I do have my trusty Electromate 400
So I began my hunt.
First, Costco, to look for their Xantrex inverter, which I had heard good things about. None to be found. Blast.
Next to target, where I bought this Black and Decker 200W inverter
The only other inverter that Target had was this one
So, we're about 45 minutes down the road and the son is starting to get antsy. We get the laptop set up and a movie running and plug the inverter in and...red light. Doesn't want to work. Great.
Luckily, I had the trusty Electromate 400 along for the ride, which was able to keep the laptop running for a while. Love that thing.
We did eventually get the inverter to power the laptop, but only intermittently. So that inverter is going back to Target, and then the hunt begins anew.
So--does anyone have any recommendations for inverters? Preferably one that can be bought at a local-type store, as we're hitting the road again in a couple days. And around $30.
I think a decent inverter is good thing to have stashed in the BOV, and they come in quite handy in normal everyday times as well.
Another lesson learned (yet again)--test your new gear out beforehand! Assume it will crap out on you within 5 minutes unless it's proved otherwise.