Inverters: A Must-Have For EVERY RV

Рет қаралды 6,842

Күн бұрын

Every RV should have an inverter and battery bank so that you can always camp anywhere you want anytime you want, an inverter is a must have for any RV.
Having a Victron Multiplus Inverter, with Lithium Ion battery bank and a Honda generator, you don't need solar panels. You can boondock, moochdock with a 15 amp chord.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
01:25 Installed inverter in Class B
02:21 Solar Prep Did NOT include Inverter in our new fifth wheel
03:13 Reasons EVERY RV Should have an INVERTER
04:42 What does and inverter do?
06:44 Don't NEED SOLAR!
07:44 Use Air Conditioner with Inverter
08:26 Victron Multiplus Whole RV Hybrid Inverter/Charger
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We are a married couple in our mid 50s who downsized & sold our house so we can see the sights & enjoy every day to live deliberately as full time RVers - traveling with our dog Scruffy, in our 35' Grand Design Solitude 310 GK fifth wheel - now a 33' Reflection 303 RLS.
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Пікірлер: 83

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Check out our Solar Playlist: kzfaq.info/sun/PLTSSVhr0HOziXzWEIuRLR9f9cOM4YPLdI&si=NNsQ6DkBcDW5D2oU

@BarbMMH 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for including the link to the playlist. When I click on the link in the video it frequently sends me to someone else’s video. I think that’s because I like watching your videos to the very end

@BarbMMH 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for this video and explanation. You are a great teacher!

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Barb, thanks. Aww. That’s a great compliment. I’ll tell him, Alice

@Shopsktkolsc 2 ай бұрын

Very informative video. Thank you for taking the time to share that.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Sandi, we appreciate the support. Larry is always trying to find ways to help other RVers Alice

@canwelook 2 ай бұрын

Fancy stuff! If we changed to lithium batteries, we'd consider this. We're doing it much simpler atm. 2 Agm batteries, 360 watts solar on the roof, a portable solar panel for cloudy days. That's it! We do carry a generator but don't need to use it. We charge up phones and power banks using simple 12v charger adapters and use those power banks to run our computers and tablets. We do carry 150 watt inverters but rarely use them (mainly to recharge bikes and fans) ... because they waste energy and restrict where we can sit. Portable rechargeable fans keep us cool on the hot days and we travel to climates that suit the season. Propane for cooking. We avoid caravan parks (too cramped and less appealing), do free camping and donation camping almost exclusively. Full time. Loving it!

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Sounds like you guys are power misers, which is great, we have a computer that eats up watts while we edit videos, that’s really the only thing we have the eats big power, we rarely have to use ac but its nice to have when we really need it. Larry

@sherriweber7105 2 ай бұрын

Hi Larry and Alice! This was a great explanation of the inverter. I love it. Thank you for doing the video on it. I’m glad you did this video. You are a great teacher! Love you both and have a great week I’m glad you found a campground for your new fifth wheel. See you city soon! Safe travels. 🤗🥰❤

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Hey, Sherri. Larry is a great teacher. Which is funny because that was my profession. He was awesome at sales, too - his profession. He’s be great at anything he tried. We are looking forward to true camping again. See you soon 🤗 Alice

@JonnyDIY 2 ай бұрын

Great information Larry 💕👏👍 Thanks for sharing. Cant wait to see the set up/install video. Great job producing top notch quality content you two 😎 🤙

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Thanks, Jonny. That’s quite a compliment. You know the work it takes to make a video like this 🤗 Alice

@JonnyDIY 2 ай бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents for sure I can tell you guys put a lot of time in to filming and editing. Mines usually more run and gun since I sometimes dont have patience to do project and film. And editing!? Hate it haha. I've probably got 50 videos in queue waiting 😆😭

@ROHDESONTHEROAD 2 ай бұрын

We are full-time RVers/homesteaders. We have two off grid properties getting ready to add a third across the nation. We utilize 600 watts of portable solar, so we can have the rv in the shade while the panels are in the sun. 300ah lithium battery (Litime) 2000 watt inverter that powers the whole rv. We've been doing this 5+ years now. Almost forgot what a utility bill looks like. Our AC has a Micro EZ start module installed. We carry a 2000 watt and 3500 watt dual fuel inverter genators from Champion (not sponsored). We love backups to backups. Army thing I guess.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Thats awesome system, we have two portable gens, 2000 and a 2200 but now only travel with the 2200, it works everytime and provides plenty of power to charge the batteries on cloudy days. Larry

@Electronzap 2 ай бұрын

Really good introduction to RV power.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Thanks. Larry uses me as a test - if I understand than the non tech people will, too 😁 Alice

@chhook949 2 ай бұрын

Larry time to sell ice to the Eskimos could listen to you all day. Well prepared not your first rodeo very learned! All The Best With The New Rv! Happy Travels! Be Well Be Safe & Stay Blessed.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

😆 that’s why he was salesman for most of his career. He definitely learned a lot when he installed the system over 4 years ago. Then learned more when he switched from the Multiplus 1 to the 2. He truly loves sharing his experience and helping other RVers. And thanks 🤗 Alice

@ro-cl2do 2 ай бұрын

Larry, thanks for the video. Were running a 2000W Magnum Inverter/charger, 824AH of Lithium which we charge using two Victron 30A DC-DC alternator chargers and our on board 7KW Diesel Generator. No solar for me, our systems works great.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Well, that is an awesome alternative to using solar, I really want to add a DC to DC in the truck to charge the batteries on cloudy rainy travel days where we’re headed to dry camping. Want to get there with full batteries. Larry

@TraconWizard 2 ай бұрын

TY Larry. Simple explanation & not a lot of extra talk. We have 1800 watt inverter, 380 solar & 560 lithium. Inverter is the weak link.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

I agree you have 560 lithium a 3000 W inverter would be awesome. We only have 400 lithium. Lar

@lisamcgrath3132 2 ай бұрын

Great job Larry!!

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Thanks, Lisa. Larry appreciates it 🤗 Alice

@ddcornell1019 2 ай бұрын

I’m getting started. In Rv life. All this is new to me and it’s some what over my head.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

I think my favorite memories come from all the stuff and learned doing this RV adventure sometimes it’s overwhelming, but it’s all part of the journey. Larry

@brianbarbarich1401 2 ай бұрын

Well presented and edited vlog Larry. 👏👏👏🙏

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Brian, thanks. I’m actually doing more and more editing. Larry does all the hard work - and I still can’t do the cool graphics 🤗 Alice

@brianbarbarich1401 2 ай бұрын

@DownsizingMakesCents Thank you Alice for your contribution. Sorry I forgot it is a team effort producing these nice video's, that are valuable for RV owners. 👏🙏

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

@@brianbarbarich1401 Always a team - I answer the comments that aren’t technical 😉 I hope it didn’t sound like I was begging for praise 😁

@goldfinger180024 2 ай бұрын

Larry, you should teach classes on this stuff!

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

That’s quite a compliment. He just did - for free 😉 Maybe when we travel less and I don’t need his time on our RV 😁 Alice

@goldfinger180024 2 ай бұрын

That’s right! He DID just teach it for free! Hope you are both well.

@johnlonergan7237 2 ай бұрын

Nice video. Well done and most important very educational.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

John, we really appreciate the compliment. Larry tries to be thorough - but concise. That’s a tough combo 🤗 Alice

@thetravelingbrowns 2 ай бұрын

Yes! More videos on reading your power usage would be helpful! You explain things so easily to understand👍

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Yes i need to do a video on the thing we watch all the Time and not get too techy, the information in there really helps us manage our energy usage when drycamping, i will have to put some thought into that, thanks for the compliment . Larrry

@catherinehammond4785 2 ай бұрын

We are in Australia, and do not usually go to campgrounds and plug in. We rely on our 240w lithium batteries, and solar panels. We only have a 600w inverter to charge the computers and small electrical things, phones are charged through the 12v system. Gas cooking, microwave only when plugged in to shore power, and diesel heating. We avoid camping in the heat, but do have fans. Sometimes in winter and high lattitudes we supplement the solar panels with a moveable and portable solar panel, and very occasionally our 2200 Honda generator.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Ok we are coming to visit in Australia, i will watch any show or movie filmed in Austrailia, it is on my bucket list to travel in a truck camper accross the continent. Larry

@ralphp3057 2 ай бұрын

Good explanation Larry on your system and the inverter. I take any spots at camping places if needed with or without shore power . I do have a generator inverter that is really quiet . I only run it on propane. I don’t like carrying gas cans traveling. Good information all round! 👍😁

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Carrying gas cans is a pain but we have been doing it for 4 years and use stabil every time we fill, when it sits in the truck for months its still good to use. Larry

@brianbelliveau5551 2 ай бұрын

Good video Larry pretty cool idea

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Thanks, Brian. We truly feel every RV should have an inverter. Now that many are coming “solar prepped,” maybe that will be next. Alice

@betterwithrum 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for making this series; I have a 2023 Ibex 19MBH, and it has a 2000-watt inverter for all the outlets, but I want to upgrade the battery, inverter, and solar panels.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

There is a huge difference between a 2000 and a 3000, doing AC on a 2000 would be very difficult for the inverter to handle, maybe with a small genny. The solar, inverter, batteries is one of the best 10k investment we have made, pays off in staying in awesome boondocking or drycamping sites that we otherwise would avoid without our system. larry

@betterwithrum 2 ай бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents thanks Larry!

@debyarger3084 2 ай бұрын

Great job, Larry. We decided to forgo the solar because a lot of our travels are in our home state of Michigan. We use a 1000-watt Jackery or 3500-watt Predator electric start generator. They both diffently do the job!! It's good to see you and Alice enjoying the RV life again!

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

I got ya, those new solar generators are pretty awesome, and a great solution for drycamping, love that predator but its a big heavy for me, so i only have a 2200 honda. larry

@debyarger3084 2 ай бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents yeah it's about 100 pounds so we leave it in the bed of the truck,locked down and at the edge of tailgate and have the cover folded all the way back so it's well ventilated when we use it. This year do to gas prices going up,and the uncertainty that our world is in, we chose a seasonal spot a couple of hours from our sticks and bricks from May 1st -Oct 16. So we'll see what it's like to live full time in 176 Square feet and a outdoor room. I wanted to sell everything including the house. But after seeing what you two went through with your health,and then the broken frame I decided not to push doing that. My husband's work doesn't really have a retirement plan,only a medical account for reimbursements of medical expenses that have a balance. So living off social security although doable means we have to be creative in the way we travel. Hoping to save by staying in one place this year so we can save up for travels for next year! Happy trails to you and Alice,looking forward to those adventures!!! Deb!

@daveprather9960 2 ай бұрын

Yes, an inverter is a must imo.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Dave, thanks. Not everyone is in agreement. We were surprised 😁 Alice

@SevenBears1 2 ай бұрын

I'd love to have a big solar/lithium set up but... I divide the average campsite cost($50) into the $5000-$7000 solar/lithium package by the number of days I'm able to camp and it doesn't make sense for me.. I have the same two Interstate batteries my RV came with five years ago.. Thankfully I camp alone and don't watch TV or need a computer.. I have 200 watts of solar and a 3100 watt generator.. Thanks Larry for all your professional DIY videos

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Larry paid about $10,000 for everything over 4 years 😳 I get what you mean. If we weren’t full time? Who knows. But we know having an inverter and battery bank has saved us often. Prices keep going down. And when you camp more, it will be worth it. 🤗 Alice

@SevenBears1 2 ай бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents Hi.. I'm part time 20 days max so far.. I'd love to have a nice solar system but can't justify $ in my situation.. Gas is $5.50 here so I left my trailer at home but I am out touring Eastern Sierras and Tahoe this week.. Hotels cost less than the gas I would use...

@danrodgers6762 2 ай бұрын

100 w solar , 1000 w inverter connected only to outlets 30 amp power

@bobabooie6389 2 ай бұрын

Great video, Larry, and great explanation. Thanks👍🇺🇲

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it 🤗 Alice

@ro-cl2do 2 ай бұрын

Larry, Victron now has a new 50A DC-DC alternator charger. I would choose that one if I was just installing them today. My two 30A ones have never put out 60A, mostly the output is closer to 50A. I watched a video from Victron on the new 50A and it's sounds like they have made several improvements.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

I would love to add a dc to dc charger for the truck so we could use it as an alternate charging method for the batteries, as sometimes you are not allowed to run generators but the truck engine would be ok. Larry

@ADONAIsays-so 2 ай бұрын

I look fed to your install series. I have most of the parts needed for our solar system, but not an inverter yet. We also have a first gen Bluette AC200 that helps out.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Thanks. We wish we could get all the videos out faster, but Larry is a bit of a perfectionist 😉 I’ve heard the Bluette works great. 👍 Alice

@JamesWilliams-nm4sm 2 ай бұрын

Great common sense explanation. I love your videos.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

James, thank you. We are glad you found us. Larry tries to be thorough yet concise Alice

@user-kb5ue4xm7x 2 ай бұрын

Understand your position. We have boondocked for three days(no AC) without solar. The advantage of propane appliances.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Roy, unfortunately, many RVs are going to 12v fridges - no longer a propane choice. We do miss that choice, Alice

@SmallSpaceLiving 2 ай бұрын

Great video and I agree on the solar. The inverter is much more important. You can also charge much fast with a generator than solar. I do like solar as a quite backup but the internal setup is the most important part for sure. Hope y'all are enjoying the new rig and all is going well with it.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

William, Thanks. Not everyone seems to agree. But as long as we help one person, that’s fine. Say hi to the chickens and rabbits 🤗 Alice

@SmallSpaceLiving 2 ай бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents Who cares. I agree and that is all that matters. lol

@rickgriffith1 2 ай бұрын

Excellent information! As usual. Thank you sir. Have you ever considered being an RV tech as a side gig?👍🏼😎

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Rick, he barely has time to work on our rig 😉 He did talk about being an RV salesman when we travel less. For now, he’s giving lessons for free 🤗 Alice

@rickgriffith1 2 ай бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents And those lessons are greatly appreciated.👍🏼😎

@dalenelson3707 2 ай бұрын

Without having solar to help recharge batteries I would think it would take all day running your small Honda generator to recharge your battery bank. I was surprised at how long it took to recharge my one 200 ah lithium

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

I find that if we run low, we put the generator on Eco mode, which is really quiet and it will recharge the batteries from 50% if we’re not using a lot of energy. But it always helps when there’s a little sun to bring in some solar . Larry

@tim9324 2 ай бұрын

Did your charge controller with the Reflection charge lithium batteries or did you need to upgrade that too?

@kevinm397 2 ай бұрын

Do you have any experience with the Enjoybot batteries vs the Battleborn?

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Kevin, we don’t. We researched them because they offered us two 400 batteries. And reviews looked good. Unfortunately, they changed their mind - wanted to send us 4 200s. We were going to install 1 400 to save weight and space. That’s our only experience with Enjoybot. Wish we could help more, Alice

@dukecomputerwiz1 2 ай бұрын

I have a inverter but it only powers a few items. I plan on getting a 50 amp whole system inverter. How hard is it to change over?

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

It is not hard to switch on a 50 amp if you get the correct victron multiplus 2, 2 x 120 model. Just take the 4 wires that go to the panel and connect to the inverters ac in, then connect the inverter ac out back to the panel, connect the batt pos and negative and you are good to go. But i would make sure you use high quality, 6/3 stranded cable like the ones i get from am solar, much easier to work with that the 6/4 you get from Home Depot or Lowe’s, that home stuff is too rigid. Larry

@StanR56 2 ай бұрын

CandE Adventures is hurting for $$$

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

Stan, I’m confused by your comment? Alice

@johnhines3591 2 ай бұрын

Inverter is not really necessary. Almost all electronics you can get a 12 volt car charger for. Coffee, percolator or French press. Tv, mine is 12 volt. I do carry a 2500 watt generator if needed.

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 ай бұрын

I agree these days you can even get an air conditioner that is 12 V, but since we live in it full-time and we use a desktop computer with two monitors, when we dry camp, we want everything to work like when we are hooked up. Lar