Inverter suggestions

Most likely the wrong section but I didn’t see a sub section for off grid power solutions. What is the consensus for a power inverter size 500,750,1000w? We already all have the 400w inverter and I could use that but it still requires the engine to be on and it connected to the starter battery. I have an 100ah battleborn and looking to add an inverter to run off that. Now I’ve checked everything we will most likely use and do currently use when we are out and most seem to fit that 500w size (heated blankets, wife’s hair dryer on low, blender (don’t judge a maragarita at camp is amazing) small fan etc.) but would it be better to have more say a 1000 or even 1500w inverter should we “need” it (nespresso on the trail anyone lol)?

 

I'd strongly suggest 1500 watt. It seems almost anything wants +/- 10 amps of A/C power. Our 400 watt units are really a joke - that's only a healthy 3 amps of 120v. Having said this, you'll need an extra AGM battery. I did a Northstar in my Tacoma, with all Blue Sea related items. They are taller and thinner than a Grp 27 or Grp 31. You absolutely don't want to be running an inverter off your truck battery.

 

I already have a 100ah lithium

 

I had a Vector inverter that I kept in my last 4Runner for well over 10 years. It was a low powered unit, but it always worked. I used it a few times a year until I bought my Tacoma in 2017. I'd definitely buy another from them if I were in the market.

 

I would be curious as to the highest wattage inverter forum members are running for camping needs. I have a dual batt and have thought about an inverter but unsure how high to go.

 

I'd suggest to anyone with a dual battery setup to dedicate one battery to the truck - probably a Grp 27 or Grp 31. Then look at the other battery as the "camper" battery. The two can be connected via an intelligent charge combiner/isolator, so that your "house" loads don't run down the truck battery. Then, add up the wattages of all your stuff you'd be running off the inverter. Then, look at your charging source - engine alternator, solar panels, etc. If you are able to recharge to 80% of the battery capacity daily, I'll bet that leads you to a 150 to 200 amp hr battery. Look at the helpful material on-line from makers of Lifeline AGM, NorthStar and Odyssey Red Top batteries; also look at the info on wiring/charge combiners/etc. from BlueSea Systems.

 

So I reached out battleborn and they suggested max of 2000w running off their battery with my setup.

setup is battleborn gc2 100ah lithium battery
Redarc bcdc 1240d with a victron 712b monitor and 300w of solar.

im a little confused on it because their website says maximum continuous draw is 100ah. 200ah for 30 seconds. I’m not a rocket scientist but 2000/12= 166a not including the efficiency variation from the inverter.

 

OK Adam. Those numbers sound about right.
A really strong deep cycle battery - like your lithium, should be able to put out those DC amps.
When the vendor says that you could probably get 2000 watts running (the inverter), that sounds about right, as that would be 16+ amps of 12o v AC.
In more conventional terms, your lithium battery is +/- about the same as a good Lifeline Grp 31 deep cycle battery.
The solar panels will help some when you are using the inverter, but mostly will be a nice charge source during the day, when your AC loads are lower. If you have the sun helping all day, you woin't need to run your engine as long to charge up for supper time duty.

 

Where did you mount the Victron? Do you like how it performs? Was thinking about getting one as I use a redarc as well.

 

Everything is mounted to the the back of this box securely and has been wire loomed and covered up then re routed etc under and around the base plate. The battleborn is strapped in under that flip up portion. On the right side.

 

Looks good! Do you use the phone app with it?

 

Giandel are tough cheap inverters. Buy a 2000. That way U don’t have to get another when/if you add another battery

 

Amps (A)? Or, amp hours (AH)

Amps would be the current being drawn by a load. Amp hours is the amount of power your battery is able to store. So, your 100 AH battery could power something that draws 100 amps for 1 hour. Or, something that draws 1 amp for 100 hours.

I'm guessing that's the maximum amp draw, not amp hours. So, he's probably saying that it is safe to continuously draw 100 amps from the battery, and up to 200 amps for short bursts.

 

Bms will kick it out

bms will kick it out and won’t run 200 amps but it will surge to allow start up draw for things with motors

 

Correct. I got carried away lol.

 

That makes sense. I can't imagine what anyone could need to run for an extended period that would require that much power, anyway.

On the other hand; 2000 watts, or ~166 amps at 12v, is almost like maxing out a 20 amp, 120v circuit in your house. That means you can run a blender! This opens up a ton of options for camp cocktails!

Sounds like a nice setup!

 

Well I ended up getting a 1500 pure sine. Install will be this weekend. The reason for not going all the way to 2000 is that one I dont have anything that would need it and two the surge output even at 10% efficiency will more than double the batteries capability.