Inverter

[Gavin and Bigi]

I'm looking to get an inverter for our 2008 Auto Sleeper Warwick Duo (our first campervan which we got on Monday!).

I'm thinking something like this:
Renogy 1000W 12V to 240V Pure Sine Wave Inverter

It's main use will only be to charge our laptops which have 65W chargers - so it's more than up to the job and could be used for much more if needed.

I like this one because it has a remote switch so I can put it out the way and only switch it on when needed.

I do have a concern though - and that is the battery is mounted under the drivers seat and ideally I would like to put the inverter under the bed at the back of the vehicle. The supplied battery leads are only 2ft long and are pretty thick - so I'm assuming taking an existing 12 feed from under the bed isn't a good idea? Any suggestions?

Looking at the battery I don't see a brand but it says TYPE LP110, 12v, 110AH, 800MCA.

 

[Googlebot]

That will take about 100amps at full blast.

You will need 50mm square cable for a long run which is huge and it will need to go direct to the battery with a mega fuse for that distance.

If it’s just for laptops, I would consider a very small one just capable and plug it into a cigarette lighter that is convenient. The bigger the inverter, the more faff and cost.

Also your one battery won’t last more than 30 minutes at full blast and will also probably damage it. :-(

Have you considered 12v laptop power supplies? Might be much easier and cheaper.

 

[Lenny HB]

If you ever want to use at full power you need at least 400 ah of leisure batteries, i.e. another 3 batteries.

It's wasteful to have a bigger inverter than you need as the bigger the inverter the larger the quiescent current draw & the overhead it needs when running.

For charging laptops far more efficient to use 12v chargers they are about £20.

 

[StillGoing]

How about mounting the inverter next to the battery and running a mains cable to the lounge? I don’t know about Renogy but my Victron inverter can have a remote switch which can be a long way from the inverter.

 

[rosalan]

My understanding is the inverter should be as close to your battery as possible, with heavy duty cables.

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[pappajohn]

I like this one because it has a remote switch so I can put it out the way and only switch it on when needed.

Remote switching will be for the 230v output only.
To control inlet voltage would require a 200+amp relay/switch.
The input side would still consume a relatively high amperage on standby.
Oh!....and you've got no chance with just one 110ah battery.

 

[Raul]

Remote switching will be for the 230v output only.
To control inlet voltage would require a 200+amp relay/switch.
The input side would still consume a relatively high amperage on standby.

Not realy, remote switching controls the fets on the pcb and cuts the dc supply, what you suggesting is not healthy for the caps. The DC feed should be permanent if a swich is provided.

 

[tonka]

If its only for a laptop why not ditch the inverter idea and just use a step up charger.
This is 12v (van) to 19v (laptop) Others are out there..
With the inverter you are going from12vdc to 230vac then using the laptop original charger back down from mains to 18/19v dc..
The inverter itself will have losses.


Amazon product ASIN B07W5DD6M9

 

[RogerIvy]

We’ve mounted a few inverters or Multiplus in the garage with about a 4-5m run to the battery.
Not ideal but if there is no other way …
As others have said, you need pretty thick cables. But if there is no other option it is doable, and the cables will add considerable weight.
But as others have mentioned, think out the box for laptop charging …. That’s why I like USB-C laptops, you get some pretty good 12v-ciggy to USB-C chargers for laptops (I use one for my MacBook Pro).

 

[Gavin and Bigi]

Thanks everyone. That's helped me - I've learned a lot. I will almost certainly get some 12v chargers instead.

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[scotjimland]

Thanks everyone. That's helped me - I've learned a lot. I will almost certainly get some 12v chargers instead.

good plan.. that's what I use for my MacBook Air

other stuff like phones, and tablets can be charged from a USB socket

However.. there is always a fly in the proverbial ointment..

We both have Fujifilm cameras, the battery chargers need 240v. .. no 12v option, and for that I bought a cheap 150w quasi sine wave inverter that plugs into a 12v socket