Two inverters?

[grizzzman]

I have been using a small 300/400 watt inverter for about 15 years. I just picked up a 2000/4600 watt inverter. In the M/H before this trailer, had a Cobra 1575 watt inverter. I have resisted using a transfer switch, Preferring a simple set up. The 300 watt unit uses just under .4 amps standby the cobra .5 amps and the 2000 watt unit 1.3 amps. It doesn't make sense to me to run the high watt unit when charging phones running the TV etc. Do many of you run two inverters to avoid high not necessary standby losses?
Thanks in advance!

[BruceS]

It's a good idea in theory.
In the end if you have enough solar and batteries to cover the losses it's not worth the hassle I reckon.
On Homeless's houseboat he has two and when he's away he just leaves the small one on to power the fridge.
When he's onboard he still leaves the small one on for the fridge I flicks the bigger one on for cooking, washing and other bigger drainage items.
Work out what you think the bigger one would 'lose' in 24 hours & see if your batteries can afford?
It's really only the losses overnight?

[Mrcoolabah1au]

Wow interesting mind must be hooked straight up to the batteries as I only use the inverter to watch telly

[Swisslulu]

We also run two inverters in our van. Not by design but when we bought this van it had a 300w inverter wired to 50% of the outlets, the rest were wired for 240v. As we were installing Lithium we wanted a more powerful inverter to run the big ticket items - hot water system, coffee machine etc. so we had an 1800w Xantrex, which has an automatic transfer switch, wired to the “non-inverter” points. When camped, the 300w is on all the time for charging phones, laptops etc. We only turn on the large inverter when we need to run a heavy duty appliance. As soon as the job is done, it’s turned off. Apologies if I have stuffed up any of the terminology but hopefully you get the drift.

[native pepper]

We use multiple inverters at home and in the bus. In the bus one (2kw) runs hot water and A/c and the other (2kw) runs the rest of the bus, lights are all 12v led. Also carry a couple of spares and have yet to use them.

[Barboots]

You also need to consider the type of 240V equipment you need (want) to run off each inverter supply, and whether you are provided adequate protection when doing so. Multiple Class 1 (three pin) devices should not be used off the same inverter supply unless either the inverter or its installation provides suitable protection.

We run a BitDeals W7 to the whole of the van via an RVD. When economising low level, long duration consumption we run a little Waeco 300W, and only use it for Class 2 (two pin) equipment.

Cheers, Steve

[bagmaker]

I am a bit of an electrical nufnuff but would it be possible to run a little PSW AND then a grid-tie inverter like is typical in household solar setups?
These are usually 24 or 48VDC but often cheaper than the equal output in watts for a mobile inverter.
I am thinking the larger inverter would sense the smaller signal and match the sinewave
Or am I missing something as usual

[dapope]

Have a 350w inverter for all the small stuff and a 3000w w7 to do the heavy lifting. I do have to pug out one to use the other

[grizzzman]

It's a good idea in theory.
In the end if you have enough solar and batteries to cover the losses it's not worth the hassle I reckon.
On Homeless's houseboat he has two and when he's away he just leaves the small one on to power the fridge.
When he's onboard he still leaves the small one on for the fridge I flicks the bigger one on for cooking, washing and other bigger drainage items.
Work out what you think the bigger one would 'lose' in 24 hours & see if your batteries can afford?
It's really only the losses overnight?

Thanks Bruce for your reply. I agree " most" of the time it would not matter to take a 1.3 amps standby hit. However there are times
that I need to be more conservative with power. ( spring/fall and trees) This is why I am looking into this issue. When I'm under full trees I get about 5ish amps. That covers trailer/sat./entertainment center power. If the inverter is needed (Ok wanted) I would prefer the lower standby amps.
Thanks again for your reply.

[grizzzman]

Wow interesting mind must be hooked straight up to the batteries as I only use the inverter to watch telly

Nice!