1500W inverter - what can I power?

[Sassenach]

Im just starting out and my van came with a 1500w inverter. It ran a TV and Dvd player, which I have removed from the start.

Can I run mini-fridge in my van 24/7?  The one I saw at the store energy reading is about 219 w... per year.

I can't afford a Dometic or the likes of those, but I read that someone took a dorm room mini fridge and plugged it into an inverter. I don't have a house battery or any other source of power. The cooler I have is hollow core and I can't keep buying ice. Really glad summer is over!

Does anyone have suggestions? I would like to keep milk, butter, cheese and fresh veggies.

 

[Wabbit]

What are you going to power the inverter with?

 

[highdesertranger]

at the very least you are going to need a house battery(s) and plenty of solar. I am not a fan of dorm fridges. highdesertranger

 

[Sassenach]

What are you going to power the inverter with?

Its wired into my Vans battery... I'm guessing. Its an RPPI inverter. Plus there are 2 electrical outlets to plug into (one at the front of the van and one at the back). I don't see where else the power is coming from, but I've never had a dead battery (jinx).

I have plugged a fan into it a number of nights. Charged electronics, etc.

 

[Sassenach]

at the very least you are going to need a house battery(s) and plenty of solar.  I am not a fan of dorm fridges.  highdesertranger

So do you think I can leave a 12V cooler plugged in all the time if I drive about 4 hrs a day?

 

[highdesertranger]

short answer, no. by 12v cooler I am assuming you mean one of the Peliter coolers. very inefficient. highdesertranger

 

[Sassenach]

I am leaving Madison Wi and heading South to Georgia in late September. I know nothing about electrical. Is there anyone in my line of travel that can help?

What kind of professional should I seek out? What shop does this type of work? I've got wires running up and back. Some of my house lights are out. All I've been able to accomplish is changing most bulbs to LED.

 

[Sassenach]

short answer,  no.  by 12v cooler I am assuming you mean one of the Peliter coolers.  very inefficient.  highdesertranger

If not Peltier, can you recommend the most efficient model?

 

[Sassenach]

If not Peltier, can you recommend the most efficient model?

PS, thanks for the short answer. There is no use getting technical with me.

 

[highdesertranger]

a 12v compressor is your most efficient. however whatever your are going to use you are going to need house batteries and solar. or you can drive 8 hours a day or use a generator. if you don't understand a term or anything just ask. we were all there at one time. highdesertranger

 

[Treknik]

So, I’m going to take a minimally educated guess here. When I’m wrong I’m sure the more qualified here will help clarify.

I think the best way to view your inverter is that it was designed to power the TV and DVD player for the kids riding in back as their parents drove down the highway. Not while the van is parked with the engine off. Trying to run the original TV/DVD or a refrigerator as an alternative while parked with the engine off will quickly drain your main battery.

What can you power? Your (all) inverters usefulness is probably a bit disappointing when running off the main battery. However, maybe not useless. Perhaps many short use 12V or low wattage 110V appliances could be used.

The comments from others above are really saying you need separate battery(s) and a way to charge them (solar, generator, plug-in) to effectively power something like a refrigerator 24/7 unless your van is running.

Trying to learn this stuff myself. Hope this helps.

 

[VanKitten]

Think of it this way. To take power out of a system, you have to put power in.

The inverter also takes some power too.....there is some amount of loss when you run it.

Since batteries are all DC (some 12v, 24 some 48...but all D.C.) sonverting that to AC will cost some overhead.

I too started out knowing nothin about DC and batteries. I tried 3 times to pay someone to do this work for me. 3 times they took my money and didn't do the job asked.

So for now, if I were you I would get a better ice chest and get a book entitled 12v wiring for sailboats. It was the best guide I found. You really shouldn't be draining the truck battery...it is not designed to take the drain. It is a battery intended to deliver a lot of power but only in a short burst. Get a deep cycle battery and learn to wire it to charge from your alternator when you are driving.

 

[Sassenach]

RoamingKat , "I tried 3 times to pay someone to do this work for me. 3 times they took my money and didn't do the job asked."
Indeed, the local shops I have visited want the job but it seems as if its their first try at it. I say 'No thank you sir'. Good point to state. Thanks for bringing this subject up. I need to remember this is not an automobile issue.

This is why Bob's starting this community is so valuable to humanity. For some of us attaining independence in this manner is our way of doing our part in society. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and coasting this forum. And answering the same questions over and over.

I need deep cycle batteries and power to charge those. Solar and shore are the only sources of power at this time (someday a generator). Also, make sure my truck battery is protected.

I should stick with 12v appliances, because there is some loss during the AC/DC transfer (Immediately replace fan with a 12v plug in).

When I finally invest in a fridge, the most efficient is a compressor cooler. Ranger, I still don't now what that means but you've saved me from accepting the free dorm fridge for my trip south this fall. You won't see me on the side of the road with a dead battery. Thank you all.

House batteries are now priority. Rabbit, you where the first to answer me with a question. I think we've gotten to the bottom of this issue. Sometimes I just want the easy solution, which was to stick an old dorm fridge in my van and drive away into the sunset.

Technik... for a techie I'm really surprised you speak English. Thanks for your summery. Oh, its Treknik! maybe you aren't a techie. But thanks anyway. Your all fantastic, I love the community.

I hope I didn't forget to thank everyone. I've read the list of 'like' postings that pop up below, that is helpful too.