Inverters 101 - Everything A Beginner Needs to Know

[@fiamma6594]

Hello, before I found you, I had ZERO exposure to Solar, converters, inverters, AC/DC currents and I've learned so much from you! I feel more confident in making decisions now. You're a good teacher and I have crippling ADHD. I will say that even the few little jokes and humorous clips thrown in helped! I have a camper I'm going to move into once it's repaired. Again, thank you!

[@bob_frazier]

I see a lot of comments acknowledging your skill as a presenter. And you presented that entire subject without ever saying "alternating power." I'm amazed at your clarity, and I was a teacher for 30 years - you have a gift.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the kind words 🙏

[@MrDaveR-uq7iq]

Great Video , You made this video for everyone to be able to understand inverters the easiest way possible ! You have succeeded ! Great Job !

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much for the kind words and your support of the channel. I really appreciate you 🙏

[@NicholasAlt]

I ‘ve watched 100’s of vanlife vids as I plan to convert a van and live in it a few years from now. This video is EXCELLENT!!! You make the topic understandable, helpful, and useful. I’m a new subscriber and hope you keep making videos like this!!!❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

Absolutely amazing teaching and presentation.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that you watch our channel!

[@SawdustandSweatNC]

@DIYOutdoorLife Must admit, been AWAL for a while. Due to my bride's mobility restrictions I had to sell my 10HD and get something she could stand in. We found a good deal in a GeoPro 15TB. That being said, your skill in communication and experience is, as you know, valuable regardless of the travel trailer one may own. Thanks again!

[@hike2day70]

Very well presented. I think everyone thinks they are an electrical expert because we've lived in homes with electric all our lives... Not so. This teacher is very impressed with the progression of this lesson.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate you tuning in!

[@NorthernWhisper]

Electricity, for as ubiquitous as it is, is a scary phenomenon because people don't understand it. This prevents so many from exploring simple and cheap alternatives to more convenient systems. I don't know if I have ever seen someone talk about something so "scary" in a way that familiarizes it so well. In a single video, it goes from hard to understand to dirt simple. Excellent work!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate that you watch the channel and took the time to leave a comment. I agree, since it’s pretty non-intuitive, it can be frightening for folks. Once we get over the first hurdle, there’s a lot we can do.

[@markdermer]

You are clearly a teacher, and a talented one. I enjoy the real-world analogies you give and your only-slightly self-deprecating humor. It’s charming. I’ll be watching for sure.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate you watching the channel and commenting on the videos!

[@nononsenseBennett]

Very good teacher

[@richarddonovan4350]

IMO your advice to use DC devices as much as possible in your RV is spot on. These days we have more options than ever regarding DC devices.

[@petcuyvers]

Can even get a USB charger for Oral B electric tooth brush, USB shavers, hair trimmers, 12 v kettles, 12 v hot water etc

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

💯. I do have to look at that USB charger for the toothbrush… lol

[@kennethpayne8575]

I’m hearing the DC appliance suggestion but all the auxiliary equipment (TV, coffee pots, etc) all plug into standard AC outlets in the camper, there are very few/limited DC outlets in the camper, such as for charging phones). How do you reconcile that?

[@richarddonovan4350]

@@kennethpayne8575my opinion is a person may not avoid all AC appliances and that’s fine. Frankly that’s why we have inverters on our RVs. For example I have a small AC popcorn popper I like. But with that device I can turn on the inverter, use the device, then turn the inverter back off after use. If you can possibly avoid devices that would require you to use your inverter all day you’ll be better off. If you really like some AC appliance that requires an inverter all day maybe that means you may need more KW of power with your trailer when you want to boondock. Or, you may need to generate more power at your boondock site (e.g., generator, more solar, alternator power, etc).

[@TraconWizard]

​@kennethpayne8575 Agree with common appliances. But all our phone cables unplug from the AC brick, and you're left with a USB plug. We have about 7 USB outlets in our 5er. If you have an older trailer that's a challenge.

[@hilldollarbill]

Someone give this guy more promo and ad deals!!! I don’t even camp but this channel makes me believe I could do it 😅

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Haha… you should be my agent 😆

[@Genjonez-o763]

Ok. I’m only half way through. I have been trying to understand this for YEARS. You are really good at this! I’m so excited. My brain is doing a little happy dance inside my head!😂

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s awesome to hear, glad you found the channel!

[@yogaontheroadwithsandikoch4919]

This is exactly the info I have been trying to learn. Thanks for making it understandable.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for swinging by, we appreciate you watching the channel!

[@BlakeEpps-l6e]

You did a fantastic job of explaining how an inverter is used. I’m sure tons of people have a better understanding no. Thank you for making it so simple.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for that, I really appreciate it!

[@58kevinsmith]

Great tutorial Brian. Never too beginner to be very beneficial

[@dschroeder144]

Brian you belong in a classroom! Terrific delivery. Thank you for making this video. I did not know the distinction between converter and inverter (camping and in-house, I like it).

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s great to hear, I really appreciate you watching!

[@mykindpharm]

Even this old brain 🧠 is connecting with this information!!! Greatly appreciate your help!!!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s great to hear, I’m glad that you found the channel!

[@erich8258]

This is great! I see so many reference to inverters without a nuts-and-bolts explanation of what they do. Your explanation is clear and precise.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s great to hear, I’ll try to put out more content like this as well!

[@dianemurphy7625]

I'm currently full- time in a small travel trailer. I appreciate your beginner level videos so much, although at some point in all of them, you lose me. (My fault, not yours.) So many people I talk to have inverters, but my biggest use of AC is my toaster, which I plug in to a power station. You've confirmed for me that I don't really need an inverter. Appreciate your videos so much!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

You are the target audience, thank you so much for watching the videos!

[@WanderingLess]

That was a good first start for me. You helped me install my battery turn off so when i saw this vid i knew i should watch. As one former college prof you explained that well!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate it 🙏

[@Laurence-k6o]

Great advice from the UK. Please keep going, as this is pure gold.

[@nononsenseBennett]

CONVERTER...I learned something new today! Content that is useful (unlike the garbage on cable). Thanks!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Cables too expensive these days anyway.. lol Thanks for watching the channel !

[@austinmendez9079]

I'm learning a lot with you I'm a Hispanic and I'm not good with English but still I learn how you give a details about it .. thanks a lot

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for watching! Lucía’s first language was Spanish, feel free to comment in Spanish any time.

[@curronhill2744]

Thanks for the lesson professor! We have converted our needs from AC to 12 volts or/and gas

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

As always, I appreciate you watching the videos!

[@randydinglehopper62]

Really appreciate the background info. The depth is massively refreshing.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

You're very welcome! Thank you for watching the channel.

[@adca540]

This is an incredible video. I simply am trying to build a solar powered fan for a generator shed, just came across your channel, now on my third video. Unreal job man, thank you! Ps. I know nothing about this stuff so this is absolutely perfect for myself.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks so much, glad the info is helping you out! Stay tuned, we’ll make more related videos this season on the channel.

[@1RiverWalker]

Thanks Brian!!! Personally, I really am enjoying these “learning” videos.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback. We tried to put out all sorts of videos, you never know what people wanna watch.

[@lauriefriedo]

This is the best explanation I’ve seen so far. Thank you for sharing this information and breaking it down into understandable chunks!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much, I appreciate you tuning into the channel!

[@CherrieMcKenzie]

I ran into your video and have to say thank you! I learned the hard way some of the stuff you went through (I forgot to discharge a capacitor for my A/C and got what felt like someone grabbed my hand and shook it a hundred times VERY quickly) but you covered a lot of things clearly and easy to understand. Again, thanks!!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I have felt that zapped many times… 😂. Thank you for watching the channel and commenting!

[@paulapaul525]

Your video has been very helpful to me. I have a 12 passenger van that I want to do short trips in and I have been trying to figure out the electric components and options I could go with. You have given me a good start. I would watch additional videos you create on this topic.💖

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Glad it helped, I hope to make more videos on this topic!

[@bryanbryanmccoy7094]

Nice video! Truth hurts the inverter biz. lol Power loss is the biggest issue and you made that clear. Still need to make that coffee!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

DC is king… lol

[@major__kong]

@@DIYOutdoorLife I wish manufactures and car makers would switch over to 48VDC as the standard. I'm tired of running large, expensive cables all over the place for 12VDC loads.

[@angelabrodie2483]

Hi Brian! This is another GREAT lesson for anyone just beginning (like me 😊) and I personally love the association of Converter (Camp Power) and Inverter (In-home Power) - far from “Techno Speak” but helps simplify the concept in a meaningful way. Please keep going with this series!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s great to hear, I really appreciate that you watch the videos.

[@LisaBell-1970]

I am looking at purchasing a Hiker in the spring, your videos on all the battery, solar, inverters, converters, etc have been very helpful!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

How exciting, you’re gonna be so happy! Make sure to use my promo code for the Hiker, save a few bucks!

[@praveenpulikutti]

You are an amazing teacher.. thank you for teaching us about the basics of inverter!!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for supporting the channel, we really appreciate it!

[@Dr.Pepper_not]

Keep the videos on this coming. However (no pressure!!!!) please hurry up so I can order what I need by Black Friday. Likely need the next 2 videos in your planned series

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Haha… I’ll keep putting them out as fast as I can!

[@impecunioussoul2456]

Very informative and well explained. What is really great is that you bring it back to the real world situation. Thank you kind sir.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you watching the channel!

[@kathy1846]

Thank you brother, I've been ft in RV for 8yrs now. Mostly in a member campgrounds. So plugged in. I got solar. (Way Before I needed.) Have not jumped inter invertors. By now I think the invertors battery's are a better way to go for me in at 1 or 2 days curbside on occasion. But thank you for this info. And you did a great job explaining it to me. Happy trails. And thanks for thinking about our safety. 😊

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Happy trails, be safe out there!

[@LeighFlowers-k7i]

Thank you so much! I always get something from your videos … always informative and helpful. Yes, you are entertaining and the wooded views are always welcome ❤

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I really appreciate that you enjoy the channel! If you keep watching, I’ll keep filming.

[@TheSmozzie]

Thank you! This is exactly the type of beginner friendly information I need. I will definitely re-watch a couple of times.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s great to hear, I appreciate that you watch the channel!

[@58kevinsmith]

Excellent explanations and graphics Brian! ( One of my favorite scenes from Home Alone🤣) Thanks for sharing your knowledge, time and effort

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Ha ha… You gotta show Marv!

[@real-jeffdaniels]

So funny this video came up as I am contemplating the power needs for a Hiker Trailer build. Very well thought out and put together video. It is sinking in :)

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s great to hear, I appreciate that you watch the videos!

[@annettephillips2612]

Amazing professional presentation

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you tuning into the channel!

[@lawdog516]

Brian, absolutely fantastic and informative video, thank you for taking the time to make this video series

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for watching it! I appreciate that you tune into the channel when we put out videos.

[@lancereedy1766]

😢​@@DIYOutdoorLife

[@frankobusek5289]

Awesome! This video is definitely life-changing for me! Thank you for demystifying inverters in the differences between AC and DC power! For some reason this topic has always been nebulous and unclear, it's not intuitive but it is very simple concepts that are over complicated.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s really great to hear, I appreciate that you watched the video! Thank you!

[@RonGlover-w6l]

Very well done. You explained it so well, not only could I follow but I learned. Thank you and I am subscribing so I can learn more.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you and welcome. I appreciate that you subscribed!

[@mykindpharm]

I know your about outdoor and we love your content!!! We need to find easy solutions to power our well pump… well is 500’ deep and we are having a hard time figuring out what we need to keep water pumping AFFORDABLY for our livestock when our power goes out that doesn’t require a big noisy, heavy and stinky generator Keep pumping out the great content ❤

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

If you pull the information from your well pump, you should be able to see the voltage and current draw. There are several 240 V inverters on the market, I have used those to run well pumps before. Most of the time I use a 24 or 48 V DC battery to do it. I’ll try to put a video together next season, it’s a pretty handy system .

[@mykindpharm]

@ awesome!!! Thanks!! ☺️

[@DragnDon]

Excellent presentation. This is the kind of info that really helps me understand things better!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching

[@edcook8056]

I found your video well delivered and easy to understand. It helped me understand DC much better. Thanks!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s great to hear, thank you for watching the channel!

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Just purchased 2-100 ah batteries with goal of 3 and inverter. Been rethinking plan, 12 volts has worked for me for 5 yrs. Thanks for your imput...sticking to 12 v. Cost effective.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s a good idea, you always have the option to add if you need.

[@ktg8030]

This was awesome. Thank you.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

You’re awesome, thanks for watching!

[@michelle_pw]

Thank you for breaking this down so it’s (somewhat) understandable. 👍🏽

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I appreciate you watching, you’ll be a pro in no time!

[@robertclymer6948]

Hi! Yep, made it all the way through and enjoyed all the great Info you provided!! Sure was nice learning this Info as I look for my small RV trailer I will pull with my F-150. Really liked the Idea of the Converter kit with wires and controller. Eventually, I will add Solar panels ie, 2 200 watt solar panels. Thanks for sharing. Blessings from Michigan. usa

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s great, thank you for watching the video! The F150 actually has a built-in large inverter on one of their hybrid models now… It’s pricey, but awesome!

[@Mattedfred]

Good video bud. We still haven’t felt the need to install an inverter in our travel trailer. We only boondock a couple trips per season though. The longest trip has been 6 nights. We don’t have AC, TV, stereo or a microwave in our trailer. Our fridge is DC. We make our coffee in a percolator and toast on the propane stovetop and reheat food in the propane oven. We charge cellphones, headlamps, portable lights, a portable fan and BBQ lighters via USB. We have two 100Ah LifePO4 batteries, 180W portable solar and a dual fuel inverter/generator. I would like to add two more 100Ah batteries at some point in the future.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s a sweet system. No need to spend too much when you learn how to conserve and use DC.

[@major__kong]

I installed one "just in case" like emergency power for my house since my trailer sits next to my house. Everything I personally use can run off of DC.

[@tobyz.3452]

Great Video. Great job explaining how it works.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching!

[@hjackson7563]

I learned a lot. I'm a newbie, and this was clear and extremely useful. Thank you!!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much, I appreciate you watching the channel!

[@brianjmorrissey]

First time watching one of your videos - just subscribed. Came here curious about solar builds and left with much more. Thanks!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Welcome to the channel! Thank you for subscribing and watching the videos!

[@1markymark1]

Good video and thanks for the discount code, been wanting to upgrade 😊

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Sweet, I hope you’re able to save some money!

[@edsuits5794]

Very helpful explanations! Keep up the great work!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for swinging by, I appreciate you watching the channel!

[@gabrieldoesthings]

Loved this thanks!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I appreciate you watching!

[@gregspeakman9337]

Another great video. 12VDC appliances have come a long way since I first started using them in the late 70s. Cheaper to.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

They sure have, I even see that there’s a 12 V coffee pot on the market… it must take an hour to make coffee lol

[@briannichols5233]

Fantastic work my man

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Much appreciated!

[@donyaenge3440]

Well done, sir! This helped me so much. Thank you!!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Glad to help, thanks for watching!

[@woodbearpig6943]

AMAZING! Quality and informative content that i needed. Can you do something for alternator chargers? Potentially, a setup that uses a portable power station with battery expansions with solar and an alternator charger?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Coming soon!

[@sureshadyaify]

Great video

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching!

[@seller559]

Well done 👍

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@mckeoc]

Excellent explanation- keeping it simple 👍🏻

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I appreciate you watching, glad it was helpful!

[@RussellGann]

Excellent and to the point! Thank you

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching!

[@123marlo]

I am watching this from Scotland and I find you very interesting as I know not a thing about inverters and I am retired and I am working on a old VWT25 or I think there called Vanagon in States and I have a lot to learn about lecky in the van so I will be taking in as much I can with your advice and videos on this subject so cheers 🥃 stay safe and love from us Jocks across the pond 🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🇺🇸👊

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much for tuning into the channel! That’s an amazing build, keep us in the loop with your progress.

[@keithpayne8943]

Excellent informative video. I would love to see more like this. Thanks for doing it.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Will do, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@sharondomier3197]

Thank you. I am a beginner and have killed a couple of batteries in my old fiberglass trailer trying to understand all this stuff. I’ll watch and appreciate any other beginner friendly videos you are willing to make. I agree DC is great. But want the option to be able to use a 600W kettle or a 350W cooker.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much for watching. Almost all of us have killed a bunch of batteries as we learn along the way…. lol

[@TanjaWindegger]

brilliant! thank you so much. I finally understand this!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s great to hear, thank you for watching!

[@Jerseydaves]

Great job thank you! 🙏 very helpful 😊

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate that you watch the videos!

[@LeighFlowers-k7i]

Thanks!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for your generous support of the channel, it makes a big difference in helping us continue to make videos 🙏

[@MrDaveR-uq7iq]

Just subscribed , thank you .

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Welcome, thank you for subscribing!

[@reidtillery2856]

Great video. Thank you.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching!

[@davidelliott400]

Another great video. For TVs, I look at the power supply specifications as many are the same as standard USB ports. Easy DC conversion.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Absolutely! There is some really easy ways to convert yourself

[@Wilcoxurbanhomestead5260]

Thank you!!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching

[@fhaverkamp]

Great informative video. Shared it with a few people already. Keep up the great content.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much for sharing the channel, we will keep putting out the videos if people keep watching!

[@stevemueller7376]

Great info

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you 👍

[@southerngirlyall6497]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for watching!

[@neverwin2518]

Loving this content, goes great with your last vid!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for tuning in!

[@AndyMelton]

Definitely a newbie here! I have purchased several solar generators over the past few years (Jackery). Now I want to have a big battery to charge them back up with when the power is out and the sun isn't out! I haven't pulled the trigger on any batteries or inverters yet, but the Black Friday deals are tempting me to get something for when I am ready! I am slightly worried I might electrocute myself! 🤣

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

You’ll be a pro in no time, keep me in the loop with how you make out!

[@TeslaOverland]

Super helpful.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Good to hear, thank you for watching!

[@Backwoods-Chef]

Absolutely interested in this. In particular how to wire an inverter to use the outlets on the camper. I use as many dc devices as I can, but as you do, I like using an electric kettle and a milk frother. I typically use power stations, but would be nice to be able to use the outlet in the galley, I have not found a good video on how to install into the camper to use the outlets in a clean way

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I’ll try to do that this upcoming season, a lot of people ask about that video.

[@major__kong]

One solution is to buy an inverter with an automatic transfer switch. There's a hookup on the inverter to accept AC shore power. Then connect the AC load center to the pass-through connection on the inverter. This makes sure you can never power the AC load center from two different AC sources that are likely out of phase or backpower the grid. Both are very, very bad. When you have shore power it passes that power to the AC load center. When shore power dies or is disconnected, the inverter will automatically switch over to use the battery in 10-20ms, quick enough to not be noticed. Basically the only rewiring you have to do is the supply side of the load center. Don't have to touch the branch circuits / outlet wiring at all. My alter ego, Little Miami Fab here on KZbin, did a video on installing an inverter with an automatic transfer switch into a Hiker trailer. If you don't care about the automatic transfer feature, just ignore that part of the video. It's the same otherwise. My "load center" was a bus bar with a positive and negative side and another single pole bus bar for ground to keep the size down instead of using a relatively big box for homes. I can get away with it because the inverter has the requisite safety devices built in. I don't show step by step like crimping terminals onto wire or inserting wires into the terminal on the inverter. But I do show the basic approach. Of course, come back to this channel for his video. I'm just posting videos for fun. This channel is part of his income.

[@voyagerman22]

Love your videos. One suggestion though, maybe zoom in a little tighter. Keep up the good work.

[@J4Julz]

He wants us to see his beautiful property, so we'll all be inspired to head outdooors!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Haha… thank you for the feedback, I will try to do that!

[@AskIveSolar]

Great video boss. I watched all the way through. I much rather learn how to fish than be given a fish. Oddly enough, I can't fish. Lol.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I appreciate you watching, I’m with you on fishing!

[@douglashill9844]

How do you hook up the inverter output to your AC circuit, which might include such thinks as AC outlets, microvave, air conditioner - through the AC fuse box where shore power energizes the AC system?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Yes, I will get around to making a video one day. You just have to separate the AC and DC side in the converter and tie in.

[@tooshieg2059]

Thank you for making that easy to understand! QUESTION: Do we need to match a lead acid inverter to a lead acid battery (and LiFePo for a LiFePo battery, etc.) or are they interchangeable in battery chemistries?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

100% interchangeable Thanks for watching!

[@keithfultz3293]

Great job, as usual. Really looking forward to best way to refrigerate food in my Braxton Creek Free Solo DIN. I would like to do lots of boondocking and my 200 amp hour Renogy AGM only lasts a day or so, because I have to leave the inverter on. I have solar and a power bank that I use as much as I can, but want to think out of the box for how to refrigerate without AC. DC refrigerators are expensive and I understand that they can be problematic. Again, looking forward to your thoughts on this. Blessings. I remain THANKFUL for you and your work.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much for being a channel member! DC refrigerators are 100% the way to go . I know they might seem expensive upfront, and you definitely get what you pay for, but it is far cheaper than trying to work with batteries and inverters. Back in the day, I used to run gas refrigerators and AC refrigerators with inverters all the time . They are a pain and it destroys batteries. I now work with DC refrigerators any chance I can get, they’ve come along way! If you’re looking on a budget, BougeRV is the way to go. If you want something amazing, that will hurt your pocketbook, Truma is my choice. IceCo is in the middle. Keep me in the loop, but you definitely won’t be disappointed by ditching the AC fridge while boondocking!

[@major__kong]

Converter? I just call it a 12VDC power supply 🙂 Not sure what you use, but I bought a Victron DC-DC charger. I can tie it into the tow vehicle while I'm driving to charge the trailer batteries, or I can plug a 12VDC power supply into it at the campground. I don't use the 12V power through the 7-pin connector because I don't think it can supply the 20A to the DC-DC charger. Instead, I use the auxiliary 12VDC system I installed on my truck that runs all the way to the tailgate. If you regularly use the inverter and lots of AC power, I would get a separate 48VDC battery. 4x the voltage means 4x less current. This means 16x less ohmic losses. A change of 2 AWG is roughly a factor of 2x in diameter and a change in 4x in ohmic losses. The bottom line is that using a 48VDC inverter means the supply cables can be significantly thinner and cheaper, you aren't pulling a crazy amount of current, and 48VDC still isn't going to shock you. Of course, you need a 48VDC charger. But you can find those to plug into AC or do a 12-48V DC-DC charger from the 12V system. If you use an inverter, just make sure you follow the instructions for grounding and bonding. Some inverters come with built-in safety features, and those features can be defeated if you don't do the grounding and bonding correctly. This is just like the AC wiring in your house and needs the same amount of care and attention.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

As always, all good stuff 👍 I love my Victron Orion. .. pricey but great quality

[@thomasconner8739]

Brian, please do a video on the Epoch LiFePO4 300Ah battery paired with the BougeRV Flexible panels.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I will do my best, I have worked with epoch batteries before, I’ll try to film something.

[@Trailtested]

nailed it

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you!

[@Thom1973]

hey just a question is there a way to hook your converter for the battery charger into the inverter output to be able to charge your whole system

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

There is a way to accomplish what you’re talking about, but it’s way more involved than I could explain in a text response. I’ll try to do some more advanced videos on the topic in the upcoming season. Thanks for watching!

[@Thom1973]

@@DIYOutdoorLife kool looking forward to watching it

[@chartmann43]

Do they sell a bundle for us beginners? 😅

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Yes, links in the description

[@GeoJeepster]

Very informative…if I want to run my camper off of a large portable power station (like in one of your videos where you install an Andersen plug disconnect) how would that work out with an Inverter installed? Possible future video? Thx

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Since the DC output is only good for 30 A, and it’s 12 V, it’s only good for 360 W. With an inverter, you can’t get much done with that. I like to hook the camper up with the DC option, and use the inverter on the power station if I need to . There is a more involved method, where you can actually separate the two on the camper and that works really well. The DC items run on the DC port, but your outlets run on the power stations inverter and they are not mixed. I’ll show in the future video.

[@GeoJeepster]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Thanks for the reply Brian. Yeah...I agree with you on staying DC for almost everything (microwave and A/C excepted) and using the power station's inverter... right now I just plug my camper into my power station when I use the AC or Microwave) which has 5KW and a 4800 surge capability... but as you say... that's a very wasteful proposition! I will look forward to your future video on how to bypass the onboard inverter in going direct from the power station inverter.

[@tuberstitious]

Is there a way to hook my inverter directly to my rv breaker panel to get max amps available for my A/C? I HAVEN't found that info anywhere yet... :-(

[@tuberstitious]

And i like my 12v tv...trying to use DC when and where I can!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@tuberstitious​​⁠ Yes, it’s a pretty common installation to disconnect your converter and patch the inverter directly into your panel. Once you disconnect the converter, with its battery charger, patching your inverter in directly will power your AC appliances

[@J4Julz]

Wonderful video! This helps me a lot so that I can have intelligent and helpful conversations with friends about my and their camping set up, the batteries, and the parts of the system that are often hidden from us behind "the black box". One thing that I am unclear about, is the descriptor "pure sine wave" - I have seen it on gasoline generators and now on this inverter. My gas generator for the house (emergency use) doesn't say that on it, it's old... but what does it mean, and can it affect what we are plugging into the inverter if it isn't "pure"? Also, all portable power stations have inverters in them, right? Is there a converter involved when you are charging the battery in the power station? In the end then, is solar charging more efficient than using an AC charger? So many questions, sorry, but well, you did ask :) Ope! Another question: The Amazon link shows a kit and it looks like it includes an ethernet cable (RJ45) or is that a phone cord?- why would you need that?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I edited out the section on pure and modified sine inverters… lol. The video was pretty long. Modified or square sine inverters are not the best for appliances with motors or rectifiers. Basically anything that converts back to DC has a rectifier like battery chargers, computers, or TVs. I have a device called an oscilloscope, it allows you to see the sine wave. I don’t think this is a necessary piece of gear for you, but it’s worth reading your owners manual to see what type of sine wave it puts out. Don’t be alarmed, we used modified sine inverters for a long time. if you’re using it for temporary use, you’ll be fine. If you go to replace it, make sure it’s a pure sine. Yes, all PPS have inverters, nowadays they’re all pure sine. As you suspected, when you’re charging from the wall, there is a converter. Every battery charger that plugs into wall power is a converter. Although it is not as efficient, there’s not really any downside because utility power is abundant and cheap . The reason why EcoFlow sells a DC generator is because it can charge much more efficiently. When you’re considering gas consumption, it makes a noteworthy difference. The RJ-45 goes to that little screen I showed . This allows you to mount to controller where you can see it, even if the battery and inverter are located somewhere else. Whether in a cabin or a camper, sometimes we mount the inverter right by the batteries and it’s nice to have a control screen w in/off option. Hope this helps, great questions!

[@J4Julz]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@DIYOutdoorLifeThank you! excellent answers, and they all help build a better bank of understanding. I had to laugh about "consult owner's manual" on my generator...did I mention it's OLD? Lol, I'm sure I can find something in an online archive. Maybe I'll get lucky and it is only missing a PureSine sticker. Edited to add: I found the manual online! 1994 model. No mention of sine wave. Just "2-pole, revolving magnetic field type". Also, it weighs 278#, and to think I used to pull that up into the bed of my truck to do fencing. Makes the 68# Bluetti seem like a piece of cake!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@J4Julz Haha… I’m on my way out the door, going to be off grid for a couple weeks. If you send me the make and model of the generator, I can look it up.

[@dbass1276]

Man, thank you, I need to watch this again. The light bulb is starting to go on(sorry). I need to rethink some things to match my developing conceptions, like a DC cpap machine, dc reading lights for bedrooms, instead of multiple power stations, let the generator take care of well, septic, fridge only?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Exactly! For off grid set ups, I really encourage going with a DC refrigerator as well. Sometimes propane refrigerators are far easier and cheaper than even running generators. Although there are some great DC water pump options, the well pump can be a challenge. You can really go down the rabbit hole with this one, sometimes a very large pressure tank allows you to be able to avoid cycling the well pump frequently. Thanks for swinging by!

[@pollyaloy]

Another fantastic video great for beginners like me and your such a great guy .thanks 🙏👍

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that you watch the channel 🙏

[@jeffroberts857]

Hi Brian we recently moved purchased a Hiker trailer and am looking at putting in an Epoch 300ah battery. What inverter would you suggest to get for this battery??? Bougerv 2000w??? Bougerv 3000w??? Victron2000 or 3000w multi systems ??? It’s all been quite confusing on what is actually needed and works well.

[@major__kong]

That's quite the battery. It will likely put out 300A continuous at 12.8V (voltage will sag under a heavy load). At 90% efficiency, that's about 3500W!!!!!! What are you running out of a Hiker that needs that much power? A hair dryer running full bore will only consume 1500W. Figure out what loads you want to run away from shore power then selected an appropriately-sized inverter. Inverters cost money, and the lower the power the lower the cost. Then be satisfied with the exceptionally long inverter run time from the 300Ah battery.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I think the bougerv 2000 would be great. No sense spending more money than you have to. As the other commenter said, 3000 is a lot. If you’re not using multiple cooking devices at once, 2000 will allow you to run anything.

[@robertclymer6948]

Oh, Question please? Is their a rule of thumb for how choosing Amp hour batteries for use with the 2000W and 3000W inverters? Thanks so much!!!!

[@J4Julz]

I want to know too!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Yes, you don’t have to worry about the amp hours, you have to check the BMS rating. I will do a video on this in the upcoming season.. 100 amp BMS will do 1000 W inverter 200 amp will do a 2000 250 will do a 3000 Like we talked about in the video, divide the watt volts. 3000÷12 is 250 Amps. In order to get full capability out of the inverter, the battery will have to be able to put out 250 amps. Hope this helps!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

If you have a lead acid battery, they are way more capable in any size to run an inverter. The problem is, they don’t last long and they wear out fast. The BMS discussion is just about lithium batteries.

[@major__kong]

@@DIYOutdoorLife I don't know about that. Yes, there isn't a BMS. So you can pull a lot more current for a given physical size. However, the voltage will sag significantly and may easily reach the low-voltage cutoff. Lithium batteries are so cheap now that adding an extra battery in parallel to handle the current is well worth the much, much longer run time IMHO.

[@dustydawson8977]

Personally I'd recommend running 24v or higher instead of 12v. @24 volt your amps are cut in half, 3000w÷12v=250amps, 3000w÷24v =125amps, 3000w÷48v=62.5amps, lower the amperage, thinner and cheaper the wire, and breakers. His information is all correct, but it's just as cheap to run 24v as it is 12v with a better overall outcome

[@bayoubees9447]

Excellent content, well explained. I do have a question about battery sizes though. The numbers are the same for a group 31 and group 24. Does the physical size make any difference in true capacity?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

No, the size doesn’t necessarily correlate. Some smaller batteries have higher capacity, it depends on how the battery is built and the energy density.

[@bayoubees9447]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Thanks for the reply. Currently setting up my 19 ft Geo Pro for Lithium. My replacement inverter came in a few minutes ago, planning on a 150 ah battery. 400 watts of solar on the camper now. Almost there!