DW Request

[h2ojocky]

DW wants to use blow dryer while boondocking. Can I use an inverter for just a couple of minutes to power the blow dryer. The blow dryer is 1250 watts and I have 2-6v golf cart batteries. i could fire up the generator later to recharge batteries after quiet time is over.

[Artemus Gordon]

My wife's blow dryer is like 1800 watts or 15 amps if my math is correct? So I say you might have a problem. Camping World sells a 12 V blow dryer, it has mixed reviews, that's most likely the better alternative. I know that the entire campground lights dim when my wife uses her's when connected to 50 amps! Lol One of our electricity wizards on here can give you a more scientific answer!

[Artemus Gordon]

Oops

[mjammersc]

The first question to answer is how big is your inverter, as in is it greater that 1250 watts (and hopefully the wiring is sized correctly too - a common issue) and that it is wired to the outlets that she wants/needs to use. If so, the answer is yes but... For simple calculations a 1250W blow dryer will draw about 10.5A AC (120V AC) or around 105 A DC (12V - this all ignores inverter efficiency, batteries at 12.8V full charge, etc but works for basic analysis. If the blow dryer is only used for 6 minutes (1/10 of an hour) you would only draw 10.5 Amp Hours (105A * 1/10 of an hour). Most likely your 6V batteries are 225 AH range rating so the max you should draw them down before charging is 50% or 112.5 AH, and 20-25% max is better or 45-55AH. Either way, you should be fine and still have room for other usage before you have to drag out the generator. The "but" comes in on if the inverter is also needed to maintain power to some other item such as a residential fridge or something else which might stress the limits of the inverter rating or usable timespan.

[DQDick]

If it were me and that's the only issue, I'd drag out the generators. You need to recharge the batteries anyway, why not when she wants to use the hair dryer. That said we are solar and want to use the TV, vacuum, coffee maker, hair dryer, convection oven etc, you get the idea. We have seven solar panels, a 4,000watt inverter and six AGM golf cart batteries, all of which equal a lot of money just to run some appliances. If you do go the inverter route, oversize it because it will get more use than you plan on.

[jcurtis934]

When have you ever seen a woman use a blow dryer for just a couple of minutes? That's like saying that they take quick showers that add little to the grey tank, etc. Those comments should draw the wrath of all of the ladies that post on the forum... john

[1retired06]

quote:Originally posted by jcurtis934

When have you ever seen a woman use a blow dryer for just a couple of minutes? That's like saying that they take quick showers that add little to the grey tank, etc. Those comments should draw the wrath of all of the ladies that post on the forum... john

but you are correct

[mjammersc]

quote:Originally posted by jcurtis934

When have you ever seen a woman use a blow dryer for just a couple of minutes? That's like saying that they take quick showers that add little to the grey tank, etc. Those comments should draw the wrath of all of the ladies that post on the forum... john

I see it every time my DW gets ready. She can almost out do me on navy showers and only occasional uses a blow dryer and then only for a minute or two. After years of primative tent camping and a couple week long backcountry backpacking trips in our past, all this fancy indoor plumbing and power is still a luxury we are getting used to

[Dam Worker]

My wife uses the generator because she is not going outside without doing her hair. Blow dryer and curling iron. I would want a 2.5/3 watt inverter if I am not allowed to use the generator.

Probably will be having one installed as it is tough to use Dish little travler and TV's with no AC unless generator is running while boon-docking.

Tom Marty

[Mudchief]

Mount a 2KW inverter near your batteries with 2/0 cables to the battery and your wife will be happy.