Best 2000 Watt Inverter For RV Reviews & Buying Guide – 2022

While no one wants a huge appliance taking all the space in their RV just to provide electrical energy, it’s equally important to put in a backup in the event you find it difficult to access any source of power. This is where the best 2000 watt inverter for RV comes in handy. With an RV inverter, you will be able to convert direct current to alternating current or vice versa.

One of such best pure sin wave inverter is the AIMS 2000 Watt, Pure Sine DC to AC Power Inverter, USB Port, Cables. With enough power to produce 2000 watts, it remains a great choice for anyone that needs a high level of surge protection and clean power for running sensitive electronics. Besides, it features stable flow of power with most technologically advanced design.

How To Choose The Best 2000 Watt Inverter For RV.

With a wide range of RV inverters in the market, it’s quite confusing on the kind of device you choose. It gets even more complicated if it’s your first-time experience to do it. The guide below provides important highlights to consider in choosing the right inverter for your RV.

Type of inverter:

You first need to determine the type of inverter you need. Generally, RV inverters are divided into three main groups namely; pure sine wave, modified sine wave and square wave inverters. These groups refer to the type of waveform the specific units provides. Pure sine wave inverters are known for smooth clean and continuous AC output. However, they have a premium price tag but offers top quality power.

For modified sine wave inverter are known to produce a square wave, where the polarity is flipped back and forth. It works fine in most equipment such as an oven, toaster, although the efficiency is reduced with some.

Power output:

You need to choose a unit that meet the power needs of your electrical items. First, start by determining the amount of power you need by calculating total power usage of all electronics in your RV. Then, go for an inverter with more wattage compared to the total usage of electronics in your RV. Simple appliances such as washers and microwave can comfortably run on a 2000watts inverter. Consider getting 3000 wattage for large number of electronics. The more electronics in your RV, the higher the power output.

Ease of installation:

The core for purchasing a power inverter is to help power your electronics when you have difficult accessing power and not stressing you on installation. Different models have different ways of installation. The easiest trick is choosing those units which plug directly to the RV port.

Units such as the sine wave are a bit complex to assemble and install as they require direct hardwiring. Also, check on the manual and installation accessories such as clamps, connecting cables and more.

Built-in protection:

Inverters offers different layers of protection. Therefore, when choosing a good converters, always go for those with some built-in protection. There reason is that inverters are prone to issues that affects your safety and performance. Check on reverse polarity protection, overheat, voltage, overload and short-circuiting protection. Check for inverters with automatic fan cooling system to keep your device cool in extreme temperatures. Units with led lights and smart visual display are handy as they make them safer and convenient to use.

Battery bank capacity:

This determines the duration your electronics run without AC power. When the AC is off, the DC power takes charge until your initiate the engine or an electrical stand. Therefore, the duration your device run on DC power plays a huge role in the inverter section since a less effective unit will drain your battery bank faster. This makes the situation worse especially for those living off-grid.

Pricing:

Different prices are indicators of different features, quality and power output. Power inverters with low features and power output range around $150 bucks. Those with power output of more than 2000 watts comes with premium features and high price tag. Therefore, find an inverter with the right features to help you determine the right price.

Input and output voltage:

What Are The Best 2000 Watt Inverter For RV?

What Is An RV Inverter?

An inverter does the opposite of a converter. It’s a device designed to connect directly to the RV batteries and convert direct current (DC) voltage to the alternating current (AC) voltage. It simply rectify the 12v DC to create a 120 AC output in an RV. Once installed, an RV inverter is quite useful in running electrical appliances using renewable energy from batteries, solar, wind turbines and more.

In simple words, the unit works as a reliable source of power for electronic appliances in an RV. Besides, it can also function as an emergency backup to protect your belongings in case of a power outage.

Types of RV Inverter.

RV inverters consist of three main groups. These categories stands for the type of waveform, source, output and load. They include;

1: Pure Sine Wave Inverter

The output wave form of the voltage is given out in the form of a pure sine wave. This voltage delivers similar output to the utility supply hence making it more compatible with almost any RV device.

Pure sine wave inverters are capable of supplying effective, efficient power to all of your RV appliances. This is an added bonus since the unit will allow all the electronics to function to the fullest extent. While it’s true that all appliances are designed for pure sine wave power, the unit comes with a heavy price tag. The unit costs double or even three times the normal cost of other models. 

2: Modified Sine Wave

The build of this type of unit is somehow complex but mostly supply less efficient power to appliances. The output is neither square wave nor pure sine wave. And since the unit produces low energy, appliances using the motors tend to consume more power from the unit. Mostly, motors on your fans or bumps will utilize up to 30% more power as compared to when power is provided by sine wave inverter.

Another disadvantage with this unit is less brightness in your cabin lights, particularly when using fluorescent lights. If you don’t mind noise or less efficiency, then a modified sine wave unit isn’t bad at all.

3: Square Wave

Why Do You Need An RV Inverter?

Having an RV inverter is crucial for inverting a 12V DC battery to 120V AC power. Remember the design of RV batteries supplies power in DC form at low voltage. For RV enthusiast, chances are you may have been in need of an inverter, especially on dry camping. Some of the reason you need an RV inverter include;

Highly Efficient

You may need inverters for power supply to run your onboard devices. Inverters such as the pure sine wave power unit has the ability to supply enough power similar to those generators at home.

Does not require fuel/gasoline

The main reason why you need an RV inverter is to convert battery power. For this reason, you won’t require to store gasoline as there is enough power all through. If you want nothing to do with gasoline storage, then having a RV inverter is the best decision.

What Size Of RV Inverter Do I Need?

First, let’s understand the meaning of ‘size’ in this context. This doesn’t mean the physical dimensions of an inverter rather it’s the number of wattages at a given unit output.

Now, that begs the question, what size of RV inverter?

A simple answer: it all depends on your RV appliances. However, you need to calculate the total sum of the wattage required by the devices in order to determine the right size. However, it’s not recommended to get a unit whose wattage output equals the total wattage of your devices. Instead, choose a unit with more wattage like 20%

Calculating wattage

First, check on the brand labels in the form of amps. Once you have the total amperes of your device, convert them as illustrated here;

Amperes x 120= total sum of wattages

However, we said the total watts should not be match. To increase the percentage,

20/100x Total sum of watts= size of unit

It’s important to note that there are not inverters valued the exact rate you get from your calculations. For that reason, pick a unit with more value that your total wattage. To avoid all the stress of making these calculations, get an online calculator for RV inverter.

How many batteries do you need?

To approximate the battery power available, take the current DC amperes and multiply by the number of hours you intend to use on a single day. Example, is you use 166 DC amps for 3 hours, then the formula is;

166*3 = 498 amps. 

How To Install RV Inverter?

Now that you understand what it takes to choose the best inverter for your RV, let’s learn on how to install it.

Requirements

• Connectors
• Zip ties
• Wrench
• Inverter
• Fasteners
• Utility knife
• Cable
• Screwdriver
• knife
• Electric tape

To install,

Step 1. Clear Out Space

You need to clear enough area to safely rest your RV inverter. Also, you need to keep in separate compartment near to the battery. Needless to say, minimize keeping it suffocated areas, below fluids or close to flammable objects. In the same line, the surface you connect your RV unit must be noncombustible.

It’s during this stage that you need to check that the cables securely connects between your inverter and the battery.

Step 2. Secure the Inverter

Inverters are designed with subtle components that are prone to vibrations and bumping to something. Thus, you need to handle it with ultimate care. Once the unit is locked in place, next you need to attach it to the surface. Majority of the units have already made drilled holes. In this case, a screwdriver comes in handy. You may also need a wrench for tightening lag bolt. Regardless of anything, use the same procedure designed with your inverter.

By tightening it safe, you keep the inverter intact from swaying about and possibly becoming broken in the process, becoming a risk.

Step 3. Wire Inverter and Battery

The next step involves wiring it to a battery from which it will draw energy from. Different models come with different terminals for connections, so follow the specific guidelines from the manufacturer for quality outcome. Wiring helps provide continuous flow of power using the existing RV outlets. Here, the battery acts a power source when connecting the inverter.

For the right cable sizes and wiring diagram, use the inverter manual guide. For instance, installing a 1000W unit requires a 150amp circuit breakers and a four gauge cable.

The following are the right methods of wiring

Method 1: use a transfer switch to connect your unit to the alternating current distribution box. However, this method is costly.

Method 2: Plug an extension cord to one of the appliance from the unit to provide power.

Method 3: Detach existing outlets from the distribution box before installing new ones.

Method 4: Install a 30amp socket outside an RV while attaching it to the unit output.

Step 4. Ground the Unit

This is the last step that involves detaching an existing bolt, fir a 12V ground cable around it and secure it back in place. It’s that simple!

Top Brands of RV Inverters

1. POWERMAX

Located in Bradenton, Fla, the manufacturer has decades of experience in the production of power inverters.  The company prides itself in customer satisfaction and its success is attributed to their innovative Quality Control program that values inverters through the manufacturing process.

2. AIMS

The company specifically focuses on production of clean off-grid power. Founded in the year 2001, the company offers more than 90 power tools including the 8000 Watt DC. Besides, its supplies products to big corporations like NASA.

3. WINDYNATION

The medium sized manufacturer is based in Ventura, California. It is best known for solar-powered RV inverters ideal for off-grid living. Besides, it offers supportive offering through its community forum where clients share ideas on renewable solutions.

4. XANTREX

This company prides itself for the manufacturer of onboard AC power. It deals with RV technology for trucks, marine, construction and more. The company offers RV inverters that are simple and efficient for an RV’s power needs.

Magnum Energy inverters are our most popular inverter/chargers for RV's. We carry all Magnum inverter products. Export versions are not listed but we can special order them, usually 2-4 days.

How Does The RV Power Inverter Work?

First, we need to understand what it means by DC AND AC power. Direct current usually comes from the battery and flows in one direction at a maximum of 12V. On the hand, AC keeps varying direction and comes at 120V. This current is designed for items that require high voltage rating. 

The input voltage, output and overall power depends on the make of a particular unit. And since an inverter doesn’t store electricity, it uses inbuilt batteries. To produce electricity, an inverter must store AC power from power stations into DC current.  The DC power then help charge the batteries in order to produce AC power for use in your RV appliances.

Now, most of the electronics on your RV runs of AC voltage, a reason you must convert the DC power from your batteries. With the right wattage, you will consistently power most of the appliances onboard your RV without the need of a generator.

Potential Problems with RV Inverters

Power inverters are reliable and rarely require much attention from owners. However, there are a few instances when they experiences fails. Such include;

Blown Fuses

A blown fuse completely blocks the flow of current in any direction. Use the manual guide to help locate the fuses and evaluate each separately to determine the problem.

Bad House Batteries

Your RV comes with batteries necessary to produce 110 volts AC. However, they have a short life span. Once they fail, they no longer hold charge hence less output to accessories. Consider replacing with a new battery.

Failed Cooling Fans

Conclusion

The best 2000 watt inverter for RV supply safe, continuous flow of power while also protecting your RVs appliances from surges, short circuits, and other problem. For this reason, it’s important to check on the inverter’s ratings and features for some clues as to whether it will fulfill all your V needs. Check on factors such as in-built protection, power output, build quality, ease of installation, cost among others for the right unit.

FAQs

How many amps can a 2000 watt inverter handle?

It all depends on the efficiency of the inverter and input voltage. Using the right formula, a 2000W inverter should handle 166.6 DC amps per hour. To calculate, you divide the number of wattages by the voltage which is usually 12V.

What is the best 2000 watt inverter?

The AIMS Power PWRI2000 is a great choice for people interested in portability. Designed with three AC sockets and a USB charging port, the pure sine wave deliver quality results. Its high price tag means great features and quality build.

Will a 2000 watt inverter run a microwave?

First, check on the microwave label for power consumption. Assuming a microwave draws 1500 watts, a 2000 watt inverter should work perfectly. Remember, a 2000 watt inverter has a surge capability of 4000W. It perfectly handles a 1500 watt requirements of a microwave

Will a 2000 watt inverter run a RV air conditioner?

Yes a 2000 watt inverter has a better chance. However, you must calculate the BTU rating of your AC. Also, an AC unit has two wattage rating. The starting rating is a bit higher compared to the running watts.

Will a 300w inverter run a TV?

It all depends on your TV rating. So let’s say if you have a 15” TV, you will need around 46w. A 300w modified sin wave inverter will comfortably run any type of TV.

How long will a 12 volt battery last with an inverter?

It all depends on your inverters capability and battery’s capacity to convert.

The formula that you need to use is the following:

watts / 12 volts =  amps.