Quote:
Originally Posted by Catsmiler
We are newbies and have no idea when to turn on the inverter... during shore power, when boondocking, while driving...??? please let me know... thanks
|
Your 2008 Roadtrek on the Sprinter chassis should have a combined inverter/charger. It's most likely a Tripp Lite unit that combines a chassis battery charger and 120v inverter power (from battery) in one box. The charger side works automatically as needed so not much you need to do there. But you only want your inverter on when you need it. Not all the time as it will add a slight and unnecessary drain on your batteries even with nothing plugged in.
When plugged in to 30 amp power or running your generator, the inverter provides no benefit. So you only need it in true boondocking situations where you can just turn it on whenever you need 120v power to run small devices such as a CPAP machine, TV, or DVR.
Unless big bucks have been spent by the previous owner to upgrade batteries and replace the original inverter, it will not run a hair dryer, microwave, toaster, or even a large coffee pot. Count on using appliances only when plugged in or using your generator.
PS. - We have travelled 17,000 miles so far and
never used our inverter. This is because we use a 12v (not 120v) TV/DVR, sound machine, fans, and USB chargers. When plugged into to 30amp campsite service, we can run anything we want, just not maybe all at the same time.
Inverter use
Linear Mode
