Inverter sizing
Do You Actually Need an Inverter?
Many people buy a giant inverter before they know if they need one. Most overland gear can run directly on 12V, which means no inverter is required for many rigs.
What runs on 12V?
- Fridges
- Lights
- Starlink with the right DC setup
- Fans
- Diesel heaters
- USB chargers
What usually needs AC?
- Coffee makers
- Microwaves
- Blenders
- Some power tools
- Some laptop chargers
Inverter efficiency
Most inverters are roughly 85-95% efficient. That means energy is lost converting DC battery power into AC power.
60W laptop charger through inverter = often 70W+ battery consumptionSize recommendations
| Inverter size | Best fit |
|---|---|
| No inverter | Weekend rigs using 12V gear |
| 500W | General light AC use |
| 1000W | Laptops, small tools, camera gear |
| 2000W+ | Heavy appliances with serious battery and wiring support |
Recommendation
Use 12V-native gear whenever possible. Add an inverter only when you have a real AC load and the battery, cable, fuse, and ventilation plan to support it.