The inverter will be pulling those high current surges from the
battery.  As the battery voltage drops the alternator will start putting
out the amps.  I am curious how you have your inverter wired up,
Doug?  Sounds like a std syncro, so no alternate battery right?.  Also
would be interested if you could test the voltage at the battery with this
thing running.  That might give an idea if the alternator can keep up.

I have a cheap 400w rated inverter.  When I got it I was surprised how long
it would run my ceramic heater set on 1000W setting.  It was at least 5
seconds.

I like the idea of having AC in the van only when I need it, and having it
also being able to run off of 110volt.  But I can't think of a reasonable
place to mount it while driving.  Remember if you mount it inside that you
will have to duct not only the hot air out, but also outside air in, for
the condenser to blow out.  Heh-heh, just had a thought.  Mount it on the
luggage rack with air ducts running to the skylight opening of the
Westy.  Then when you pop the top, you have another duct that blows the
cold in through the front screen.  think of the blast of cooling air the
condenser would have as you ride down the hwy!

Edward

At 07:59 PM 6/30/2005, you wrote:
>Heh. 'course then the question goes from "can the inverter handle the
>AC" to "can the alternator handle the inverter". A 100A alternator
>might just squeak by the startup load...