RV Power Inverters

What size RV power inverter do I need?

Size the inverter to the total wattage of the AC devices you plan to run at the same time, then add about 20% headroom for startup surge. A 1000-watt unit handles laptops, TVs, and small kitchen appliances. A 2000-watt inverter covers a microwave, coffee maker, or residential refrigerator. Larger loads like a rooftop air conditioner typically require 3000 watts or more plus a robust battery bank. Check your battery capacity in amp-hours before pairing, since a 2000-watt inverter at full load can pull around 170 amps from a 12V system.

What is the difference between a pure sine wave and modified sine wave inverter?

Pure sine wave inverters produce clean AC power that matches shore power and residential outlets, which is required for sensitive electronics like CPAP machines, variable-speed motors, microwaves with inverter technology, and modern TVs. Modified sine wave inverters are less expensive but can cause buzzing, reduced efficiency, or damage in some devices. For most RV applications we recommend pure sine wave. Pair your new inverter with the right shore power connection from our RV plug adapters collection if you also run on 30A or 50A campground hookups.

Can I run my RV air conditioner on a 12V inverter?

Running a rooftop AC on an inverter is possible but demanding. A 13,500 BTU unit draws roughly 1500 watts running and can spike to 3000+ watts on startup, so you need a 3000-watt pure sine inverter, a soft start kit to reduce inrush current, and a lithium battery bank of at least 300Ah at 12V (or 200Ah at 24V/48V) to get meaningful runtime. For full off-grid AC use, most owners step up to a 48V system. Browse related components in our RV electronics collection.

Do RV power inverters need to be hardwired or can I plug them in?

Inverters under about 400 watts can run from a 12V cigarette socket. Anything larger should be hardwired directly to the battery bank with appropriately sized cables and an inline fuse or breaker within 18 inches of the positive terminal. A 2000-watt inverter typically requires 2/0 AWG cable and a 250A fuse. Mount the unit close to the batteries to minimize voltage drop, and use a transfer switch if you want the inverter to feed your existing AC panel when shore power is disconnected.

Does United RV Parts ship inverters to California, New Mexico, and other states?

Yes, we ship RV power inverters to all 50 states, including California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Orders over $100 ship free via standard ground. Larger inverters and inverter/charger combos may ship via standard parcel carriers; oversized freight items are noted on the product page. Confirm your model number and battery system voltage before ordering, and if you need help matching an inverter to your rig, text or call our team at 817-984-1852.