Best RV Inverter – Reviews and Buying Guides

The best RV inverter is a device that connects to the outlet of the 12-volt cigarette lighter of an RV. The device has one or more standard three-pronged output jacks, and some models can have USB ports.

Its function is to recover direct current (DC) from the cigarette lighter socket, amplify it and transform it into alternating current (AC) at much more significant levels. The primary purpose is to power a whole series of car devices while driving.

Direct current, which is between 10 and 15 volts, is converted to alternating current, measured in watts. Since car batteries supply DC voltage and most consumer electronics run on AC, a device known as a car power inverter is essential if you want to use AC powered devices on the road.

So, where to buy the best RV inverter? If you want more information before purchasing, you can read the opinions of other users. However, it is advisable not to focus on low-priced or cheaper items, but to rely on branded products for better quality.

Let’s check out our nine recommendations below!

Top 9 Best RV Inverters

Best Overall: Giandel 2000W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter

 

Giandel inverter is a 2000W motorhome inverter with a peak power of 4000W comes with a pure sine wave. The device is equipped with two fans for cooling and maintaining the inverter at a constant temperature. There are an AC outlet and a switch for switching the device on and off conveniently.

It also has two poles in which the cables can be connected to the vehicle battery. The Giandel 2000W Pure Sine Inverter is also equipped with a USB port, which is useful for charging devices such as smartphones or tablets.

The body of the device is made of aluminum to ensure that the heat is quickly dissipated. Its dimensions are quite compact, which is 13.9 x 8.1 x 3.74 inches, compared to a weight of 12.27 pounds.

The most significant advantage of this product is that it is an inverter for motorhomes with high output power and pure helical wave technology. It is sold at a relatively low price compared to other similar products.

However, the cables supplied for the connection of the device to the battery have tiny eyelets. Denote that a single AC outlet at the output is not suitable for a method of this capacity.

 

Best Value: EDECOA Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter

 

EDECOA inverter is the best RV inverter for 1500W motorhomes with a peak of 2500 watts. It takes the most advantage of modified sine wave technology. It is also equipped with an AC outlet, an on/off switch, a cooling fan, and a small LCD screen for indicating the percentage of battery, the input and output voltage.

EDECOA Power Inverter has a body made entirely of aluminum, which is useful for constant temperature maintenance. Its dimensions are equal to 14.56 x 9.5 x 6.3 inches concerning the weight of 16 pounds. This size is quite bulky and heavyweight for an inverter.

 

Most Reviewed: Bestek 300W Power Inverter

 

The 300W Bestek is a car inverter that is specialized for motorhomes (RVs). It has an impressive output power of 300 watts, which receives many positive reviews. It can connect easily to the power source via the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.

The inverter is equipped with a cooling fan, an AC outlet, an on/off switch, and two USB ports suitable for charging portable devices. The case is made of aluminum, which makes the device more lightweight and easily transportable.

Its dimensions are quite contained, 4.8 x 3.1 x 1.9 inches, for only 10.1 ounces. The advantages of this product are evident. Low weight and small size make it very practical for all vehicles.

The negative aspect is being an inverter with not high power and with connection via cigarette lighter socket. It is not suitable for powering high consumption devices or appliances.

 

Best RV Inverter for Small Area: VOLTCUBE Power Inverter

 

VOLTCUBE power inverter can convert the 12V alternating current of the batteries into 220V direct currents present in all our RVs. It is equipped with two fuses to guarantee protection against short circuits and a cooling fan.

Voltcube is a modified sine wave inverter with a 220V output voltage. It also has a universal socket, suitable for all countries. The inverter is supplied with 12V socket connection cables and terminals directed to the battery.

Notably, the available power is over 90.5%, and the fan is activated only in case of overheating. With an extra-small size, the VOLTCUBE inverter is the perfect choice for average-sized RVs.

 

WZRELB inverter is a 3000-watt inverter equipped with a digital display, an AC output socket, a USB port, the classic switch for switching on and off. There is also a fan for cooling and the two poles and the respective cables to connect it directly to the RV battery. It comes with a plug to be inserted in the cigarette lighter socket.

Its body is made of aluminum, and its dimensions are 14.17 x 8.07 x 3.54 inches for a weight of 11.42 pounds. This inverter model can be used for all types of electrical equipment and has a protection system that turns it off in the event of overload, high temperature, short circuit, or polarity reversal.

The excellent quality and price ratio give the advantage of this product despite having some small defects, such as temporarily shutting down.

 

Best USB Outputs: Bestek 400W/500W Car Power Inverter

 

Bestek inverter is an inverter connected to the 12V battery to convert direct current into alternating current. It provides sufficient power to numerous electrical and electronic devices simultaneously.

The inverter is also compatible with high energy-consuming equipment, including mini electric grinders, mini electrical tools, mini-kitchens, DVDs, VCDs, video recorders, fans, lighting, etc. With its integrated overload, overheat, low voltage, and overvoltage protection circuits, the Bestek device always keeps your tools and RV safe.

Primarily, it offers up to four USB outputs to connect as many electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The built-in cooling fan increases durability and safety. Finally, its compact size allows you to store it in a small space.

 

Best Performance: KIMISS Car Power Inverter

 

With AC 220V socket and USB port, KIMISS inverter is used to connect many household appliances and electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, amplifiers. It offers multiple protections to keep tools and the car safe: against short circuit, overload, overcurrent, overheating, and low voltage. The cooling fan also ensures a long life of the device and increases safety.

The device has been designed to offer the most comfortable experience for users. The front of the inverter is equipped with a power outlet suitable for plugs used throughout Europe and a USB port. Thanks to it, we can charge the smartphone, the e-book reader, and any other USB device.

 

Best Best RV Inverter Sound: BMK 200W Car Power Inverter

 

The BMK power inverter has an intelligent Smart Digital Display system that shows the DC input voltage, AC output wattage, or fault codes to monitor operation. The temperature-controlled cooling fan helps increasing efficiency and dissipates heat. It is equipped with a modified sine wave, which makes it suitable for resistive products.

It also has four built-in fuses to protect against over-voltage, low voltage, overload, short circuits, and overheating. The BMK device is ideal for those who frequently travel by RV since it comes with a cigarette lighter cable and two-piece battery clips.

The intelligent cooling fan makes the vehicle’s power inverter silent during operation and works faster when it gets warmer. Lastly, the aluminum alloy structure protects from falls and bumps.

 

Best Price: Potek 750W Car Power Inverter

 

Potek inverter is an inverter for RVs of 750 watts with a peak of 1500 watts. It comes with an excellent quality and price ratio. It is equipped with two AC outlets and a USB port suitable for charging mobile devices.

There are two fans to keep the inverter temperature stable. The body is made of aluminum to make the inverter lightweight and easy to handle.

Its dimensions are 11.3 x 6.8 x 2.7 inches and a weight of approximately 3.19 pounds. This inverter is equipped with poles and relative cables to connect directly to the vehicle battery. The most beneficial feature of this product is its reasonable price, considering that it is a 750W inverter with two electrical outlets and a USB port at a meager amount.

Furthermore, it does not produce any noise during operation; its power is adequately regulated and does not warn of voltage loss during its use. The negative aspects of this product are practically irrelevant.

 

Types of RV Inverter

There are different types of inverters from 12V to 220V. They differ in terms of output power, the method of connection to the source of electricity, and the fields of application. There are two major categories: the modified sine wave inverter and the pure sine wave inverter.

Modified Sine Wave Inverter

The modified sine wave inverter has a meager price and is suitable for most commonly used electronic devices. But this type of inverter for motorhomes has positive and negative half-waves that are not entirely rounded with the consequent imperfection of the emitted current.

Therefore, it is not suitable for all types of power supplies for electronic equipment. The modified sine wave inverter for motorhomes is only satisfactory for those who do not have particular needs.

In modified sine wave inverters, the voltage is modulated by two digital signals, one that controls polarity and another that controls the presence or absence of the output voltage. Non-motorized appliances such as TVs, computers, and chargers, which only have the transformer, are suitable for the modified sine wave inverters.

Pure Sine Wave Inverter

The second type of inverter from 12V to 220V is a pure sine wave. It has a cost approximately three times higher than those with a modified wave. It produces perfectly rounded waves and provides constant electricity alike of ordinary households.

Therefore, it is recommended for those who need to connect vital medical equipment, appliances that require a long time of use.

Denote that the inverters for modified-wave motorhomes consume more electricity than those with a pure wave. SO, during their use, they can have dropped inefficiency, and it means that the electrical consumption is higher.

In pure sine wave inverters, the second stage is more complicated. The voltage is pulse-modulated and then filtered, thus obtaining a sinusoidal voltage equal to that of the home network.

Pure sine wave inverters are more efficient than modified sine wave inverters. They cost a little more but guarantee more significant efficiency. Appliances equipped with a motor necessarily require to be powered with a pure sinusoidal voltage, which otherwise a square wave would damage them.

How to Choose The Best RV Inverter?

 

Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing an RV inverter. Consider what you need to make sure you can buy the right model at the right price.

Purpose

Probably, the most crucial factor is the purpose of why you want to buy the inverter. If you just want something to keep in the RV to recharge your kids’ phone or tablet frequently, you can purchase a smaller device with a 12-volt adapter.

On the other hand, if you are outdoors and want an electrical supply for your devices when camping in open spaces, you may need a more powerful inverter.

Dimensions

If you just want to charge your phone or some other similar device simultaneously, we recommend taking an inverter that weighs relatively little and is small. It can fit in the glove compartment, and you can use it as long as necessary.

Safety

A right inverter must have excellent safety features to protect the objects it is loading. You should look for inverters with overvoltage protection, overload protection, and short circuit protection to prevent damage to your electrical products.

There should be temperature protection with a sound cooling fan system. The top-of-the-range models should also allow you to manage direct and alternating current power via multiple fuses mounted inside. For instance, wicks add a level of protection.

Price

The prices for these items range from less than 50 dollars to over 300 – 400 dollars for a 12V connector. To some extent, though, you must have some extra-payments.

A low-priced inverter will struggle to generate the energy needed to operate large electrical devices. On the other hand, a more expensive one will likely have multiple safety features, making it better for the appliances’ long-term operation.

FAQs

What is the inverter?

A power inverter transforms the direct current generated by a 12V battery into a conventional 220V alternating current with a sine waveform. You can use it to operate all types of devices: electric lights, kitchen appliances, microwaves, utensils electrical, TV, radio, computer, etc.

A pure wave inverter can power any type of electronic device, even sophisticated with high power.

Can power inverters damage the RV?

If misused, a power inverter can damage the car battery. But if you use it correctly, the impact is minimized and will not cause any danger to you and your devices.

How long does a 12V battery last with an inverter?

It starts from the load you are consuming, for example, 65W/12V is 5.42A, and the battery life is 100Ah/5.42 = 18.45 hours. But the inverter is never 100% efficient, so let’s say about 17 hours.

Do the power inverters drain the battery?

Inverters can also drain the battery quickly unless the motor is running and recharging the battery. Most inverters sound an audible alarm when it detects a reduced power source. But it may be advantageous to purchase a slightly more sophisticated and expensive unit that turns off when it detects a low battery.

Best RV Inverter Conclusion

Those who spend a lot of time in the RV for work or traveling with the family can benefit from having the best RV inverter in their motorhome. Devices such as smartphones, tablets, notebooks, power banks, or other electronic devices can be recharged or connected without any problem.

We have given our preference to the Giandel 2000W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter. It is an inverter that is designed to make use of practical and functional. At the front, there is a power outlet suitable for plugs used throughout Europe and a USB port. In the rear position, there is instead a fan that ensures the correct cooling of the device.

If you want an inverter that offers the best protection feature, WZRELB Pure Sine Wave Inverter is a more suitable choice. If you have any questions, feel free to leave it in the comment section!