Who's running an inverter and why

[dom14]

I can't imagine going on a trip without an inverter. I'm surprised to hear some of you guys who have a one rarely uses it.
Some of our little mains power gadgets that we like to take with us would depend on having a functioning inverter. Cameras, camcorders, laptops, etc etc. It's true many little gadgets like mobile phones, tablets now come with 12V to 5V USB charging adapters. But, many other gadgets still depend on having access to mains power. I use one modified sine wave one and a one true sine wave one. There're higher wattage low frequency ones that are good with high power demanding appliances, but they are usually dearer.

[blocko05]

I have a 300w one just to charge the laptop and camera batteries, otherwise everything else is 12V.

[TimE]

I have a 300w one just to charge the laptop and camera batteries, otherwise everything else is 12V.

X 2 when remote.

[threedogs]

If running a 1000 watt inverter would it use more battery power
than a 300 watt unit charging the same thing???
sorry dumb question I know

[the evil twin]

If running a 1000 watt inverter would it use more battery power
than a 300 watt unit charging the same thing???
sorry dumb question I know

Depends...

Probably the quality of the Inverters more than anything else.
They are inefficient things anyway so an elcheapo will probably draw more than a quality unit no matter the ratings and all else being equal.
Inverters 'tend' to be most efficient around the upper part of their specs so it can be a swings and roundabouts situation.

Bottom line, I doubt you would see all that much difference between the two out in the field.

[threedogs]

@ ET If Im going to buy a larger inverter for say a "coffee machine" which is better
a sine wave or modified sine wave,

[paulyg]

3d i would go a pure sine-wave inverter, even if you don't relay need it now, you might in the future.

[the evil twin]

Agree... pure sine wave will work fine, modified sine wave can be a bit of a risk in this day and age

[HuskyInAuz]

We had a 1200 watt pure sine in the Camper Trailer with two 120aH batteries. Used it to charge up the laptops/tablets and run coffee grinder.
In the caravan at the farm we have a 2800 watt Magnum with 600 aH battery bank (6 x 6vdc) yes, we use a coffee machine there and a toaster but not at the same time. Switched all the halogen lights over to LED.. If the bloody heater wasn't running all the time we'd get quite a few days worth of power out of the battery bank, now it's generator time once a day.