What can inverter run?

[davidmurphy02]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

I'm more indecisive than ever... If I get a microwave it would be nice to use it once in awhile when I'm not plugged in. Might be nice on occasion to use the electric blanket, too. I agree with Jim on bedding in a dry, cold climate, but the PNW is clammy cold and the electric blanket can be a great way to warm the bed even if just on for a short time at bedtime. And the newer blankets are great.

The inverter is certainly not essential, but if your finances permit it is a really nice luxury to be able to use the microwave while boondocking. We find that we use the microwave a lot more than we expected to on the inverter, mostly for warming up leftovers or heating something up quickly, but it's a real treat to be stopped in a rest area on a long drive and be able to use the microwave.

[padlin]

Originally Posted by Greg A

I haven’t looked at an inverter yet and just use portables when needed. May look at it when I change over to Lithium.
Someone said ETI can only do all outlet during construction, but I seem to recall some members putting in all outlet setup aftermarket. Has someone done this, or is it only possible to do a single outlet aftermarket?

I found it fairly simple to put 1 existing circuit, (of 2 on the 5.0TA), on a small transfer switch. In my case that gives me power to more then 1/2 the outlets including all I cared for. Here's the xfer switch... Inline Transfer Relay


The relay/xfer switch was one of the easier parts on the inverter install.

[yardsale]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

If I have an inverter, what can I run on 12V that I couldn't do without it? Specifically wondering how much a coffee maker would drain batteries down.

Use a pour over coffee maker. MUCH better coffee and no electicity needed.

[Harvie]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

If I have an inverter, what can I run on 12V that I couldn't do without it? Specifically wondering how much a coffee maker would drain batteries down.

I find the inverter essential for charging my electric mountain bike giving me many hours of enjoyment

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

If I have an inverter, what can I run on 12V that I couldn't do without it? Specifically wondering how much a coffee maker would drain batteries down.

We just boil water in a pan on the stove and use a French Press for coffee. We put a drip filter on the bottom of the press to make clean up easier and create a better seal that keeps grounds getting into the coffee.

Utopia Kitchen French Press Cafetiere - 950 ml (32oz) - Double Wall Coffee Plunger - Coffee & Tea Maker - Stainless Steel

[MBA80]

Originally Posted by Harvie

I find the inverter essential for charging my electric mountain bike giving me many hours of enjoyment

The wattage on your coffee pot must be equal to or less than the wattage rating on your inverter. The Amp rating will eat into your battery charge. With solar you would replace what the coffee pot used.

[Greg A]

We use a stovetop percolator and has worked great for many years.
https://amzn.to/2XO7VFF

[Vermilye]

I use a 600 watt 4 cup drip coffee maker most mornings using the inverter. Draws about 55 amps @ 12V & uses about 6 amp hours to make a pot.

[Ronn]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

If I have an inverter, what can I run on 12V that I couldn't do without it? Specifically wondering how much a coffee maker would drain batteries down.

I'm not a coffee connoisseur, but this works just great for me. Heat water in microwave or on the stove with propane.

https://www.amazon.com/Presto-02835-...5-4be35d7258cc

I do use a Keurig at home. Colleen drinks tea, so one cup at a time works for us.

[Meandering Minstrel]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

If I have an inverter, what can I run on 12V that I couldn't do without it? Specifically wondering how much a coffee maker would drain batteries down.

The Escape inverter is 1500 watts so will run anything that uses 1500 watts or less. Instant Pot, microwave, pump, coffee maker, etc. I'm glad we got the inverter.

[MyronL]

Don't use my French Press anymore because I hate cleaning it out. Propane and a #2 cone dripper.

Some years back I installed a ProWatt 600watt Xantrex sine wave inverter. For just in case and charging batteries. But never really had need to use for either.

Xantrex claims it handles "compact" microwaves, coffee makers, and small power tools. Never used for them. I really liked the display on it telling me my battery voltage. If battery voltage drops below 10.5 V. it shuts down automatically. I have employed the inverter for watching my old and not-12volt TV, and running a separate DVD player for movies. That's my story.

[Chama]

We came to the Escape trailer world from an MCI 102d bus conversion which had a 4000watt inverter, 4- 8D size AGM batteries for house power and a 17.5kW generator. We were set for power. We seldom needed to run the generator since the batteries were also charged from the bus alternator. Our E21 has 2- 6v batteries, solar on the roof, a portable 100w solar panel and the 1500w inverter. Ex generator, we really have everything we had in the bus but just on a much smaller scale in our E21.

Do we use the inveter with our E21? Yes, whenever we are boondocking (which we are beginning to do more often). Do we use the inverter otherwise? No, there is no need if power pole camping but it is nice to look at the display to check battery status. Would I get the inverter again? Yes, absolutely. What do we run off the inverter: Instant pot, coffee maker, TV, cellphone and laptop chargers, microwave and most importantly a CPAP machine. I have a 2-12v. lithium battery setup for the CPAP but when we were at Organ Pipe last spring, I could not get it to power the CPAP. So, for 4 nights, I ran it on 120v off the inverter and it saved our trip. Worked fine even with heated humidifier. The inverter, for us is one of those things that I'd rather have and not need than need and not have.