We have a motor home!! & what is an inverter & do we need one?

[katymac]

Finally set off home today after a morning in the dealers - so many things broken & not working!!!

We have solar power! & it's off to be reupholstered tomorrow

So what's the deal with an inverter? So confused

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

No idea but hopefully this will bump for you

[caroldecker]

An inverter converts the 12V DC current from your battery (and probably solar) to 240v AC current which powers your household electrical things. Basically allows you to use electrical items without a hook-up.
Most are limited to 10 amps, so will do lights and telly, but may struggle with kettles.

[katymac]

Thanks Jilted

So where would that be & how would I plug into it? I am a nightmare - sorry

[caroldecker]

You need to understand the battery/power layout on the van. Most vans will have leisure batteries and engine batteries.
The leisure batteries should be wired into the solar panels and the inverter, whilst the inverter is wired into the 3 pin plugs. There should also be an external hook-up which will take over when you are at a site.
Do your 3 pin plug sockets work if you use them without a hook-up? If so, you have an invertor. If not, you need to understand the power supply situation of the van to find out what to do.

[katymac]

that is a perfect explaiination thanks Carol

So if see if it works without knowing about the inverter then if it doesn't I go to a garage/motorhome place to but one & presumably have it fitted

Thanks

[katymac]

Would it charge laptops & phones?

I know I have 2 batteries and 2 solar panels.....& I have a big orange cable to plug in at campsites

[grannycake]

I use an inverter to charge phones,etc if we are away overnight but not staying on a campsite where we can hook up to mains electricity. Husband does cyclocross so often away for just one night through sept to Xmas. Bit noisy but does the job.

[CointreauVersial]

Laptop and phone charging uses very little power so you'd be fine.

[caroldecker]

laptops, phones, telly all use very little energy, so fine. Kettles, heaters, cookers not so much. Do you know the size of the batteries?

[katymac]

OK - Microwave & TV are 12v/240v versions I guess they pick

My electric bike might be a problem....

I bought gas tongs just to be sure & I have a mini straightener which might be OK

[katymac]

Not yet but I will when I get it back from the upholsterers

I have 2 one exisiting & one new (just like the solar panels)

[katymac]

All beautiful & new!!