What size power inverter is good?

what you ned to do is see what the power consumption is of each of the products is, then add them all up to see what you will need. mainly when adding the refridg, and a microwave, then you should add at lest 10 to 20% above what they consume. remember, what they say they are there is a start up surge. like if the micro, is one that is a 1200 watt, it will more than likely hit 1500 watts at start up.
it is just simple math, adding up the usage that each appliance consumes and that will give you a rough idea. way it sounds you might need a 2000 or even a 2500 unit or might even go up to a 3000 watt inverter. also remember that what size you go with you make sure you have the correct size cable to power the inverter.

 

Inverters are like engines. You can never have one that is to big !!!

You always want to go at least 500 watts bigger than you think you need .

 

Between hauling my CB and Inverter, my trailer space is half used up !!!

 

Is there any particular brand inverter that is more trusted than others ?

 

also depends on the company,. some companes wont even allow inverters over 500.. my company allows up to 3,000... i have a cobra 1500 watt with a 3000 watt peak, it runs everything all at the same time, fridge, microwave, laptop, cell charger, blue tooth charger, tv and surround sound, i keep it all plugged in, but when i use my micowave i tend to unplug my laptop and cell phone, something about that much draw at start up make me think it could hurt the laptop and cell phone.
i like cobra inverters a lot, they are have the USB plugs on them, and 2 cooling fans, and a digtl display... i went to TA and they had this one for 175, i told the lady that pilot on the other side of town had it on sale for 120, she gave it to me for 120... pilot didnt have it on sale

 

I run a Xantrex prosine 3000.

It has shore power hook up and it charges my batteries while I am on shore power .

Not cheap but well worth it in the long run !

Oh ya stay away from truck stop stuff go to an R.V. place they deal with inverters all the time. They will help you pick out one to serve your needs .

 

Good info but remember inverters are rated for surge AND continuous supply. Make sure you choose one with a continuous supply rating 20% over what you intend to run. Especially since having an inverter can and will invite you to buy more electrically operated goodies for the truck.

 

and no matter what size inverter you choose, make darn sure you put real big power cables to it! Voltage will drop the longer the cables are, so keep them as short as possible too. It is better to run the 110v output an extra few feet, than to run 1 extra foot of the 12 volt power cables.