The furnace runs on 12V power. The AC does require shore power or a generator. I use a small inverter once in a while to run the television, but have not found it that useful. I added USB charging outlets for our phones and other devices that need a USB cord. The small inverter would also work to charge a laptop battery, and I have used one for that purpose. For the most part though, we operate on 12V when shore power isn't available.
One thing to figure out is what kind of camping you are going to do. If you plan on doing extended boondocking then a single 12V group 24 battery will likely not be sufficient. Three alternatives are to go with a pair of 6V GC2 batteries, wired in series to provide 12V output. Another alternative is to get a matched pair of 12V batteries and wire them in parallel so you keep 12V while increasing available amp hours. These can both be done with the stock converter which is a multi-stage charger (bulk, absorption, and float), and will work just fine.
A third alternative is to go with an LiFePO4 (Lithium) battery. This is what I have done. It does require more changes, both to the converter and to be able to charge from the vehicle, a DC to DC charger since vehicle charging systems are not meant for lithium batteries. See my mods for details.
Do not think you can use a small sine inverter for the purposes you propose. You would need a huge capacity inverter and an even more huge battery bank to run the larger appliances. Some of the newer RPod models come with an inverter installed. From what I have been reading, those limit the power available in the AC circuit. For example, don't plan on plugging in anything that draws above 12A. You are much better off spending the money on a good inverter generator. We recently purchased a Firman dual-fuel generator that we can run on propane. This is good because we don't have to carry containers of gasoline. It is big enough to run the AC, the microwave, etc. I don't think it would run the AC and the microwave at the same time, but the AC and other items would be okay, except for running the water heater and the refrigerator on propane also, which makes more sense.
To summarize, the converter you have is fine for standard lead-acid batteries. An inverter is not really needed for travel. There are good 12V alternatives. Some tow vehicles have 120V AC outlets in them. If you have that, use them for charging. If you don't have them, add a couple of 12V outlets and USB charging outlets to your RPod. It will serve you better in the long run.
------------- StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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