack for stacking battery's vertically and someone said ask you. Thoughts?
                  2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Yoda View Post
                    OK I have gone through numerous web pages on how to size. I am not wanting to run everything boon docking. No AC just the microwave (900W-1200W) and TV TCL D 100 series (say 300 watts?) and possibly a drip coffee maker (1200W) If I run all 3 at same time 2700W. We rarely watch TV, and don't use micro except for defrosting mostly when we forget to put something out to thaw and re-heating leftovers. Then there would be charging DW lap top 100W and the cell phones (25W). I do know I need a pure sine wave unit.

                    So I am debating something between 2000W and 3000W. Right now I am leaning toward 3000W. What size are folks running in their trailers and how did you choose?

                    Sources
                    https://gpelectric.com/all-about-inverters/
                    https://www.solarstik.com/stikopedia...inverter-size/
                    https://theinverterstore.com/portfol...ter-do-i-need/

                    Thanks Folks
                    Keith
                    We went 3000. Easier to have more than enough than to have to go back and go bigger. How many batteries? We have a 300 Ah bank

                    Kevin & Deb. 2021 Reflection 320 MKS
                    2018 Ford F-350 Diesel SRW Platinum series
                    Kevin and Deb Reeder, 2021 Reflection 320 MKS, IS, 1050W Solar, Battleborne 400 Amps, Victron Multiplus and Solar, Renogy DC-DC Charger
                    2018 F-350 SRW Diesel long bed Platinum edition

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Yoda View Post
                      OK I have gone through numerous web pages on how to size. I am not wanting to run everything boon docking. No AC just the microwave (900W-1200W) and TV TCL D 100 series (say 300 watts?) and possibly a drip coffee maker (1200W) If I run all 3 at same time 2700W. We rarely watch TV, and don't use micro except for defrosting mostly when we forget to put something out to thaw and re-heating leftovers. Then there would be charging DW lap top 100W and the cell phones (25W). I do know I need a pure sine wave unit.

                      So I am debating something between 2000W and 3000W. Right now I am leaning toward 3000W. What size are folks running in their trailers and how did you choose?

                      Sources
                      https://gpelectric.com/all-about-inverters/
                      https://www.solarstik.com/stikopedia...inverter-size/
                      https://theinverterstore.com/portfol...ter-do-i-need/

                      Thanks Folks
                      Keith
                      One other consideration in sizing if you are considering an inverter/charger, is charge rate. I want to be able to charge at the maximum acceptance rate of the battery bank. My 3000W inverter/charger has 125 amp charging capability so using 100 amps to charge my batteries is comfortable. One other comment re cables. I have used the hammer crimping tool successfully for many years in both boats and RVs. I am sure the crimper tool is better but I have had no bad experiences with the cruder approach. I went another direction when I upgraded my inverter to 3000 W and needed 4/0 cables - I ordered them made by Battery Cables USA. Very happy with the quality, price, and almost immediate response. Just fyi.
                      https://www.batterycablesusa.com/
                      2018 Reflection 303rls
                      MORryde IS, FlexArmor roof
                      Blue Ox Super Ride hitch
                      2017 Ford F350 CCSB SRW

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Yoda
                        Hi Keith,

                        That is a far more “sophisticated” hammer-on crimper than the one that I tried several years ago. I would have to retract my earlier comment based on the look of that tool and the positive comments elsewhere in this thread. My sense is that the lever type that you also found would be more controllable and easier to get repeatable good crimps . . . but, I have never used the hammer-on one that you found.

                        I will go looking for the battery rack question . . . I missed that one.
                        Edit: Can’t find that question ??

                        Rob
                        Cate & Rob
                        (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
                        2015 Reflection 303RLS
                        2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
                        Bayham, Ontario, Canada

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by TucsonJim View Post
                          I'm using a 2,000 watt pure sine inverter and it works fine for us. Typical usage is as follows:

                          1. Drip coffee pot brewing. As soon as it's brewed, we put the coffee in a thermos so we're not running the batteries down.
                          2. Toaster once in a while
                          3. Microwave - 10-15 minutes a day.
                          4. TV for a few hours from time to time if we're not camping with anyone else. Otherwise, we're outside around the campfire.

                          We practice load shedding. For example, if the microwave is in use, we don't run the coffee pot.

                          Typical battery consumption for us in the winter is about 130 amp hours as long as we're careful not to run the furnace too much.

                          When I first wired it up, we'd kick the inverter for too much load. But I was only using 2 AWG wiring. Once I switched to 2/0 AWG, it never tripped again.
                          Jim
                          Jim,

                          Would you know the AC current draw on the TV?

                          Jim

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Cate&Rob View Post
                            Yoda
                            Hi Keith,

                            That is a far more “sophisticated” hammer-on crimper than the one that I tried several years ago. I would have to retract my earlier comment based on the look of that tool and the positive comments elsewhere in this thread. My sense is that the lever type that you also found would be more controllable and easier to get repeatable good crimps . . . but, I have never used the hammer-on one that you found.

                            I will go looking for the battery rack question . . . I missed that one.
                            Edit: Can’t find that question ??

                            Rob
                            I posted the battery rack question here https://gdrvowners.com/forum/solar/3...y-s-or-similar
                            2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by MidwestCamper View Post

                              Jim,

                              Would you know the AC current draw on the TV?

                              Jim
                              Jim,

                              I just went out and measured it. I monitored the current consumption from the batteries with the battery meter. I turned on the inverter, and shut off the solar charging. Current draw without the TV on was -1.44 amps from the battery. When I turned on the TV, the current draw was 7.10 amps. 7.10 -1.44 = 5.66 amps. I repeated this three times and the numbers were pretty stable. Note: This was just the TV consumption. I did not measure the draw from the antenna booster, satellite receiver or DVD/Blue Ray player.

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

                              Comment

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