Small inverter to charge laptops from inside the camper question

[Dafinga]

Hi Folks,

Two days and two posts. I bought a inexpensive 12v inverter with two outlets and I just plugged it into the 12V socket in the camper. It looks like it got power and was charging the laptop. I checked the power draw and it looked minimal. Is this my short term solution until I go lithium?

P.S. I just watched a video on the new Energizer lithium battery pack. Seems like a great option if you are not using much 120V power.....

-Pete

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Pete welcome to the cult.
I have been using a 150w inverter for 11 years
in my 2009 ATC Bobcat.

I wired it directly to the battery about 6" away.
I use it to charge anything that doesn't draw more then 150w.
Laptop,camera batteries,cell phone,DVD player.

I also use it to power my coffee grinder.
It comes in very useful.I also have a 12v plug that I can use
with the portable inverter.

I only charge most things either while driving or with great solar.
During the night I'll plug the cell phone into it.The draw is minimal.

Hope this helps.
Frank

PS it comes in handy at home when the power goes out.I can at least charge the phone.

 

[camelracer]

You need to be careful that the device on the 120v side of the inverter can accept the modified square wave that the cheaper inverters provide. Some electronics want a pure sine wave.

 

[Happyjax]

I have a Samlex 300W Pure Sine Wave Inverter. I usually use my home made50Ah Renogy LiFeP04 box to power it. Main use is charging laptop and batteries and just having a use AC outlet for small things.

I have a Honda 2200 generator which will travel with me when I think I may need to run the AC. So far the 100Ah Battleborn has been working with the 170W Zamp system. I just didn't feel like trying to install wiring for the 12V system in the new camper. There will be some modifications though.

Need Usb outlets near the sofa and they didn't put any there. Will also eventually come up with a security camera system. Still working on that....

Just remember 10 to 1 on current draw....

 

[Hoopy]

I may be simplistic in solution for charging electronics. I lived off the grid many years ago (for many years). Technology has improved. I guess I was a pioneer and and now prehistoric! I currently use a Mikata battery with a double USB port to charge electronics on our adventures never bothered with inverters ( have had many). we charge all our devices overnite or in use. Granted we are not on our devices 24/7( our biggest power drain is a 14 year old boy!) while out there. When you use a inverter in between your batt. and device..... you are paying a toll. You loose a % of power to change over from 12V DC ---110 AC. For our needs I tend to throw in a few BATT.s for a driver with my tools. in the truck.
I am sure inverter efficiency has improved, This works for us and we are comfortable on our trips. I look at the conversion factor"" be it a on demand water heater or a inverter and give that a hard good look............ Happyjax said it 10--1 current draw .
hoopy

 

[veryactivelife]

Your mention of the inverter being inexpensive gives me pause. Be sure it’s pure sine wave if you value your electronics.

Dean

 

[craig333]

My big inverter is a square wave but I have a little 150w pure sine wave for the stuff that requires it. Not much though anymore. Most is either 12v or 5v so its unusual to break out the inverter.