can I use an inverter ?

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Subject:

can I use an inverter ?

· Posted: 15.09.2011 · #1

There are only two items in our motorhome which cannot run on 12 volt.

I would like to see if it was possible to use an inverter to run them.

They are a coffee machine which heats a small amount of water for 2 minutes and then pump runs for about one minute. It is 1260 watt

Second is a small hairdryer (not for me) runs for about 5 minutes at any time. It is 1200 watt

I have 2x 110 Amp Elecsol Batteries and a Solar panel ( not sure of the wattage but it is pretty good)

Does anyone know if this is possible & what size of inverter I would need?

Ally

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Subject:

Re: can I use an inverter ?

· Posted: 15.09.2011 · #2

From what I have read... buy a 2000 watt inverter. Don't use the two things at once, not really a problem unless you like coffee while you are drying your hair

Think they are quite sore on the leisure batteries, but I am sure someone with more knowledge will come along!

The ones you can get for a laptop are quite good as you can have an adjustable voltage switch which you match to your laptop.

Leisure Tech Solutions

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Subject:

Re: can I use an inverter ?

· Posted: 18.09.2011 · #3

Mark

Any device that is heating an element, such as a hair dryer, coffee machine or toaster will tend to be high current comsumer from your battery bank, on choosing the size of the inverter it is best to give 10-20% on your wattage requirements, looking at the wattages you have mentioned, i'd say a 1500w-1800w would be suitable. for running these devices they would take half of your current compsumption from your battery bank per hour, sounds alot, tho you will only be running them for 5 minutes of that hour..

hope this helps a little, if you want any further details let me know, i can send you some PDF informtion of some of inverters we use...

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Subject:

Re: can I use an inverter ?

· Posted: 18.09.2011 · #4

Thanks Simon.

So in reality running what I have mentioned for a total of one hour (very unlikely) I would use half of my battery storage.

With the solar panel trickle charging the batteries it will help boost them back up.

If I bring the van down to your workshop could you check my solar panel / battery set up and give me an idea if it would be something I could do.

I would be keen to get this done as it would eliminate the EHU charge on Campsites completely and I still get my coffee fix.

hymer524

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Subject:

Re: can I use an inverter ?

· Posted: 18.09.2011 · #5

Or you could Try one of theses and leave your Batteries alone for other things.
�„¢-

(I was trying to post the full link but wont allow me)

so click on the link above Scroll down to the bottom righthand side look for,(P2000 PowerSmart Seriesâ„¢ Inverter
Inverter Technology. Finally, a more AFFORDABLE, quietier, inverter)

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Subject:

Re: can I use an inverter ?

· Posted: 18.09.2011 · #6

Thanks Tom but I dont really want a generator that requires fuel.

Although this looks like a good idea and seems very quite our garage is below the bed and I a dont think the smell of petrol would be very welcome..

I wonder what a campsite would say when you didn't take their EHU but started a generator. No matter how quite it is, I would imagine someone would complain.

I do think an inverter would be ideal for me but need Simon to confirm that it wouldn't zap the batteries beyond the limit of the solar panel topping them up again.

hymer524

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· Posted: 19.09.2011 · #11

Good info Leisure Tech Solutions, Looks like LED is the way to go. I must check what type bulbs are in my van.

Thanks.

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Subject:

Re: can I use an inverter ?

· Posted: 19.09.2011 · #12

Thanks LTS.

I have already been to LTS and have replaced all my internal lights with LED's which work great.
He has also replaced my old batteries with 2X 110amp Elecsol Batteries. These batteries recover much quicker from discharge and the solar panel keeps them well charged.

I will call in soon and have a chat about the inverter. If it works out I will be completely set up to go almost anywhere.

hymer524

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· Posted: 02.10.2011 · #18

Mark,

Someone's view on Inverters...

http://www.doyourdream.co.uk/2…-in-a-van/

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Subject:

Re: can I use an inverter ?

· Posted: 02.10.2011 · #19

Cheers Ally.
Will have a look at that later.

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