Inverter question

[Caseysue]

Trying to figure out inverter. Just got new RV, and they said there weren't gas refrigerators any more. So they sold us a $1200 solar panel and inverter, said it would run the refrigerator and "every thing else but the microwave and A/C". Get it home and we can get the refrigerator to work with it, but none of the outlets work, or anything else that we can find. Can't get the dealership to answer any questions about it, just continually told a tech will call us back, and we never get the call. It's three hours away, so not wanting to show up on their doorstep with it. One guy didn't know much about it, but said he thought you had to have special outlets to work with an inverter and maybe ours didn't have those. He was going to call the company and ask and call us right back. Its been two weeks, no call again. If not, they lied to us about what would work. Are we screwed about the outlets? Every year we camp for 10 days somewhere with no electric hookups, and we didn't want to have to run the generator so much, plus you aren't supposed to from 10pm to 6am. This thing they sold us was supposed to take care of that. The invertor instructions aren't very helpful, plus it is installed on the ceiling of the luggage compartment, with it facing upside down from the door, so its very hard to read it. Is it possible to get outlets that work? From what I googled, it sounds like to have to re-wire some things.

 

[jarhead-ORO]

We have the inverter with a residential fridge. The inverter only runs the fridge. I don't know about the outlets having power from the inverter. Also I question about no gas fridges anymore.Dave

 

[tomroberts]

Thanks for this comment Caseysue. I'm trying to figure out the inverter set up too. I "believe" when running on battery only you can get your ceiling lights, cellphone jacks, awning, control panel for the tanks and water pump. I'm having trouble figuring out what else is hooked up to it as well. My battery won't hold a charge two full days and the solar panel can't stay up with consumption. I'll be following along.

 

[jarhead-ORO]

If you only have 1 battery on each side it would depend on how much solar you have whether it would keep the batteries up. You should have 1 battery on each system.1 for running the inverter for the fridge and another to run all the 12 volt items,lights,water pump, usb plugs, heater and provide ignition for the water heater on gas. Also if you have the residential fridge with an icemaker that will draw heavy on the battery for the inverter.Dave

 

[JKJavelin]

I have a propane fridge, but yes, from what I understand, if you have a residential fridge, the inverter is only for that (wired that way from the factory) and you probably will have very limited power for it, meaning it won't last very long.
If you add more, bigger batteries (and probably a bigger inverter), you can have more outlets energized. Not really a big deal.
JK

 

[tomkatb]

Complex answer.

A residential fridge is 120 volt ac. Batteries are 12 volt dc.

The inverter, or battery hog, will run all the time in your application unless the battery disconnect is turned off. On standby it will consume 1-2 amp hours of battery per hour. While running your fridge it will use a lot more. Likely over 100 amp hours per day. So you are in charge. Your batteries likely have 60-100 amp hours available per day. If your batteries are charged daily all will be swell. If not your battery will be fully depleted and slightly damaged often. Expected life will be short.

The furnace will consume 40-50 amp hours of battery. So use sparingly or you will get a nasty surprise one night.

The solar panel on its BEST day produces about 25 amp hours of charge per day per 100 watt panel. Not every day. The further north you live the less you get. Clouds and trees are the enemy.

The inverter is typically hooked up to one outlet only. That is the hidden one for the fridge.

My guess is your batteries are dead. Test the terminals with a voltmeter at night if you cannot turn the solar panel off. Batteries are 0-12.6 volts. Higher readings are meaningless. It means something is charging it. It will take 8-24 hours likely to recharge battery's at a minimum if the voltage is under 12.0 using your converter.

The inverter will likely not operate if a battery is below 12 volts.

As the captain you are supposed to monitor the batteries and make adjustments as necessary to keep the volts flowing.

It is also likely the dealer did not install a battery monitor to help you.

Check the size of your panels and battery. I have no idea what you have.

Most rv's sold today are not set up to boondock two nights in a row. You are $1000 away from that.

With the typical starter battery and solar panel your need to plug in daily. Most days.

Much to learn.

 

[Nitehawk]

We have the inverter with a residential fridge. The inverter only runs the fridge. I don't know about the outlets having power from the inverter. Also I question about no gas fridges anymore.Dave

More and more companies are installing 12v refridges. Me peronally am a fan of the dual powered refidgerator in case one source fails (LIKES OURS DID THIS PAST CAMP TRIP). Plus when boondocking i rather use propane than battery . I remember years ago when we rand the fridge on either 12v,110v,or lp gas

 

[handirifle]

The new 12v fridges work pretty darn well, BUT they draw more power than RV dealers let on. From what I know, based on my sister-in-laws trailer set up the same, the inverter is for the outlets, and not needed for the fridge. Her inverter kicks off on the reset button all the time. She has 400w solar and two Lithium 100ah batteries, and still runs out of power, but hers is a different story in that respect.

Check to make sure and reset button on the inverter is pushed in, or look for breakers tripped etc. pretty sure your inverter runs only outlets.

 

[tomkatb]

Every situation is different.

I like big battery banks! Our fifth wheel is set up for minimal electrical demand. We can go 3-4 days without charging batteries.

400 ah is a good number!