Inverter Powered by Engine?

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by discodoc

Hello all,

Has anyone ever used a large inverter like this product along with a large alternator to provide 30A or 50A service from the idling motor of the tow vehicle?

Any advice would be welcome, thanks.

Discodoc, there’s another way to accomplish what you’re proposing. Pteck, a fellow Forum member has documented using a Goal Zero Yeti with a built-in inverter to provide AC power to his Airstream. He installed a transfer switch to select either the Yeti or shore power making it seamless.

Back to your thought of using the tow vehicle to charge, you’d want a DC-DC charger. This protects your tow vehicle’s alternators from possible damage. Redarc and Renology make DC-DC chargers. eTrailer has some videos on how to use and wire the Redarc.

By the way, Goal Zero just released new models with 2000W inverters (3500W surge). Bonus: The Yeti is portable so you can us it anywhere when not using it in your Airstream.

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by TouringDan

discodoc- I have installed a 1,000 watt pure sine inverter in my Tundra. This can be used to power the converter to recharge the lithium batteries if solar isn’t cooperating.



DanAttachment 378424

I just stumbled across the CarGenerator add. They will sell you a 1000 watt weatherproof inverter to connect up to your 12v battery using jumper cables for $795. They also offer a dry (not weatherproof) inverter for $460. I looked closely at this model and see that it appears to be the same as the Zamp model that I installed in my Tundra.
I checked with Amazon and the cost of a Zamp 1000 watt inverter is $325 including remote and cables.

I continued looking to see what else was available and found a Giandel 1200 watt inverter for only $200. It appears to be the same size as the Zamp inverter, which is a plus, and provides 200 more watts. The additional watts won’t charge your battery any quicker but it should allow you to operate most any appliance in your Airstream except for the air conditioner. It should even operate a small microwave. Just a 14 gauge extension cord from the TV to your Airstream and you are in business.

I would install this model today if I had not already installed the Zamp inverter in my Tundra. Looking at the CarGenerator add, it provides a pretty good case for using your TV to provide the power to operate a 1000 watt (or the 1200 watt inverter I recommend) inverter to provide short term clean electrical power to your Airstream.

Another use I have found for it is to charge up my 35 Ah lithium battery while driving or to heat up food using my rice cooker while driving.

Dan

[TouringDan]

Here is a photo of my rice cooker. There is adequate room to close the hood so I can heat food up as I am driving. It only requires 350 watts.

Installation of the inverter is very simple and very economical- just $200 for 1,200 watts of clean AC power. All you need is an extension cord to connect to your Airstream and you have power to charge your batteries or operate a hair dryer, blender, toaster, an Instant Pot or a small microwave or most other appliances.

I would install an inverter in my TV before spending the money on a solar generator. Just another option!

Dan

[TouringDan]

I suppose one of the disadvantages of operating an inverter using your TV motor is that it will use a bit more fuel. The CarGenerator add specifies a fuel burn rate of about 0.2 gph for the Honda 1000 watt inverter generator. A Tundra forum measured a fuel burn rate of 0.4 gph. At $2.00/gal the Honda generator costs $0.40/hr and the Tundra/inverter generator costs $0.80/hr.

It only takes a medium duty extension cord to provide 1,000 watts of power to the Airstream. I purchased a 40 ft exterior extension cord from Lowe’s for less than $15.00. Here is a photo.

Dan