Plugging trailer into an inverter

[AMink]

Can I safely hook an inverter to my trailer batteries and plug the trailer in? This would be so that I could use the little microwave for 30 seconds or so to warm up the danishes etc. I would put it in the front passthru with short wiring to the batteries. Didn't know if I'd get some weird feedback or damage the converter or other electrical stuff. I'd really like a Honda generator, but have the inverter. TIA

 

[JFaughn]

Use omhs law to answer elec. ? basicaly add, multiply or divide volts, amps, watts to figure if the cable , inverter, batt. , and load will work together, vary large cables from batt. to invert. to handle load, with out seeing an wiring diagram of your plan I would be concerned about not running eng. so that you don'nt overload the Alt. when pulling a large load .

 

[AMink]

Thanks, JFaughn. I won't be using the inverter while moving. It will just be hard wired (about 3ft from trailer batteries) in the trailer. Mostly for tools etc. The micro would be the biggest thing that MIGHT get used. The inverter is a 1500 watt. Basically, I'll heat up my coffee or muffin before I turn on the generator. Another idea from another forum was to put a switch on the converter so that it doesn't try to charge the batteries from the batteries. I'm in no hurry, so I'll see what others have for ideas too. Thanks!

 

[JimBeck]

inveror

I'm going to do the same thing following instructions from buddy who has done it for long term camping with photo voltaic. You unplug power to convertor link when you are dry camping so you aren't draining batteries to charge batteries through the converter. You plug your trailer plug into the inverter so then all your plugins work in the trailer. Jim Beck

 

[BillGotthelf]

Be careful with the listed wattage of the inverters. Most will list a wattage but it is the surge capacity not the regular running load which is generally 1/2 that of the surge load. Also be aware that when you feed 110 into your camper all of the 110 appliances will try to work. A/C, refrigerator, battery charger, tv, possibly 110 heating element in your hot water heater. You can melt an inverter and cause serious damage to your 110 appliances if you are not careful.

 

[AMink]

Thanks Bill. It has a 3000 watt surge rating, 1500 constant. I've been looking around seeing how to isolate certain circuits for the inverter. It looks like some folks use it for "full house", others just for plugs & microwave. I can set both my water heater and fridge to work only on gas, so that shouldn't be an issue. If nothing else, I will find a way to turn the converter off before turning the inverter on.

 

[JFaughn]

I've been doing a varity of alt. enregys for about 20 yrs. and from what I read on this site it seems like a lot of partial methods , at least compaired to what everybody here is doing with the trucks , so I thought I'ld post just about the only all alt. energy mag. I've found , lots of articals about putting a system in moving systems , boats, trailers,veihicals. Home Power Magazine - Your Small Scale Renewable Energy (RE) Source