Watching TV off the grid
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5908
Printed Date: 16 Jun 2025 at 4:21pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Watching TV off the grid
Posted By: lamarkeiko
Subject: Watching TV off the grid
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2015 at 12:09pm
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My new 2015 RP-179 came with a 19" led tv and intertainment center. The intertainment center (DVD/CD/ AMFM) operates on 12 vdc while the tv is 120 vac. I would like to set up if possible, an inverter to power the tv. My questions are: 1. What size inverter will I need? 2. Does it have to be a pure sinewave inverter? 3. Could it be as simple as just installing a 12 vdc jack near the tv in which I could plug in a portable inverter? I'm attaching some pictures of my system as installed now.  ------------- Lamar |
Replies:
Posted By: lamarkeiko
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2015 at 12:13pm
More pictures ------------- Lamar |
Posted By: podrunner
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2015 at 12:50pm
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I chose option number 3. seems to work fine, I have a 2010 r pod so I have the small 9" approx. Audiovox tv / dvd combo. Not sure how this would work on a larger TV. I believe my inverter is only 250 Watts. ------------- 2010 R Pod 151 2017 4runner 2006 Honda Metropolitan |
Posted By: lamarkeiko
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2015 at 1:54pm
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Podrunner, Was your inverter a pure sinewave type? I know they are much more expensive, so I'd rather not have to buy that type if I don't have too. ------------- Lamar |
Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2015 at 5:03pm
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We have a 179 and I installed a modified sine 2000/4000 inverter a year ago. I hard wired it to my double 12v batteries, running two separate plugs one below the bed and the other in the kitchen by the r.pod plugs. With the 2000/4000 we can watch TV and also make coffee and use a blender. We camp at this point only off grid. I have a 2000i honda generator I will use a hour a day to keep my batteries charged up or use the microwave. We have been out about twelve times this your on the average of 5days on each trip without any problems with this system. I hope this helps you. Happy Camping
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2015 at 6:25pm
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Keep in mind with generators and inverters, you need to match it to your load. If you are running the pod's tv and/or charging a few cell phones then a 100 watt model is best. Two laptops, 200 watts. The problem with generators is even when running small loads large generators use a lot of fuel (less so with an inverter-generator but that is still true), and with inverters they use a lot of extra amps running themselves the larger the inverter. Not to confuse inverters, generators and inverter-generators! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2015 at 8:29pm
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To each his own, but I carry one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-400-Watt-12-Volt-120-Volt-Inverter/dp/B001RNOHBC - http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-400-Watt-12-Volt-120-Volt-Inverter/dp/B001RNOHBC It does everything I need. We don't watch a lot of TV, but it works fine running TV and laptop and other small things. We do often watch movies from laptop to TV. Doesn't take much to run TV or laptop or both. We also carry 230 Amps worth of dual 6 volt EGC2 batteries and a generator so I don't worry too much about consumption. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: lamarkeiko
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2015 at 10:03pm
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Thanks funks. After reading your post reply, I got to thinking about a brand new one I've had stored in my shop. My inverter is a Vector 1000/2000 modified sinewave. I was originally thinking something smaller, but after reading about your setup, maybe this unit would be the way to go. It's fairly large (12" x 6"), but I'm sure yours is as big or bigger. Could you tell me where you mounted yours, and how you ran your wireing? My manual says with 1 ga cables in, run no more than 10' to battery. If you have a picture, I'd love to see it. ------------- Lamar |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 04 Mar 2015 at 10:35am
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MSW has a lower tare loss than PSW, but you'll still use a lot more amps running a 1000 watt vs. something smaller if you are only running the tv. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2015 at 12:16pm
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