Inverters: A Must-Have For EVERY RV

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Check out our Solar Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLTSSVhr0HOziXzWEIuRLR9f9cOM4YPLdI&si=NNsQ6DkBcDW5D2oU

[@BarbMMH]

Thanks for including the link to the playlist. When I click on the link in the video it frequently sends me to someone else’s video. I think that’s because I like watching your videos to the very end

[@BarbMMH]

Thanks for this video and explanation. You are a great teacher!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Barb, thanks. Aww. That’s a great compliment. I’ll tell him, Alice

[@canwelook]

Fancy stuff! If we changed to lithium batteries, we'd consider this. We're doing it much simpler atm. 2 Agm batteries, 360 watts solar on the roof, a portable solar panel for cloudy days. That's it! We do carry a generator but don't need to use it. We charge up phones and power banks using simple 12v charger adapters and use those power banks to run our computers and tablets. We do carry 150 watt inverters but rarely use them (mainly to recharge bikes and fans) ... because they waste energy and restrict where we can sit. Portable rechargeable fans keep us cool on the hot days and we travel to climates that suit the season. Propane for cooking. We avoid caravan parks (too cramped and less appealing), do free camping and donation camping almost exclusively. Full time. Loving it!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Sounds like you guys are power misers, which is great, we have a computer that eats up watts while we edit videos, that’s really the only thing we have the eats big power, we rarely have to use ac but its nice to have when we really need it. Larry

[@Shopsktkolsc]

Very informative video. Thank you for taking the time to share that.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Sandi, we appreciate the support. Larry is always trying to find ways to help other RVers Alice

[@ro-cl2do]

Larry, thanks for the video. Were running a 2000W Magnum Inverter/charger, 824AH of Lithium which we charge using two Victron 30A DC-DC alternator chargers and our on board 7KW Diesel Generator. No solar for me, our systems works great.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Well, that is an awesome alternative to using solar, I really want to add a DC to DC in the truck to charge the batteries on cloudy rainy travel days where we’re headed to dry camping. Want to get there with full batteries. Larry

[@JonnyDIY]

Great information Larry 💕👏👍 Thanks for sharing. Cant wait to see the set up/install video. Great job producing top notch quality content you two 😎 🤙

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks, Jonny. That’s quite a compliment. You know the work it takes to make a video like this 🤗 Alice

[@JonnyDIY]

@@DownsizingMakesCents for sure I can tell you guys put a lot of time in to filming and editing. Mines usually more run and gun since I sometimes dont have patience to do project and film. And editing!? Hate it haha. I've probably got 50 videos in queue waiting 😆😭

[@Electronzap]

Really good introduction to RV power.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks. Larry uses me as a test - if I understand than the non tech people will, too 😁 Alice

[@chhook949]

Larry time to sell ice to the Eskimos could listen to you all day. Well prepared not your first rodeo very learned! All The Best With The New Rv! Happy Travels! Be Well Be Safe & Stay Blessed.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

😆 that’s why he was salesman for most of his career. He definitely learned a lot when he installed the system over 4 years ago. Then learned more when he switched from the Multiplus 1 to the 2. He truly loves sharing his experience and helping other RVers. And thanks 🤗 Alice

[@catherineH4785]

We are in Australia, and do not usually go to campgrounds and plug in. We rely on our 240w lithium batteries, and solar panels. We only have a 600w inverter to charge the computers and small electrical things, phones are charged through the 12v system. Gas cooking, microwave only when plugged in to shore power, and diesel heating. We avoid camping in the heat, but do have fans. Sometimes in winter and high lattitudes we supplement the solar panels with a moveable and portable solar panel, and very occasionally our 2200 Honda generator.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Ok we are coming to visit in Australia, i will watch any show or movie filmed in Austrailia, it is on my bucket list to travel in a truck camper accross the continent. Larry

[@ddcornell1019]

I’m getting started. In Rv life. All this is new to me and it’s some what over my head.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I think my favorite memories come from all the stuff and learned doing this RV adventure sometimes it’s overwhelming, but it’s all part of the journey. Larry

[@TraconWizard]

TY Larry. Simple explanation & not a lot of extra talk. We have 1800 watt inverter, 380 solar & 560 lithium. Inverter is the weak link.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I agree you have 560 lithium a 3000 W inverter would be awesome. We only have 400 lithium. Lar

[@thetravelingbrowns]

Yes! More videos on reading your power usage would be helpful! You explain things so easily to understand👍

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yes i need to do a video on the thing we watch all the Time and not get too techy, the information in there really helps us manage our energy usage when drycamping, i will have to put some thought into that, thanks for the compliment . Larrry

[@sherriweber7105]

Hi Larry and Alice! This was a great explanation of the inverter. I love it. Thank you for doing the video on it. I’m glad you did this video. You are a great teacher! Love you both and have a great week I’m glad you found a campground for your new fifth wheel. See you city soon! Safe travels. 🤗🥰❤

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hey, Sherri. Larry is a great teacher. Which is funny because that was my profession. He was awesome at sales, too - his profession. He’s be great at anything he tried. We are looking forward to true camping again. See you soon 🤗 Alice

[@debyarger3084]

Great job, Larry. We decided to forgo the solar because a lot of our travels are in our home state of Michigan. We use a 1000-watt Jackery or 3500-watt Predator electric start generator. They both diffently do the job!! It's good to see you and Alice enjoying the RV life again!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I got ya, those new solar generators are pretty awesome, and a great solution for drycamping, love that predator but its a big heavy for me, so i only have a 2200 honda. larry

[@debyarger3084]

@@DownsizingMakesCents yeah it's about 100 pounds so we leave it in the bed of the truck,locked down and at the edge of tailgate and have the cover folded all the way back so it's well ventilated when we use it. This year do to gas prices going up,and the uncertainty that our world is in, we chose a seasonal spot a couple of hours from our sticks and bricks from May 1st -Oct 16. So we'll see what it's like to live full time in 176 Square feet and a outdoor room. I wanted to sell everything including the house. But after seeing what you two went through with your health,and then the broken frame I decided not to push doing that. My husband's work doesn't really have a retirement plan,only a medical account for reimbursements of medical expenses that have a balance. So living off social security although doable means we have to be creative in the way we travel. Hoping to save by staying in one place this year so we can save up for travels for next year! Happy trails to you and Alice,looking forward to those adventures!!! Deb!

[@brianbarbarich1401]

Well presented and edited vlog Larry. 👏👏👏🙏

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Brian, thanks. I’m actually doing more and more editing. Larry does all the hard work - and I still can’t do the cool graphics 🤗 Alice

[@brianbarbarich1401]

@DownsizingMakesCents Thank you Alice for your contribution. Sorry I forgot it is a team effort producing these nice video's, that are valuable for RV owners. 👏🙏

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@brianbarbarich1401 Always a team - I answer the comments that aren’t technical 😉 I hope it didn’t sound like I was begging for praise 😁

[@ROHDESONTHEROAD]

We are full-time RVers/homesteaders. We have two off grid properties getting ready to add a third across the nation. We utilize 600 watts of portable solar, so we can have the rv in the shade while the panels are in the sun. 300ah lithium battery (Litime) 2000 watt inverter that powers the whole rv. We've been doing this 5+ years now. Almost forgot what a utility bill looks like. Our AC has a Micro EZ start module installed. We carry a 2000 watt and 3500 watt dual fuel inverter genators from Champion (not sponsored). We love backups to backups. Army thing I guess.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thats awesome system, we have two portable gens, 2000 and a 2200 but now only travel with the 2200, it works everytime and provides plenty of power to charge the batteries on cloudy days. Larry

[@lisamcgrath3132]

Great job Larry!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks, Lisa. Larry appreciates it 🤗 Alice

[@betterwithrum]

Thanks for making this series; I have a 2023 Ibex 19MBH, and it has a 2000-watt inverter for all the outlets, but I want to upgrade the battery, inverter, and solar panels.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

There is a huge difference between a 2000 and a 3000, doing AC on a 2000 would be very difficult for the inverter to handle, maybe with a small genny. The solar, inverter, batteries is one of the best 10k investment we have made, pays off in staying in awesome boondocking or drycamping sites that we otherwise would avoid without our system. larry

[@betterwithrum]

@@DownsizingMakesCents thanks Larry!

[@goldfinger180024]

Larry, you should teach classes on this stuff!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

That’s quite a compliment. He just did - for free 😉 Maybe when we travel less and I don’t need his time on our RV 😁 Alice

[@goldfinger180024]

That’s right! He DID just teach it for free! Hope you are both well.

[@ralphp3057]

Good explanation Larry on your system and the inverter. I take any spots at camping places if needed with or without shore power . I do have a generator inverter that is really quiet . I only run it on propane. I don’t like carrying gas cans traveling. Good information all round! 👍😁

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Carrying gas cans is a pain but we have been doing it for 4 years and use stabil every time we fill, when it sits in the truck for months its still good to use. Larry

[@ADONAIsays-so]

I look fed to your install series. I have most of the parts needed for our solar system, but not an inverter yet. We also have a first gen Bluette AC200 that helps out.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks. We wish we could get all the videos out faster, but Larry is a bit of a perfectionist 😉 I’ve heard the Bluette works great. 👍 Alice

[@SmallSpaceLiving]

Great video and I agree on the solar. The inverter is much more important. You can also charge much fast with a generator than solar. I do like solar as a quite backup but the internal setup is the most important part for sure. Hope y'all are enjoying the new rig and all is going well with it.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

William, Thanks. Not everyone seems to agree. But as long as we help one person, that’s fine. Say hi to the chickens and rabbits 🤗 Alice

[@SmallSpaceLiving]

@@DownsizingMakesCents Who cares. I agree and that is all that matters. lol

[@bobabooie6389]

Great video, Larry, and great explanation. Thanks👍🇺🇲

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad you enjoyed it 🤗 Alice

[@johnlonergan7237]

Nice video. Well done and most important very educational.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

John, we really appreciate the compliment. Larry tries to be thorough - but concise. That’s a tough combo 🤗 Alice

[@JamesWilliams-nm4sm]

Great common sense explanation. I love your videos.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

James, thank you. We are glad you found us. Larry tries to be thorough yet concise Alice

[@daveprather9960]

Yes, an inverter is a must imo.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Dave, thanks. Not everyone is in agreement. We were surprised 😁 Alice

[@brianbelliveau5551]

Good video Larry pretty cool idea

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks, Brian. We truly feel every RV should have an inverter. Now that many are coming “solar prepped,” maybe that will be next. Alice

[@ro-cl2do]

Larry, Victron now has a new 50A DC-DC alternator charger. I would choose that one if I was just installing them today. My two 30A ones have never put out 60A, mostly the output is closer to 50A. I watched a video from Victron on the new 50A and it's sounds like they have made several improvements.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I would love to add a dc to dc charger for the truck so we could use it as an alternate charging method for the batteries, as sometimes you are not allowed to run generators but the truck engine would be ok. Larry

[@SevenBears1]

I'd love to have a big solar/lithium set up but... I divide the average campsite cost($50) into the $5000-$7000 solar/lithium package by the number of days I'm able to camp and it doesn't make sense for me.. I have the same two Interstate batteries my RV came with five years ago.. Thankfully I camp alone and don't watch TV or need a computer.. I have 200 watts of solar and a 3100 watt generator.. Thanks Larry for all your professional DIY videos

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Larry paid about $10,000 for everything over 4 years 😳 I get what you mean. If we weren’t full time? Who knows. But we know having an inverter and battery bank has saved us often. Prices keep going down. And when you camp more, it will be worth it. 🤗 Alice

[@SevenBears1]

@@DownsizingMakesCents Hi.. I'm part time 20 days max so far.. I'd love to have a nice solar system but can't justify $ in my situation.. Gas is $5.50 here so I left my trailer at home but I am out touring Eastern Sierras and Tahoe this week.. Hotels cost less than the gas I would use...

[@rickgriffith1]

Excellent information! As usual. Thank you sir. Have you ever considered being an RV tech as a side gig?👍🏼😎

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Rick, he barely has time to work on our rig 😉 He did talk about being an RV salesman when we travel less. For now, he’s giving lessons for free 🤗 Alice

[@rickgriffith1]

@@DownsizingMakesCents And those lessons are greatly appreciated.👍🏼😎

[@roybeck-u6r]

Understand your position. We have boondocked for three days(no AC) without solar. The advantage of propane appliances.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Roy, unfortunately, many RVs are going to 12v fridges - no longer a propane choice. We do miss that choice, Alice

[@kyfeam]

dude did you win the lottery or something? thats some serious bank you spent.. i must be poor AF.. most of us are poor AF.. your system could pay my rent for years lol.. but seriously good for you.. we are going off grid next year.. but we are buying a used RV to live in.. we already bought 1000w of solar and 4 100 amp LiPo batteries.. and a 2k inverter.. that should be enough for us.. cant wait! nice video!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Wish we were rich - would love to afford a homebase with all Larry’s medical issues. Good for you - Larry would love an off grid property Thanks Alice

[@danrodgers6762]

100 w solar , 1000 w inverter connected only to outlets 30 amp power

[@tim9324]

Did your charge controller with the Reflection charge lithium batteries or did you need to upgrade that too?

[@kevinm397]

Do you have any experience with the Enjoybot batteries vs the Battleborn?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Kevin, we don’t. We researched them because they offered us two 400 batteries. And reviews looked good. Unfortunately, they changed their mind - wanted to send us 4 200s. We were going to install 1 400 to save weight and space. That’s our only experience with Enjoybot. Wish we could help more, Alice

[@dalenelson3707]

Without having solar to help recharge batteries I would think it would take all day running your small Honda generator to recharge your battery bank. I was surprised at how long it took to recharge my one 200 ah lithium

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I find that if we run low, we put the generator on Eco mode, which is really quiet and it will recharge the batteries from 50% if we’re not using a lot of energy. But it always helps when there’s a little sun to bring in some solar . Larry

[@dukecomputerwiz1]

I have a inverter but it only powers a few items. I plan on getting a 50 amp whole system inverter. How hard is it to change over?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

It is not hard to switch on a 50 amp if you get the correct victron multiplus 2, 2 x 120 model. Just take the 4 wires that go to the panel and connect to the inverters ac in, then connect the inverter ac out back to the panel, connect the batt pos and negative and you are good to go. But i would make sure you use high quality, 6/3 stranded cable like the ones i get from am solar, much easier to work with that the 6/4 you get from Home Depot or Lowe’s, that home stuff is too rigid. Larry

[@StanR56]

CandE Adventures is hurting for $$$

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Stan, I’m confused by your comment? Alice

[@johnhines3591]

Inverter is not really necessary. Almost all electronics you can get a 12 volt car charger for. Coffee, percolator or French press. Tv, mine is 12 volt. I do carry a 2500 watt generator if needed.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I agree these days you can even get an air conditioner that is 12 V, but since we live in it full-time and we use a desktop computer with two monitors, when we dry camp, we want everything to work like when we are hooked up. Lar