| RV Power Converters and Inverters | | | | Inverters work the exact opposite. It will change |
| | | | | battery of DC power to AC current. Some RVs |
| Early RVs were manufactured with dual voltage | | | | have inverters to provide AC power at times |
| components that would run on both 110 AC | | | | when shoreline power is not available, or when |
| electricity and 12 volt DC, or battery power. | | | | generator use is not advised. Inverters are |
| With the invention of the power converter, | | | | rated in watts, from 50 to 3000 watts. |
| manufacturers can reduce weight and cost by | | | | RV Power inverters are nice to have for dry |
| installing 12 volt only components, and use | | | | camping. Generators require fuel, regular |
| converters to power them while hooked to shore | | | | maintenance and can be very noisy. We usually |
| power. | | | | dry camp to avoid noise. Inverters are quiet - not |
| Today RVs come equipped with a power | | | | even a hum, and are virtually maintenance free! |
| converter. Your converter is really a simple | | | | A power inverter relies on good RV deep cycle |
| device that takes 110 volt AC and turns it into 12 | | | | batteries to work properly. They work well for |
| volt DC. They allow you to use your 12 volt | | | | low power appliances such as televisions, radios, |
| appliances, fans, pumps and camper lights while | | | | computers, and for short term use of appliances |
| you are plugged in to 110. | | | | such as coffee makers or microwaves. |
| Most RV power converters are equipped with a | | | | Care should be taken with your batteries when |
| battery charger to keep the RV's battery | | | | using an inverter for your RV power. For |
| charged when connected to a 110 power | | | | extended stays at a site without electrical |
| source. These chargers are usually trickle | | | | hookups, it is advisable to have spare batteries, |
| charges with a charge rate of less than 10 | | | | and to recharge your batteries whenever you |
| amps. | | | | can. |