E Bay inverters ... anybody have one like this ???

Just remembered i can load up a pic so here it is .....

hi Joe,

I wouldn't know if that is a good buy our not.
But what on earth do you want to run on it? I suppose you do realise that when loaded to 5000w it will be drawing about 450 amps from your 12v battery? More than a typical starter motor and about 5 minutes battery life.

seriously i have a 1500 watt sine inverter and it draws way too much current to be useful
always check the current draw of the inverter to see whether it suites your needs.

i bought my inverter from a ebay supplier in China for $64 and it is extremely well made. i have used it often and you don't need to spend a lot of money.

Gee! That would suck the battery flat at full load in 3 minutes! LOL ! Michael

Hi Joe,
I have a cheap 2500W pure sine inverter. The few occasions we use it has been fine. Why 2500W?? Because The missus needs a hair dryer on occasion when free camping. The 12V hair dryers won't dry her thick hair. I have little hair..on my head. It is quite interesting to watch the amps used on the Victron battery monitor. She only uses the dryer minimally say 5-7 mins and uses 8-10 amps. Easily replaced by solar.
So I don't think they are a big drama, provided you use them sensibly. I agree with you better to get an inverter to suit your needs. The hair dryer won't run off a 600W inverter.
I did have one interesting situation free camping. Ran the lead from the inverter (front boot) to 240V inlet, switched on inverter...wham, battery monitor squarking and 12v appliances struggling. I had accidently left the 30A battery charger plugged in and turned. Inverter was struggling to charge van batteries!!!
Live and learn.
Cheers,
Ian

Hi Joe

I have one of those - 600W pure sine wave - got it from 'Bit MB P/L' on e-bay. It cost peanuts and I didn't expect much but it's been very good.

It arrived with one of the terminals broken due to the post office dropping it from a great height (I'd guess). It wasn't packed very well.

I contacted Bit MB and rather than me returning it to them I suggested they send me some terminals and I'd fit it myself. This they did and it has worked OK even though the aluminium box is also slightly bent from the blow that broke the terminal.

I have used it many times mostly for my VAST tellie via a 120AH AGM battery.

I have also used it to power a 4 1/2" angle grinder from the same battery - it's never 'cut out' due to overload or failed in any way - yet!

Best of luck

Happy days

George