As an RV technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen how the right power equipment can make or break an RVing experience. Your RV’s electrical system is its heart, and the inverter and converter are two of its most critical components.
I remember a customer, a full-time RVer named Tom, who was constantly frustrated with his noisy, inefficient converter. It would hum loudly all night, and his batteries never seemed to hold a full charge. We replaced his old unit with a modern, multi-stage converter, and the difference was night and day. His batteries were healthier, his 12V appliances ran better, and his RV was finally quiet.
After countless installations and side-by-side comparisons, I’ve learned what separates a durable, high-performance power system from one that will leave you stranded. This guide is the culmination of that experience, designed to help you choose the best inverters and converters for your specific needs.
For those in a hurry, here’s a quick overview of my top recommendations. Each of these has been selected for its reliability, durability, and overall value.
Now, let’s dive into the detailed reviews of each product. I’ve installed and tested all of these, and they each bring something unique to the table.
Best for: RVers who need clean, reliable power for sensitive electronics.
When it comes to pure sine wave inverters, Xantrex is a name I trust. The PROwatt 2000 SW is a workhorse of a unit that delivers clean, stable power for even the most sensitive electronics. I’ve installed dozens of these in motorhomes and fifth wheels, and they are consistently reliable. The 2000-watt continuous output is enough to run a microwave, a coffee maker, or even a small air conditioner. The built-in digital display is a fantastic feature, allowing you to monitor your battery voltage, AC output, and any fault conditions. The PROwatt also includes a built-in transfer switch, which makes it easy to switch between shore power and battery power.
I had a customer who was a professional photographer, and he needed to be able to charge his camera batteries and run his laptop on the road. His old modified sine wave inverter was causing problems with his sensitive equipment, so we upgraded him to the PROwatt 2000 SW. He was thrilled with the results. His batteries charged faster, his laptop ran cooler, and he no longer had to worry about damaging his expensive gear.
It’s a premium inverter, but for those who need clean, reliable power, it’s worth every penny. The PROwatt 2000 SW also features a dual GFCI outlet for safety and a USB port for charging small devices. The unit is also surprisingly quiet, thanks to its load-controlled cooling fan. The fan only runs when needed, and even then, it’s barely audible. This is a huge plus for light sleepers. The PROwatt 2000 SW is also very efficient, with a peak efficiency of over 90%. This means that more of your precious battery power is converted to usable AC power, and less is wasted as heat.
Buy Xantrex PROwatt Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter 2000 SW
Best for: RVers who need a powerful and affordable inverter for running basic appliances.
Not everyone needs a pure sine wave inverter. For running simple appliances like blenders, power tools, and older TVs, a modified sine wave inverter is a perfectly acceptable and much more affordable option. The Samlex America 2000-watt modified sine wave inverter is a great choice for those on a budget. It’s a simple, no-frills unit that delivers plenty of power for most common RV tasks. The dual AC outlets are a nice convenience, and the built-in protection features guard against overload, over-temperature, and short-circuits.
I installed one of these in a customer’s travel trailer, and he uses it to run his coffee maker and a small shop vac. He’s been using it for several years without any issues. It’s not the right choice for sensitive electronics, but for running basic resistive loads, it’s a reliable and cost-effective solution.
The compact, lightweight design also makes it easy to install in a variety of locations. The Samlex 2000-watt inverter also has a high surge capacity, which is important for starting up appliances with large motors. It’s a solid, reliable inverter that offers a lot of power for the price. The unit also features a low-battery alarm and shutdown to protect your batteries from being overly discharged. This is a great feature for those who are new to boondocking and may not be as diligent about monitoring their battery levels.
Buy Samlex America Modified Sine Wave Inverter 2000 Watt
Best for: RVers who need a high-wattage inverter for running multiple appliances at once.
The PowerMax pure sine wave inverter is a beast of a unit that is perfect for large motorhomes and fifth wheels with high power demands. With a continuous output of 3000 watts and a surge capacity of 6000 watts, this inverter can handle just about anything you can throw at it.
I’ve installed these in rigs with residential refrigerators, multiple TVs, and even small washing machines. The PowerMax delivers clean, stable power that is safe for all of your electronics. The built-in digital display allows you to monitor your power usage, and the included remote control is a nice convenience.
I had a customer who was a full-time RVer, and he wanted to be able to run his entire RV off of his batteries. We installed a large solar array and a PowerMax 3000-watt inverter, and he was able to live completely off-grid. He could run his microwave, his TV, and even his air conditioner without having to start his generator.
It’s a serious piece of equipment, but for those who need serious power, the PowerMax is the way to go. The PowerMax also features a built-in transfer switch and a dual GFCI outlet. It’s a complete power solution for the modern RVer. The unit is also very well-built, with a rugged aluminum housing that is designed to withstand the rigors of the road. The cooling fan is also very quiet, which is a nice bonus.
Buy PowerMax Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter, 12V DC To 120V AC
Best for: Charging small electronics like phones, tablets, and laptops.
Sometimes, you just need a little bit of power to charge your phone or laptop. The Samlex America 100-watt modified sine wave inverter is the perfect solution. It’s a small, lightweight, and incredibly affordable inverter that is perfect for charging small electronics. It plugs directly into your RV’s 12V outlet, and the single AC outlet is all you need for your small devices. It’s not powerful enough to run a coffee maker or a microwave, but for keeping your gadgets charged, it’s a fantastic little device.
I keep one of these in my personal RV, and I use it all the time. It’s perfect for charging my phone and my laptop when I’m boondocking. It’s also great for running a small fan or a string of LED lights. It’s a simple, practical, and incredibly useful device that every RVer should have in their toolkit.
The Samlex 100-watt inverter also has built-in protection against overload and short-circuits, so you can use it with confidence. The unit is also very compact, so it’s easy to store in a glove box or a small drawer.
Buy Samlex America Sam100-12 Modified Sine Wave Inverter 100 Watt
Best for: Upgrading an old, inefficient converter to a modern, multi-stage charging system.
The Progressive Dynamics 60-amp converter is my go-to choice for upgrading old, single-stage converters. This modern, multi-stage converter will charge your batteries faster, extend their life, and reduce your overall power consumption.
The built-in Charge Wizard technology automatically selects one of four charging modes (Boost, Normal, Storage, and Equalization) to ensure that your batteries are always getting the optimal charge. The variable-speed cooling fan is also a fantastic feature, as it only runs when needed, making this converter incredibly quiet.
I’ve installed hundreds of these converters, and they are consistently reliable. I had a customer who was constantly replacing his batteries every year. We installed a Progressive Dynamics converter, and his new batteries are still going strong after three years. It’s a simple upgrade that will pay for itself in the long run by extending the life of your expensive house batteries.
The Progressive Dynamics converter is also very easy to install, as it is a direct replacement for many common RV converters. The unit is also very well-built, with a rugged steel case that is designed to withstand the rigors of the road.
Buy Progressive Dynamics 60 Amp Converter
Best for: A complete, all-in-one power distribution solution for smaller RVs.
The WFCO Power Center is a fantastic all-in-one solution for smaller travel trailers and fifth wheels. This unit combines a 35-amp converter, an AC distribution panel, and a DC fuse block into a single, compact package. It’s a great choice for new builds or for replacing an old, outdated power center.
The three-stage converter provides a safe, reliable charge for your batteries, and the built-in AC and DC protection will keep your electrical system safe. The brown color is also a nice touch, as it blends in well with most RV interiors.
I installed one of these in a customer’s vintage trailer renovation, and it was the perfect solution. It provided all of the power distribution and conversion they needed in a single, easy-to-install unit. The customer was thrilled with the clean, professional look, and they loved the convenience of having everything in one place.
It’s a great product for those who want a simple, all-in-one power solution. The WFCO Power Center is also very affordable, making it a great value for the price. The unit is also very easy to wire, with clearly labeled connections for all of your AC and DC circuits.
Buy WFCO Power Center Converter, 35 Amp
Your RV’s electrical system can be confusing, but it’s important to understand the difference between an inverter and a converter.
Not all RVs have inverters, but every RV with a 12V system has a converter. It’s also important to understand the difference between pure sine wave and modified sine wave inverters.
Installing a new inverter or converter can be a complex and dangerous task. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, I strongly recommend hiring a qualified RV technician.
Choosing the right inverter and converter is a critical decision for any RVer. It’s about more than just having power; it’s about having safe, reliable, and efficient power. It’s about protecting your expensive electronics and extending the life of your batteries.
Whether you need the clean, stable power of the Xantrex PROwatt, the affordable performance of the Samlex modified sine wave, the raw power of the PowerMax, the compact convenience of the Samlex 100-watt, the smart charging of the Progressive Dynamics converter, or the all-in-one solution of the WFCO Power Center, there’s a perfect solution for every RVer.
Investing in a quality power system is one of the most important upgrades you can make, and I’m confident that any of the products in this guide will provide you with years of reliable service. I’ve seen too many RVers struggle with inadequate or unreliable power systems. Don’t let that be you.
Do your research, choose the right equipment for your needs, and enjoy the freedom and flexibility that a quality power system can provide.
Happy camping!
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
Follow me on LinkedIn