RV Converter or Inverter - Know How Your RV Power System Works

[@TeacherTonya74]

Thank you so much for explaining this in such an understandable way. I've been researching RV's for 4 years and this is the best explanation I've heard.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm so glad it was helpful. It's a subject that can confusing for many RVers. Have safe and happy RV travels!

[@cris_miko]

You have done a phenomenal job explaining this so anyone can understand. I'm a retired engineer and I've already forgotten all I ever learned 😂.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad that you enjoyed the video. Thanks for leaving such a nice comment too!

[@jerryplante4239]

Another good video Duane. A couple of things worth mentioning;
1. Some appliances (water heater, fridge) still require DC even when running on AC.
2. With the increase usage of residential refrigerators, campers (mostly 5th wheels) are coming with small inverters to power them on the road. A few of the 5th wheel owners I deal with had no idea this was installed and that it ran their battery down. Not a problem unless the pigtail from the tow vehicle is not set up to trickle the coach battery. Nothing worse than getting to the camp site and not having enough power to put the gear down.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for contributing those points to the discussion Jerry.

[@killamanjaro8908]

Thank you. I felt like I was in school again. Thanks

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Just wait til you get the pop quiz later on .... LOL!

[@DebraAW0224]

I don't have a class b RV yet but I hope to at some point and your videos are helpful in my education! I appreciate them!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm so glad to hear that my video content is helping you. And I hope you find the perfect RV for your needs!

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

Great timing!
You've just answered a question i had.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for watching!

[@Dr.TomBusinessCoach]

Great Video that describes the basic of my rv electrical system. Tks. Dr. Tom

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad it was helpful for you. Thanks for watching!

[@robertroth287]

I am always mixing these two terms up so this is helpful......just have to figure out how to keep it straight in my head. BTW, the mix of corn meal and baking soda has worked wonders in my rig for eliminating mice.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad the video was helpful Robert. And thanks for the report on using corn meal and baking soda too!

[@texillini1]

Very nice explanation of the two. Thank you for the video.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and leaving a nice comment!

[@RickandDarcirvadventures]

We like the motorhome drawing you have. We have never seen a main door on the driver side. Lol. Is there one on the passenger side too? Lol

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Wow! I never noticed it. I'll have to check in to that ... :-)

[@nancysullivan5070]

I have a 1995 Coleman Columbia popup and it didn't come with a battery do I need one if I'm hooked up to shore power

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Nancy. I'm sorry but I don't know much about older popups like that. You might ask that question in the forums on irv2.com

[@thetoolmat8632]

Hopefully I ask this correctly - if one installs a 12V A/C not 120V, that runs from the battery bank, and one wants to recharge the batteries and keep the A/C running, I would want to ideally run the generator and have that plugged into the Converter, which would convert that 120V to 12V and it would charge the battery bank which the 12V A/c is running off of? -But- can the Converter be directly hooked up to the Inverter at the same time? (So you would have leads from the battery to the Inverter and Leads from the Converter as well to the Inverter, or is it best just to run the leads from the Battery to the inverter alone?) - also how would one tie in a transfer switch to all of this as well when you want shore power to skip all the above?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

WOW! That's a lot of information to process ... LOL . I think I understand what you are asking and let me explain it this way - the function of a transfer switch is to switch over to generator power automatically without you having to manually do so even if you are plugged into shore power at the time. It prevents there being two power sources coming into the RV at the same time. Then most RVers utilize an inverter/converter/charger that decides what needs power and when. While running on either shore power or generator power, the converter will keep the batteries full of charge to be able to run almost any 12 volt item you wish. And some of the better inverter/converter/ chargers like those made by Xantrex and Magnum can even turn on the generator automatically for you when it becomes necessary. Of course, when there is no power from either shore power or generator, then whatever charge is in your batteries at the time is the limit you have available to run 12 volt devices. I hope that helps.

[@thetoolmat8632]

@@RVInspectionAndCare yes thanks!

[@GiantsNinerFan56]

I know it was only an example, but a 500w inverter is pretty useless. A coffee pot, a space heater, or an air fryer uses 1500-1800w each. Lance will not install anything higher than a 1500w inverter in their trailers. (Safety) For most RV owners, anything below 1500w will not suffice if they have appliances. Thanks for another great video !

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, I am aware that a 500 watt inverter is not very useful. I used the amount to avoid working with numbers that are too large to understand easily.

[@beckysutton4546]

Is it "safe" or even ok to leave the inverter on while plugged in to shore power?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Many inverter makers advise not to leave an inverter on when it is not use. And leaving it on is a constant drain on your batteries.

[@usfcorp]

I am having problems with my 5th wheel inverter & large refrigerator. I am on shore power, I turned off my inverter. Now my refrigerator will not work at all! I turned the inverter back on and still nothing. What should I be looking for? I have a large 12000 Jules surge protector connected to the shore power to my RV.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sorry but it's really hard to diagnose electrical issues properly without being onsite. I recommend that you find a mobile RV tech local to you that has really good reviews from other RVers to get the problem solved. Or you can try posing the question on irv2.com and maybe one of the experienced RVers there can help you pinpoint the problem.

[@garyag45]

👍🤛🙏😎🦅🇺🇸

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you enjoyed it Gary. Safe and happy RV travels to you!