For those with older coaches considering how far to downsize comfortably:
If you’re thinking about scaling down, keep in mind that you might not need a massive battery bank or multiple inverters. I frequently use my inverter overnight to keep the fridge cold and never come close to deep cycling my batteries. My setup includes two Deka 8D batteries, and I don’t plug in or run the generator.
If the main constant load is the fridge, and other power needs are intermittent (like outlets, microwave, or TV), you don’t need a huge battery bank or two inverters. In my motorhome, where the fridge is the only constant load, I cycle the inverter on and off. I run the inverter for about half an hour, watch the load meter, and once the fridge compressor turns off and the fridge is sufficiently cold, I turn the inverter off. I can easily go an hour or two before needing to turn it back on. When cooking and accessing the fridge frequently, I keep the inverter on while cooking and turn it off after.
This approach also works for boondocking. With just two 8D batteries, I can keep my fridge cold for days before needing a recharge. I’ve comfortably managed three days of boondocking on only two batteries.
For other appliances, turn the inverter on only when needed. If conserving power is a priority, use the TV while the fridge is cooling. A couple of hours of TV with a dish uses very little power. The inverter stays off while I sleep, keeping the freezer frozen until morning. In the morning, I turn on the inverter for the fridge and coffee pot, then turn it off again.
Understand how your fridge operates—how often and how long it runs. This knowledge can help you maximize your inverter and battery bank performance with less equipment and cost.
I’ve adapted my 30-amp power cord to a 20-amp and plugged it into a 2500W Heart inverter. It successfully starts and runs the roof air even with the engine off, though it’s limited by battery capacity if the engine isn’t running. While I don’t use this as an OTR AC (I have a Red Dot system), I’ve tested it and it works well with only a slight change in the AC motor’s tone.
Another surprising fact: I moved a Cruise Air to a 2000W Heart inverter, and it worked fine despite the Cruise Air’s hard start. This was with a 1st Gen Heart, which was a factor too.
I know this might be unconventional for many in the Prevost community who prefer to never turn off their inverters and think you need two 4000W units to be “cool.” I’m not worried about that. These are proven methods I use myself. I don’t full-time, but in the past five years, I’ve spent more time in my camper than at home, staying comfortable and happy with minimal inverter and battery setup. Just keep it in the 70-degree range, and that’s what the wheels are for.