Out of Sight, Out of Mind
I installed the Samlex 2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter in our camper 12 years ago. Other than having to turn it on when camping, it has been one of those “out of sight, out of mind” things in life. In other words — it just works as designed — I give little thought to it.
Our Samlex inverter is a model PST-2000-12. It is an industrial grade piece of equipment that has been bolted to the floor of our Milan travel trailer in the front storage compartment. It has withstood the rigors of 29,820 miles of towing, quite often over dusty and bumpy dirt roads.
The Samlex PST-2000-12 stands out as a premium, reliable, and efficient inverter. It’s especially well-suited for applications where power cleanliness, safety, and ruggedness matter — like mobile workshops, solar off-grid systems, or mission-critical backup setups. While it’s priced at a premium, its durability, certifications, and performance justify the investment for users needing dependable and clean AC power.
What is an Inverter?
An inverter converts DC (direct current) into AC (alternating current). For most RV owners, it is connected to their 12 volt battery and converts this voltage into 120 volt household current. For us it means we can run household appliances (toaster, blender, microwave, evaporative cooler, etc.) that are not specifically designed to be used in a RV.
I want to keep this review as short as possible. However, choosing an inverter and matching it to your electrical needs, battery size and even a solar system can be daunting. I have included some links several of my previous articles that may be helpful.
One of the best investments I have made is replacing our lead-acid batteries with a 300AH Lithium-ion Phosphate Battery.
Upgrading an RV Battery Bank with Lithium (LiFePo4) Batteries
Samlex Product Manuals
Samlex 2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter (PST-2000-12) Manual
Samlex Optional Remote Control (RC-300) Manual
Is the Samlex PST-2000-12 the “Best” Inverter?
Efficiency
The Samlex PST-2000-12 is a reputable and efficient inverter, but it is not necessarily the most efficient on the market, especially when compared to newer, budget-friendly brands. The primary trade-off is often between a brand’s long-standing reputation for robust, reliable components and the high efficiency offered by some modern competitors.
The Samlex PST-2000-12 is advertised with a peak efficiency of greater than 85%. This is a solid, standard rating for pure sine wave inverters of its type. Its heavy-duty design and temperature-controlled fans also contribute to its stable performance.
I have seen some budget priced inverters with efficiency ratings of greater than 90%. Of course I am always wary of “budget” brands.
Features and considerations beyond efficiency
Efficiency is just one factor to consider when comparing inverters. The Samlex PST-2000-12 offers several benefits that may outweigh a slight difference in efficiency for many users:
Commercial-grade reliability: Samlex is known for producing heavy-duty inverters suitable for rugged use cases in service vehicles, marine, and construction settings.
Low idle power draw: With a no-load draw of less than 1 amp, the PST-2000-12 is efficient when no appliances are running, which is important for conserving battery power in off-grid applications.
Robust and quiet cooling: The temperature-controlled fans run only when needed, which conserves energy and reduces noise. The heavy chassis design also aids in cooling through convection, minimizing fan use.
Safety and certification: Samlex has a strong reputation for safety, with the PST-2000-12 being UL and CSA certified. The inverter also includes a comprehensive Universal Protection Circuit.
Proven track record: As a long-standing brand, Samlex has a history of reliable performance. One reviewer found its output waveform to have less harmonic distortion than some competitors.
Conclusion
While some newer, less expensive brands like Renogy may offer slightly higher peak efficiency numbers, the Samlex PST-2000-12 is considered a highly efficient and reliable choice, especially for those prioritizing long-term durability and proven performance.
If your main concern is squeezing out every last percentage point of peak efficiency, newer entrants may have an edge. However, for a dependable, well-built inverter with good overall efficiency and a strong track record, the Samlex PST-2000-12 remains a highly competitive option.
Our Samlex Inverter and Components
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Other Inverter Options
If budget constraints are an issue, I would consider the following items I have no experience with.
