No Inverter?

[Phoebe3]

Dumb question here...I want to be able to run a couple of computers while NOT hooked up to shore power (boondocking, lunch break, etc.). I called the Coachmen Service Manager and he said the Crossfit that I'm interested in does not have an inverter. In a practical sense, what does that mean? I can't run computers at all? I can only run them when on shore power? I can run them if the generator is on?

I confess that although I've red several posts in this section, most are far over my head and I don't "get" every third word, so if you could dumb down your response, that would probably be for the best.

[MsNomer]

Get 12v power supplies for your computers.

[DCHitt]

You should be able to run your computers when you are plugged in or when you are running your generator. Your computer may have its own battery so you may only need to be plugged in or run the generator just to re-charge your computer.

[eric1514]

I'm assuming a laptop.

At home, do you charge your computer by plugging the charger into a wall. If the answer is yes, you will need 110v in your van. You will get that by 1) plugging the van into shore power, 2) running the generator or 3) using an inverter to change the 12v your battery(s) supply into 110v that your computer needs.

You don't need much of an inverter to charge a laptop battery and if you limit its use to that, $20 will get you one that will plug into a cigarette lighter socket and do a good job.

[avanti]

+1 on getting a native 12V charger. You can get them on eBay for most any laptop. A much better choice than screwing around with small inverters. I have two of these permanently installed in our rig:

Mac charger.jpg

[Phoebe3]

Thanks everyone!