Inverter chargers, convert the 12V DC power from your RV battery into 120V AC power for use in your appliances. Without one, you’d have to run your coffee pot, laptop charger, video games, and hair dryer off a generator. And while doing so is perfectly fine, the generator’s loud drone and fuel requirements might make it unrealistic—especially if the whole family needs AC power.

Inverter chargers will revolutionize your mobile lifestyle. They let you enjoy the convenience of AC-powered appliances while camping and traveling off-grid. Here, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about them and why you should make the switch.

Inverter Chargers vs. Power Generators

Inverter chargers and generators perform the same fundamental task. They let you enjoy AC-power–dependent appliances while traveling off the beaten path. While inverters can be more expensive, they are more efficient, less intrusive, and self-sustaining.

These are just a few pros of using inverter chargers over power generators:

• Environmental Friendliness. Inverter chargers don’t require fuel—they simply convert the DC power in your battery bank to AC power for use in your appliances. They’ll also charge your battery bank if they’re equipped with a built-in DC charger. However, they need to be connected to shore power (or a generator) to do so.
• Noise Reduction. You can likely hear your generator in your head just thinking about it. Inverter chargers, on the other hand, are basically silent. They’re less of a nuisance to you, your neighbors, and the wildlife living near your RV.
• Mobility. Inverter chargers are lightweight and installed right inside your rig, so you don’t have to worry about lugging them around.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Similar to choosing a generator, first consider how much power you need when buying an inverter charger. Ask yourself how many appliances will be running at one time. Then, find the wattage on all those appliances and add them together.

For instance, powering a 500-watt heater and a 1,200-watt coffee pot will require 1,700 watts of electricity in total. From there, you’ll need to find an inverter that can supply more than 1,700 watts. Also, think about how long these appliances will be running. For example, our Battle Born inverters come in a wide range of sizes set to meet the moment whatever your need.

You may be wondering if inverter chargers will drain your RV battery overnight. The last thing you’d want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without power, right?

Inverter chargers draw power directly from your battery; as such, they can drain your battery quickly you’re running a lot of appliances at once. Because they only charge the battery when connected to a generator or shore power, you’ll need to be careful if you’re off the grid and relying solely on your inverter.

That said, your RV’s battery should be enough to keep the water pump, refrigerator, and furnace running (if you’re camping in cold weather). And if you have solar panels, they’ll help recharge the battery during the day. Remember, the more devices running, the faster your battery will drain. Furthermore, make sure your inverter is “off” when not in use.

Why You Should Switch to Inverter Chargers

Let’s take a closer look at why inverter chargers are essential to any RV setup.

• Electronic Independence: Inverter chargers give you AC power on the road. Otherwise, you’d need to connect to shore power from the campground or city power from the grid. With an inverter, you can use laptops, air conditioners, microwaves, and kettles without running an intrusive generator.
• Safety and Convenience: Inverter chargers are safe and easy to install. They’ll also protect your RV’s electrical system from damage and overloading. The slog of setting up and running a generator is no match for the convenience of flipping a switch on your inverter.
• Smart Features: Many generators go until they run out of fuel or you turn them off manually. Inverter chargers come with smart features, including low-battery protection, surge protection, and automatic shutdown. These attributes ensure your RV’s electrical system is never overburdened.

Now that you understand the benefits of switching, let’s talk about how to make the change.

Tips on Making the Switch

When making the change to inverter chargers, first ensure the one you choose meets your RV’s power requirements. As mentioned, add the total wattage you plan to use beforehand.

As a rule of thumb, add a 20% safety margin on top. So, if your total wattage is 2,000 watts, get an inverter that can produce 2,400 watts.

Inverter chargers come in different sizes and capacities—most range between 500 and 4,000 watts. If you’re not sure how big you need to go, consult with a specialist for professional advice.

There is some fine print worth considering when buying an inverter. Most RVs come with inverters pre-installed. The larger the rig, the more power it likely puts out.

The most affordable RVs come with a 1,000-watt inverter. Unfortunately, this simply isn’t enough to power multiple AC appliances (like a microwave and air conditioner). You’ll still need shore power or a generator.

Although a 2,000-watt inverter can get the job done, 3,000 is the sweet spot. It’s likely a hair more than you need, but you can rest assured that you’ll never run out of power. The only problem is the wiring within your RV. Some manufacturers cut corners and don’t use heavy-gauge wiring to leverage a high-powered inverter.

As a result, you may need to rewire your rig to use a 3,000- or 4,000-watt inverter safely.

Get Inverting with Battle Born Batteries

In the battle between generators and inverter chargers, the latter wins the day. They’re safer and require no fuel, and with no noise, they’ll be less intrusive to you and your neighbors.

At Battle Born Batteries, you’ll know you’re getting the best inverter chargers that money can buy. They’re designed to meet the demands of energy-hungry devices while outperforming other products on the market. As a result, you can say goodbye to battery depletion worries and enjoy an uninterrupted power supply for your essential devices.

Reach out to a specialist at Battle Born Batteries today to discuss your power needs. They’ll help you determine which of our top-of-the-line inverter chargers will meet your power needs.