Power Inverters at Camp

[Outfitter]

Thought I would share my "Green" plan that worked last weekend out at deer camp. I have been thinking of ways to be able to get by with running the generator less to save on the gas expense. I already had a Black & Decker Jump Starter/Air Compressor/ 400W Power Inverter so I bought 5 fluorescent 60 watt equivalent bug lights to replace the 60 watt incandescent ones I have in the fixtures attached around the canopies at camp. The new bulbs use only 14 watts and I wanted to see how the Inverter would do running them at night and it worked great. I ran them for about 5 hours with no problem.

My next plan is to try running a new electric blanket off of my double deep cycle batteries (with solar panel for daytime recharging) on the trailer at night using a separate 400 watt inverter. I was amazed that the new electric blankets only use 180 watts and the 2 batteries are rated at a combined 250 amp hours which according to a web site power usage chart should allow a continuous run time of about 9 hours and since the blanket does not run continuously, it should do fine for the 6 hours or so that I would need it.

Now I'm not a NASA engineer but I think my figuring is sound. Anybody disagree? If so, any suggestions? I love my Electric blanky on those cold deer camp nights when Mrs Outfitter decides to stay home.

[shovelhd]

You need to account for the inefficiency of the inverter. Does your website account for that? Even if it's 50%, you should make it through the night. I think the thermostatic cycling is what will make the difference.

[Outfitter]

Originally Posted by shovelhd

You need to account for the inefficiency of the inverter. Does your website account for that? Even if it's 50%, you should make it through the night. I think the thermostatic cycling is what will make the difference.

The web site was Xantrex.com and it only factored the battery amp hours, appliance watts and voltage to compute use hours.
http://www.xantrex.com/support/howlong.asp

My main concern would be the inverter turning off at some point as the battery power drops? I believe the shutoff point was at 10.5 volts.
I am basically trying to get away from the generators due to power spikes. We lost 2 TV's one night, then we added surge protector power strips to our electrical items (2 way radio chargers, battery chargers & TV's). I had both of my power strips sacrifice themselves 2 weeks ago and replaced them last weekend. This past weekend the microwave went south.
I can't figure out why the breakers or fuses in the trailer are not stopping the surges. I am going to try putting a surge protecter in between the trailer and the generator to see what happens. I sure don't want the refrigerator/freezer to be next. RV places are sure proud of them ($$$$).

[HH4]

When we upgraded the computers at work to UPS battery power supplies we took out a load of power conditioners and basically threw them away. They would probably be more effective than the power strips at providing clean power. I held on to a couple for a while but got rid of them as we have our trailer powered from my buddy's cabin. I could probably find one or two to send you to try but I would think you could get them cheap if you could find them locally as most use the UPS now. Perhaps some of the IT techs on here would know if they would work in your application. Send me a PM if you would like me to look.
Why the elect blanket? What happened to the Archery student?

[Outfitter]

Originally Posted by HH4

When we upgraded the computers at work to UPS battery power supplies we took out a load of power conditioners and basically threw them away. They would probably be more effective than the power strips at providing clean power. I held on to a couple for a while but got rid of them as we have our trailer powered from my buddy's cabin. I could probably find one or two to send you to try but I would think you could get them cheap if you could find them locally as most use the UPS now. Perhaps some of the IT techs on here would know if they would work in your application. Send me a PM if you would like me to look.
Why the elect blanket? What happened to the Archery student?

HH4, Thanks, I'll check on the power conditioners. I am going by a large RV place today (new microwave) and will ask them about possible solutions, other than a new Honda generator with the inverter technology.
My bed is in the back corner of the trailer, over the large storage area so I basically have a piece of plywood and some springs covered by a bit of material between me and the elements. I added a memory foam topper which helped some but that bed can get real cold, hence the electric blanket. Everyone else at camp used to tease me about it but one by one they have converter to them (6). Roughing it in comfort, that's my motto!
Yeah, the archery student......great potential there, but my wife said something about a homicide with "probable cause"........

[shortspark]

I know what you mean. As you know, our camp is in upstate NY and it is ALWAYS cold there during deer season. BTW, I'll be leaving next Tuesday thru the 28th. In August we found a used trailer and I have only seen the outside of it because I had to return to Texas the next day which was when the seller was able to show it to my buddy and brother. We got it at a good price but I don't really know how it is configured on the inside, especially the electrical part. Like you, we had solar panels that charged our batteries on the old trailer (that is now a "mud" room) and a generator as well. We never had problems because we never ran two things at once. For example, even though we should have been able to do it based on power ratings, if we had the tv on we would never use the microwave or coffee maker, etc. As far as spikes are concerned, it has to be a problem with the generator causing them or the circuit breakers not working right or not the right amps.

As far as heat is concerned, up there we try to use as much propane as possible not only for the stove but heating as well. I know it is dangerous but we would attach a propane heater element to a large tank and just run it until we went to bed. The trailer kept warm for a few hours anyway and by the time it cooled down we were in la-la land under our zero degree rated sleeping bags. Electric blankets? Geez! The first one who had to go pee during the night would shut down the element. The second one to get up and pee would relight it and so on and so forth. It would be nice and warm when we got up. It was a good system especially if we had drunk lots of beers during the night as someone would be up every couple hours for sure!! I hope this new trailer we have retains heat as well as that old one.

I know you have a nice size refrigerator in your trailer and that really needs to be protected (if you go to propane units those can really get expensive but you would never have to worry again). We never worried about that at all as we just keep our food in coolers outside and they never need ice. Up there at least, coolers work great and we've never had a problem. My brother has already taken the refrig out of the new trailer and put it in his garage. He said it gave us extra sleeping space as well.

I always liked the lighting system you had around your camp. We don't have that but we do have a bunch of sound activated lights that run on AA batteries. If you get up at night you clap your hands and the lights go on. We have battery chargers and use NIMH batteries so it costs nothing. We bring them outside when we are on the deck and just keep them on continuous mode and they put out plenty enough light to let you see what you are doing.

So, basically, we used lots of propane and battery power and seldom have to rely on the generator - except of course for watching porn on our dvd player!

[Outfitter]

Hey shortspark,
That's the direction I'm heading to also, battery and propane power. the refrigerator does run on either propane or electricity, but "chooses" electric over gas when available. I can set it to propane only which is probably what I'll end up doing.
The trailer has a propane furnace but I don't normally leave it on all night. I have thought about leaving a stove burner on low to take the chill out of the air but not real excited about doing that in a confined space. I have been using a small thermostatically controlled electric heater running off the generator but reviewing the different options now.
The TV problem is solved but I do have to watch my fellow campers as a couple of them like to sneak in and order an "adult" movie on Directv (yes, the satellite dish works) which then requires an explanation on my part to Mrs Outfitter since she pays the bills and notices such things. Of course they deny any knowledge of such events when she confronts them.
Good luck in NY, keep us posted on your season and I'll save a piggy or two for ya..

PS. I got our new guy opening morning. Went to his trailer during dinner and reset his clock alarm for an hour earlier and he fell for it and hauled butt out to his stand and got to sit in his stand for 2 hours before the break of day. Oldest trick in the book, Dumb a$$!

[HH4]

Outfitter

I have the same setup of the bunk over a storage area and use an elect blanket to "preheat the bed". This time of year it dips to below freezing at night. Electricity is not a problem as we are supplying two trailers with 30 amp feeds from the cabin so we can run elect heaters all night.

Have you considered a catalytic propane heater to use during the night. Unlike on open propane flame they are safe to use during the night as long as there is a small fresh air opening. And unlike a propane RV funace, they require no power to run a blower. As such they don't heat a space as fast as a furnace but do an excellent job of maintaining a comfortable temperature.

I'll have to remember the alarm clock idea for our next hunt. Last year we had a buddy with us on a moose hunt who wasn't real familiar with a shotgun. So when we would spot grouse along the way I would load my 12 ga pump for him to use. Had almost a full week of not being able to take a single bird with lots of shots. Finally had to tell him that he was using shells with all the shot removed. Great for a laugh at every shot as he was the only one in the group that wasn't in on the gag.

[schwejo]

Hi, this is a little out of my expertise, so someone else can possibly add a little, and perhaps the folks at a competent RV supply can offer more.

But somewhere along my travels I learned that most or at least many power inverters that are commonly purchased output a modified sine wave and are only able to approximate AC voltage and many devices don’t care. Modified sine wave power inverters are fine for most electronic devices, but can cause some kinds of appliances with motors to overheat and fail. Full sine wave inverters are often required for inductive motors such as refrigerator compressors. It was recommended to me that a straight microwave was OK to use with a modified sine wave inverter, but one with a turntable should be used with a full sine wave inverter. It also may be important how long you intend to use the device as in the difference between a microwave and a refrigerator. My 2 cents, anyone confirm, refute, clarify?

[Outfitter]

Originally Posted by HH4

Outfitter

I have the same setup of the bunk over a storage area and use an elect blanket to "preheat the bed". This time of year it dips to below freezing at night. Electricity is not a problem as we are supplying two trailers with 30 amp feeds from the cabin so we can run elect heaters all night.

Have you considered a catalytic propane heater to use during the night. Unlike on open propane flame they are safe to use during the night as long as there is a small fresh air opening. And unlike a propane RV funace, they require no power to run a blower. As such they don't heat a space as fast as a furnace but do an excellent job of maintaining a comfortable temperature.

I'll have to remember the alarm clock idea for our next hunt. Last year we had a buddy with us on a moose hunt who wasn't real familiar with a shotgun. So when we would spot grouse along the way I would load my 12 ga pump for him to use. Had almost a full week of not being able to take a single bird with lots of shots. Finally had to tell him that he was using shells with all the shot removed. Great for a laugh at every shot as he was the only one in the group that wasn't in on the gag.

HH4,
I do the same "pre-heat"thing with my electric blanket. When I was buying my new more efficient one this past week I saw they now have a heated mattress pad also. I bet I stood there looking at it for 10 minutes before finally shaking my head and walking away. I didn't want the rest of the camp to think I was a wussy or anything.
I have been considering the catalytic heater (Mr Heater?) and may go that route.
I love the shotgun shell trick and we have just the person to do that to. If I use it, do I need to send you a royalty check or anything?