RV / Mobile Inverters

Investing in the correct DC to AC inverter is critical to a successful RV power inverter system. In the world of RV inverters, you get what you pay for. A well-made power inverter will be efficient at all power levels, rugged enough to stand up to multiple environments, won't overheat, and offer the AC output and wattage you need to run your AC appliances.

How to Choose the Right RV Inverter

How do you choose the right RV unit for your needs? Various equipment brand names include Outback, Magnum, Xantrex, Cotek, Go Power, and Zamp Solar. There are several types of RV inverters to consider, such as pure sine wave inverter, modified sine wave inverters, and square wave inverter models, and you will need some basic information to choose the correct model for your RV system.

You need to know what you will power with this system, how much battery power it takes, and whether or not it carries a phantom load. You'll also need to understand your environment's electrical standards and your desired power quality.

Other features to consider are automatic on/off switches and the battery-changing features your inverter may come equipped with. Once you understand how much power you need and what you'll use your RV inverter for, we will gladly help you decide.

When defining your battery voltage, you may also want to assess battery charger options, as many inverters come with automatic on/off features. If your RV inverter will be used, then a built-in ground switching is required, and UL is listed as UL 458 for the USA and Canada.

Budget and Usage Considerations

Another key feature is whether you’ll use the RV pure sine inverter. In this case, the USA and Canada require a built-in ground switch and UL listing for safety (UL 458). 

Considering models from the three main types of inverters, ensure you get the required energy efficiency based on your budget constraints. Whether spending $200.00 or $2000.00, maximize efficiency and performance for your equipment.

Lastly, ensure that your system is compatible with inverter chargers and transfer switch features for uninterrupted battery. This is crucial for consistent, reliable performance, especially when running critical appliances with AC power, such as fridges, microwaves, or laptops in your RV setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an inverter do in an RV solar power system?

An inverter converts the direct current (DC) power produced by your solar panels and stored in your battery into alternating current (AC) power, which is required to operate most household appliances like microwaves, TVs, and coffee makers. Without an inverter, you couldn’t run these AC-powered appliances using solar energy in your RV.

How do I determine the appropriate inverter size for my RV?

To choose the right inverter size, calculate the wattage of all the appliances and devices you plan to power simultaneously. You should also factor in peak load requirements; some appliances, like refrigerators and air conditioners, can require more power briefly when they start up. A simple way to determine your needs is to add up the wattage of the individual appliances you plan to use and select an inverter with a bit more capacity as a margin.

How do I know if my inverter can handle the power needs of multiple devices at once?

The key is to check the inverter’s continuous wattage rating and compare it to the combined wattage of the devices you’ll be running simultaneously. If you’re planning to power multiple devices simultaneously—such as air conditioning, lights, and a computer—you’ll need to ensure the inverter has enough capacity to handle this collective load. Consider the surge capacity, as some appliances require extra watts during startup.