Inverters Explained: Find the Right Size for Your RV Needs

Understanding Inverters: What Size Do You Need?

Welcome to another edition of Todd's Two-Minute Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by Big Beard Battery! If you're considering adding an inverter to your RV or upgrading your existing one, you might be wondering: What size do I need? What do inverters actually do? Let’s break it down.

What is an Inverter?

An inverter is a device that takes battery power (DC) and converts it into 120V AC power, allowing you to run household appliances in your RV even when you’re not plugged into shore power. Essentially, it works in the opposite way of a converter, which takes high-voltage AC power and steps it down to low-voltage DC power.

Inverters are particularly useful when you want to power appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, or even air conditioners while boondocking or traveling off-grid.

Understanding Inverter Sizes

Inverters come in different sizes, not just in physical footprint but also in power output. The power output of an inverter is typically measured in watts (W) or volt-amps (VA). Choosing the right size depends on what you plan to power in your RV.

1,000W / 1,200VA Inverter

Common in RVs with solar packages
Best for: Running small appliances on a GFCI circuit
Can power:
- TV
- Refrigerator
- Small coffee pot
Not suitable for: Air conditioners or microwaves

2,400W / 3,000VA Inverter (Whole RV Inverter)

Best for: Running larger appliances but not all at once
Can power:
- Air conditioner (if sufficient battery capacity is available)
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- TV
Limitations: Cannot run the air conditioner and microwave simultaneously

4,400W / 5,000VA Inverter

Best for: Running multiple high-power appliances simultaneously
Can power:
- Air conditioner and microwave at the same time
- Other household appliances
Ideal for: RVers who want more power capacity when off-grid

Choosing the Right Inverter for Your Needs

When deciding which inverter to buy, consider the following:

What do you want to run? If you only need to power small devices like a TV or fridge, a 1,000W inverter may suffice. If you need to run an air conditioner, you’ll need at least a 3,000VA inverter.
Where will you be using it? If you primarily camp in hot climates and need A/C, you’ll require a larger inverter with sufficient battery capacity.
Do you need to run multiple appliances at once? If so, consider a 5,000VA inverter or even multiple inverters for a 50-amp RV setup.

Final Considerations for 50-Amp RVs

For those with 50-amp RVs, keep in mind that brands like Victron offer inverters that only provide a single hot leg of power. If you want to run two air conditioners or more high-power appliances, you’ll need two inverters to support both legs of your electrical system.

Need Help Designing Your Solar System?

If you're looking to install an inverter or design a complete solar system, Big Beard Battery can help! Visit BigBeardBattery.com and fill out our solar design form. One of our certified solar experts will reach out to help you choose the right inverter and battery setup for your needs.

With the right inverter, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while on the road. Stay powered up and travel with confidence!