Should I Leave My RV Inverter On All the Time? When I Do and When Not

If you own an RV, you know that an inverter is an essential piece of equipment. An inverter converts 12-volt DC power from your RV’s batteries to 120-volt AC power, which is what most household appliances and electronics need to operate. This allows you to use your RV’s appliances and electronics even when you’re not connected to shore power.

But should you leave your RV inverter on all the time? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on a number of factors, such as the type of inverter you have, the size of your battery bank, and how you use your RV.

In this article, I’ll discuss when you should leave your RV inverter on all the time and when you shouldn’t, and I’ll give you some tips on how to decide whether or not it’s right for you.

Should I Leave My RV Inverter On All the Time

Should You Leave Your RV Inverter on All the Time?

The short answer is: it depends. In some cases, it may be necessary to turn off the inverter, while in others, it can be left on continuously. So, let’s find out when you should leave the inverter of the RV on and when you shouldn’t need to do so.

When You Should Leave the Inverter On

Here are a few situations where you may want to leave your RV inverter on:

Boondocking

Boondocking, also known as dry camping or wild camping, is camping in an RV without hookups to electricity, water, or sewer. This means that you’ll need to be self-sufficient and rely on your RV’s onboard systems to provide for your needs.

One of the most important systems in an RV for boondocking is the inverter. An inverter converts 12-volt DC power from your RV’s batteries to 120-volt AC power, which is what most household appliances and electronics need to operate.

If you’re boondocking, you’ll need to leave your inverter on all the time to power your appliances and electronics. This is because you won’t have access to shore power, which is the 120-volt AC power that is available at most RV parks and campgrounds.

Residential Refrigerator

A residential refrigerator is a type of refrigerator that is designed for use in homes. It typically has a larger capacity than an RV refrigerator and uses a compressor to cool food.

Residential refrigerators are more energy-efficient than RV refrigerators, but they also require more power. This means that if you have a residential refrigerator in your RV, you’ll need to leave your inverter on all the time to power it.

If you’re boondocking, you’ll need to make sure that you have a large enough battery bank to power your residential refrigerator. You may also need to use a generator to recharge your batteries if needed.

Medical Devices

If you rely on medical devices that need AC power, such as a CPAP machine or oxygen concentrator, you will need to leave your RV inverter on all the time to power them. This is because medical devices are often essential for maintaining your health and well-being, and you cannot afford to have them run out of power.

When You Won’t Need to Leave the Inverter On

Here are a few situations where you don’t need to leave your RV inverter on:

Shore Power

Shore power is the 120-volt AC power that is available at most RV parks and campgrounds. When you’re connected to shore power, your RV’s appliances and electronics will be powered directly from the shore power source, so you don’t need to leave your inverter on.

In fact, it’s best to turn off your inverter when you’re connected to shore power. This is because inverters can consume a small amount of power even when they’re not powering any appliances or electronics. By turning off your inverter, you can conserve your battery power and extend the lifespan of your batteries.

Not using any AC appliances or electronics

Inverters consume power even when they’re not powering any appliances or electronics. This is known as standby power consumption. The amount of standby power consumption varies depending on the inverter, but it can be as much as a few watts.

By turning off your inverter when you’re not using it, you can conserve battery power and extend the lifespan of your batteries. You can also reduce noise and heat levels in your RV.

If you’re planning on leaving your RV for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to disconnect the battery bank from the inverter. This will help to prevent the batteries from being discharged by the inverter and extend their lifespan.

Tips for Deciding Whether or Not to Leave Your RV Inverter On

Here are a few tips for deciding whether or not to leave your RV inverter on:

Consider the type of inverter you have. Some inverters are designed to be left on all the time, while others are not. Check your inverter’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.
Consider the size of your battery bank. If you have a small battery bank, leaving your inverter on all the time may drain your batteries too quickly.
Consider how you use your RV. If you boondock frequently, you’ll need to leave your inverter on all the time to power your appliances and electronics. However, if you only camp in RV parks with shore power, you may not need to leave your inverter on all the time.

If you’re not sure whether or not to leave your inverter on, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and turn it off. You can always turn it back on if you need to use any AC appliances or electronics.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether or not to leave your RV inverter on all the time. The best decision for you will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of inverter you have, the size of your battery bank, and how you use your RV.

If you’re not sure whether or not to leave your inverter on, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and turn it off. You can always turn it back on if you need to use any AC appliances or electronics.