12v Inverter for 120v use

[nuskovich]

My Raptor does not have an inverter but I was considering something like the Cobra CPI 1000 2,000W, 12V DC To 120V AC Power Inverter, $100 (WalMart) so I can use a small chest freezer in the garage.

I think it is something I can do in an afternoon but I could use some direction, input and/or experiences in this type of upgrade.

Thanks!

[raytronx]

Here is a link (http://loveyourrv.com/1000w-pure-sine-wave-inverter/) to my inverter install details. May get a few ideas.

[hankpage]

I mounted mine in the storage area directly on the the other side of the wall from the battery. Keep your dc leads as short as possible and of heavy enough gauge as recommended by inverter instructions. A freezer compressor will run down your batteries real fast even if TV is running to charge them and startup amp draw is high. For that price I would check the continuous use specs very closely. Try and get us some pics when your done. http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1124

[Festus2]

You might want to check the startup amp draw for the freezer as well as the "normal" current draw. A 2000w inverter may not be able to handle this initial draw; and, as Hank pointed out could very well drain your battery very quickly.

You didn't mention anything about your current battery setup or how you plan on keeping them charged so it is difficult to predict how effective/efficient your setup might be.

If you plan on running this small fridge all day long off an inverter, it would be a good plan to have some means of keeping your battery(ies) charged at the same time. Do you have solar panels? If you have a generator, that would work to run the fridge but that might eliminate the need for an inverter to do the same job.

[nuskovich]

5500 Onan generator, 4 12v batteries, no solar or wind but I would FREEZE the freezer at a shore line or while towing...filled with water jugs. As needed, I will slowly replace ice jugs with fish and wild game, understanding that a fully stocked freezer is more energy friendly then a partially filled freezer.

The temps up here all summer are not hot...