12V INVERTER QUESTION

[Ultra2349]

Looking to put a "inverter" in my Ice Shack.
Would run TV and Cell Charger rather continuous as I Ice Fish daily pretty much.

I have a converter wired to two deep cycle batteries in series right now.
Anyone know if I could come off those batteries to the "inverter" I want or do I need to designate a solo battery for a "inverter" application.
Also anyone have any idea what size "inverter" I would need for a 17" TV 110 and a cell charger !!

[beer batter]

I wired my shack for all AC power. I forget the watt level for my inverter but I'm guessing it was somewhere around 1600??

I ran my overhead lights, TV with VCR for the kids, radio, hole lights, and flasher unit. Never had a problem as I recharged my battery after each outing which rarely lasted more than about 2 movies (4 hrs).

The thing I question is why do you need 2 batteries in series to achieve 24 volts in a fishhouse? Just put them in parallel and run the inverter and/or 12v accessories off them.

[Ultra2349]

beerbatter:
For all I know about current the batteries may be hooked up Parrallel as opposed to in series. I get the two mixed up all the time.
The house came with two deep cells connected to a "converter" at my request to simply charge each day or every other by connecting to my garage outlet.
Stay out at nite alot and I use alot of juice so I went as described. Never a shortage and wears and charges each equally so its pretty hassle free.

The "inverter" idea is for my summer use as I donot care to purchase more 12V appliances or equipment. Sometimes I don't have (110) available at some sites !!

[danny berg]

Ultra,
I have a 700 W inverter to run my 13" Color TV in the Fishhouse, the TV draws 54 watts, I can have my TV on for 16 hours before the low power alarm starts to go off. I use two batteries in the fishhouse, one to run the lights and the other for the TV. I have one of those power stations that I picked up at Menards for a back-up if needed, and to charge the cell phone.
I always complain that I carry too much with me when I go Ice fishing. that why when I do go fishing it is almost always an overnight trip. Makes it worth my while to carry all that extra stuff...

[Ultra2349]

Thanks for the input guys!!
From your info and more research I've decided to go with a 1,000 watt Tripp-Lite Model PV1000HF hard wired to designated battery. Somewhat more high end of a "Inverter" than I desired but know a guy who can get it 30% off at $150

[Little_Bones]

I use a 300 watt inverter at my hunting shack and that will run a 19" TV and my satelite receiver so I am sure it would also run your cell phone charger. 300 Watts would not run my vacuum cleaner though so I bought a bigger one. They seem to be selling 400watt ones for $29.99, so buy the biggest one you can, as you would not regret having the extra power.

[beer batter]

Ultra2349

Nothing like being on the ice with all the comforts of home if you ask me. If I were to redo my shack I'd also add speaker wiring for tunes. I currently bring a little boombox each time but it would be nice to just flick a switch and have the music on. Nothing too nice or someone will break in the door just to see what you've got.

Good luck.

[Ultra2349]

Beer Batter, I fully understand your thoughts on vandals. I have had three house over the past ten years. All had been broken into and one within a hour of my leaving and return.
The house I have now is no doubt rather "elite" but when I saw it I just had to have it. One of those deals we guys all get. I justified buying it as its RV rated and equipped and I use it in the summer as well so its multi functional use and easy operation was a big consideration.
I leave it "no where" at no time without me in it to avoid the vandals and negativity others may impose upon it.
Sad times it seems but thats how things are.