First off, excuse my extreme ignorance of electrical systems. I am wondering if this powersupply, kept strapped down in my TV, could be an alternative to adding another battery(s) to my system, mainly to sporadically power microwave and lcd tv. It's basically a 60 aH agm battery with 1500w inverter that sells for about $350. I know that depending on the device, run times are short. We are having 130w of solar installed, and I was hoping to use this as a backup, plus the battery and inverter combo seems like a good deal. Could I just plug the whole trailer into it for pretty brief periods? That sounds way too good to be true, so it probably isn't. We have a 3000ei, but because I camp a lot alone with my kids (ages 2 and 5), something smaller, silent, etc. that don't have to move sounds appealing. Thoughts?
First off, excuse my extreme ignorance of electrical systems. I am wondering if this powersupply, kept strapped down in my TV, could be an alternative to adding another battery(s) to my system, mainly to sporadically power microwave and lcd tv. It's basically a 60 aH agm battery with 1500w inverter that sells for about $350. I know that depending on the device, run times are short. We are having 130w of solar installed, and I was hoping to use this as a backup, plus the battery and inverter combo seems like a good deal. Could I just plug the whole trailer into it for pretty brief periods? That sounds way too good to be true, so it probably isn't. We have a 3000ei, but because I camp a lot alone with my kids (ages 2 and 5), something smaller, silent, etc. that don't have to move sounds appealing. Thoughts?
A 60 AH battery, regardless of type, has a maximum ability to deliver at 100 percent efficiency, 720 watts.
A realistic efficieny is about 75 to 80 percent.
Therefore, at best, your battery will only provide enough energy to run 1500 watts, for maybe 15 minutes. However, a good inverter will kick out once the DC input drops to sometimes as little as 11 volts DC.
Your 130 watts of solar, is probably for the day, certainly not per hour. Per hour would more than likely cover the entire roof of your trailer with solar panels.
A more practical use for an inverter is for very short term use, like a few minutes, or fo a very small DC current drain.
Remember that at 100 percent efficiency, which your inverter cannot be, to get one amp at 120 vac, would mean that the input at 12 volts DC, would be 10 amps.
Thanks for the replies. My realistic daily use for the powerpack would be microwaving mac n cheese (3-5) minutes, and a movie, with some recharging from about 2 hours of driving my TV per day.
I'm afraid you might be disappointed in that investment in the long run but I sure understand what you are trying to accomplish.
First, if the inverter is a modified sine wave, it will not run most microwaves at full power and will increase the run time required to complete the job.
Also like mentioned, the 60 amp battery is going to be taxed heavily and will not last more than a few minutes but assuming you got the job done (including watching a movie) the next task is to ready the battery for tomorrow. 130 amp solar won't do it but will help. You will need to run that generator at some point for a couple hours each day and/or drive to let the TV alternator help charge it back up.
I would consider a larger battery if you plan to do this routinely and see if that inverter is available with a built-in charger.
I should have been more clear, but my intention is to have the powerpack as a separate system for 'luxury' stuff (i.e. TV). Because we tend to use our trailer as a basecamp and drive 1-2 hours a day roundtrip for hiking, fishing, etc, the powerpack would get some recharge then. The inverter is a msw, so it sounds like the microwave might be out. All I am expecting from the 130w solar is to help maintain trailer batteries for lights, fans, and water pump.
I should have been more clear, but my intention is to have the powerpack as a separate system for 'luxury' stuff (i.e. TV). Because we tend to use our trailer as a basecamp and drive 1-2 hours a day roundtrip for hiking, fishing, etc, the powerpack would get some recharge then. The inverter is a msw, so it sounds like the microwave might be out. All I am expecting from the 130w solar is to help maintain trailer batteries for lights, fans, and water pump.
Our solution to your boondocking issues:
small $29 inverter to run the norelco corded whisker remover and a 60 watt TV/DVD combo unit. Run it off the normal trailer batteries.
Mac n Cheeze on the stovetop.
For popcorn while watching the movie, Jiffy-Pop! (shake, shake, shake)
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Dave
Okemos, MI
T.V.:'05 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Quad Cab Cummins AIR#2276
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