Do i have an inverter?

[jasperkins]

newbie question. I am out boondocking as I write this in Colorado. I thought the Eddie Bauer 27fb includes an inverter from the factory. However I see nothing in the fuse box and no outlets work. Yet the 12v dc plugs and all other systems are a go.

where is the inverter mounted on this model if it had one? I am assuming it does not however. I was hoping to watch a DVD on tv, and this is how I found out.

[lsbrodsky]

I will jump in even though I have an International 25 FB. On mine the inverter is all the way forward, under the bed, in a box with the battery cables, etc.
You should have a control switch on a wall, mine is in the kitchen, to turn the inverter on, if you have a factory inverter.
There are separate AC outlets near the TV's, under the dining table, and I think in the kitchen that have label indicating that they are inverter powered.
Larry

[m.hony]

The 12 volt system will work- 12 volt power ports and house lights.
If no 120 volt outlets work you most likely do not have an inverter.

[aftermath]

I agree with what Larry said. The inverter has to be turned on AND it will only power a few outlets, those marked as such. On my 25FB the switch is on the wall in the kitchen. My outlets are located by the television locations and one under the dining table.

The inverter does not power all of the regular 110 outlets in the trailer. If I had access to my trailer right now I would send you a picture of the switch. It is a push button thing, gray in color.

[Al - K4GLU]

The inverter is a option it does not come as standard equip. If your trailer has an inverter it will also have dedicated 110V inverter outlets with blue stickers saying "Inverter Circuit".

[jasperkins]

I have a black box under the bed with lots of wires and a relay which I thought was the inverter. However no switch or outlets labeled inverter anywhere in the trailer. This would be a good investment!

[lsbrodsky]

No switch or dedicated outlets pretty much point to no inverter from the factory. If your box has a front panel accessible with the bed down it is probably the converter. Open up the panel and you should see fuses and breakers.
The inverter itself is about the size of a book(if anyone still knows what a book is), slightly larger than a paperback, slightly smaller than a hardback.
Larry

[Colonial Airstream]

The Inverter is optional on all new Airstream trailers except the Sport series.

[50KIP]

I have a factory installed 600 Watt inverter in my 2009 International CCD. The picture shows the setup for the television. Top outlets are from the inverter; the outlet below is 120 VAC from shore power and the others are for the cable and antenna, There is a Winegard cigarette lighter outlet for 12 VDC, but I have never been able to find a cigarette lighter plug to fit in it (too small an opening) and is thus useless.

[m.hony]

I have that same Winegard 12 volt power port/signal strength amplifier in my trailer. I had the same outlet in our previous trailer. I use them.

[mefly2]

They are labeled (inverter) outlets in our EB and to secure power from them, the inverter switch in the galley must be activated.

[AIRSTERLING]

Total newbie so be patient with me. Preparing to by EB 27 foot.
Q: what is an inverter & why do I need this?
Q: which inverter should I order?
Q: Solar panels, batteries, generator & inverter?

Please help...thank you!

[m.hony]

An inverter makes 120v AC from 12v DC so you use your microwave or other 120v appliances while boondocking or dry camping.
Do you need one?
If you plan to camp in RV parks and campgrounds with electricity- no-
If you plan to camp off the grid- yes-
Solar panels are good either style of camping you do. If you camp in campgrounds with electricity a small solar panel array to trickle charge the house batteries while in storage is sufficient. If you boondock more solar panels would be beneficial. AGM batteries are supposed to hold a charge longer and survive longer being continually depleted. If you plan to camp in campgrounds with electricity AGM batteries are good to have but not necessary. If you plan to boondock AGM batteries would be the best choice.

[AIRSTERLING]

M.Hony: THANKS! solar panel recommendations?

[AIRSTERLING]

Need batteries + solar panels + inverter + generator?

[m.hony]

No recommendation on solar panel as I don't have one. I think for me one of the small automotive ones that lies in the window and plugs into a 12 volt plug would do. I wish I would have bought a trailer with solar from the factory.

[m.hony]

Only if you boondock.
If you camp in RV parks batteries are sufficient.

[dkottum]

The quiet and convenience of a basic solar system with an inverter is terrific for routine travel. You don't have to rely on hookups and still have some electrical power and your propane to live comfortably and quietly. The factory system works well for this.