How Do I Know if My Inverter Is Bad in My RV?
If you have an RV, you may wonder how you can tell if the inverter is not working. There are a few things that you can look for to determine if the inverter is not working properly.
One of the first things that you can do is check the fuse. If the fuse is blown, then the inverter will not work and will need to be replaced.
Another thing that you can do is check the display on the inverter. If the display is not working, then the inverter might not work properly as expected.
Also, if you notice your RV is not getting as much power as it should be, or if the lights in your RV are dimming, these may be signs that your inverter is not working properly.
And another sign that your inverter is bad is if you hear strange noises coming from the inverter. Finally, you can check the output of the inverter. If the output is not working, then the inverter is not going to supply power.
If you notice any of these signs, you should take your RV to a qualified technician to have the inverter checked out. However; you could do that after following the steps on this page to test and troubleshoot your RV inverter.
How Do I Test an Inverter in My RV?
If any of the issues mentioned above apply to you, or if you just want to make sure your RV inverter is in working order, follow these steps:
1. Check all the fuses in the circuit breaker or power panel. If any of them are blown, replace them with new fuses of the same amperage.
2. Make sure all the wiring is secure and correctly connected.
3. Test the inverter by plugging in a lamp or other small appliance. If the inverter is working properly, the appliance should turn on.
4. Now, you can also test the DC power source (batteries); you can do this by following these simple steps:
Step-1: You need to disconnect the batteries from all the power sources and turn off the inverter.
Step-2: To test your batteries, you will need a digital multimeter (DMM). Now, you need to connect the black lead of the DMM to the negative terminal of the first battery, and the red lead to the positive terminal.
Note: the reading on the display. This is the voltage of the battery.
Step-3: Repeat this process for the second battery. Compare the two readings. If they are within 12.5 volts of each other, the batteries are considered to be matched, and in good condition. But, for anything lesser, it is a bad sign.
Step-1: First, you need to connect back your batteries to the DC port and connect it to your DMM.
Step-2: Then, connect the DMM to the inverter output source.
Step-3: Finally, check if the inverter is properly supplying power to the DMM, the reading on the meter should read within 12 to 12.9 volts. Meaning your inverter is in good condition. But; for anything lesser or over, you need to seek professional services.
How Do I Know I Need a New Power Inverter for My RV
If you have a power inverter that is more than 10 years old, it may be time to start shopping for a new one. Power inverters can last for many years, but if yours is more than a decade old, it may be time for an upgrade.
Newer models are more energy efficient and can handle more power. If you have been having problems with your inverter, or it is not working as well as it used to, it may be time to replace it.
Look for an inverter that is rated for at least double the wattage of your RV’s electrical system. A good rule of thumb is to choose an inverter that is at least 80-90% the size of your RV’s electrical system.
How Big of An Inverter Do I Need to Run a RV
The size of the inverter you’ll need to run your RV depends on a few factors, including the size of your RV and the types of appliances you’ll be using.
A general rule of thumb is that you’ll need an RV power inverter that can handle at least the same amount of wattage as the largest appliance you’ll be using.
This means if you have an RV with a mini fridge (750W), a toaster (800W), and let’s say a 32″ plasma TV (50W) that is about 1,600 watts, you’ll need an inverter that runs up to 2,500 to 3000 watts.
