My Battery Upgrade and Inverter Install

Poppy's 5th Wheel · 03-22-2014, 08:12 PM

So I finished my project up today. I wanted to increase my dry camping power supply and add the ability to watch some TV at night, run the laptop, charge phones, etc. while boondocking.

First I switched my dual 12 volt batteries for dual Trojan T105 6 volt 225 amp batteries. Then I added a Sunforce 1000Watt Pure Since Wave Inverter with a remote on/off control. Finally I added a double outlet in the living room next to the shore power outlet behind the television and wired it up to the inverter in the battery compartment.

All in all it was a pretty straightforward job mostly planning where to mount what and how to run wire. I stumbled for a moment when the new 6 volt boxes didn't have the means to connect the vent. I ended up cutting the vent pipes off the old boxes, drilling holes in the new box and inserting the vents. It works well but the pictures tell the story.

In the end it works just as planned. When we are off the grid I just need to unplug the TV from the shore power outlet, plug into the inverter outlet, push the button on the remote and I have my clean 120v power.

Here's some pictures:

Started here with the 2 - 12 volt batteries:

Swapped them out for the 2 - 6 volts:

Added the invertor:

Mounted the remote control module:

Poppy's 5th Wheel · 03-22-2014, 08:13 PM

Then I moved inside to work on the new outlet:

Poppy's 5th Wheel · 03-22-2014, 08:14 PM

Here's just a batch of miscellaneous pictures that accompany the project:

Poppy's 5th Wheel · 03-22-2014, 08:14 PM

PARAPTOR · 03-22-2014, 08:56 PM

POPPY; Looks really Good, neat layout !!!
Thanks for sharing the pictures with us

Question: In RV's they do not require full boxes for 120V ?

Be Safe and Happy Camping (Coming Soon We Hope)

Poppy's 5th Wheel · 03-23-2014, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PARAPTOR

POPPY; Looks really Good, neat layout !!!
Thanks for sharing the pictures with us

Question: In RV's they do not require full boxes for 120V ?

Be Safe and Happy Camping (Coming Soon We Hope)

Thanks Paraptor.

I would have like a full box but couldn't find anything that would mount in the wall without a stud or something to mount to. The original shore power outlet is installed without any sort of box at all. Thoughts?

**hankpage** · 03-23-2014, 08:33 AM

Very nice job!!!! They do make existing wall boxes but I am not sure if they clamp down far enough to use on 1/8 or 1/4" panel.
What size inverter is that? Are you using it for anything other than tv?

Poppy's 5th Wheel · 03-23-2014, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hankpage

Very nice job!!!! They do make existing wall boxes but I am not sure if they clamp down far enough to use on 1/8 or 1/4" panel.
What size inverter is that? Are you using it for anything other than tv?

1000W. Right now it's just powering the TV, laptops, cell chargers, etc. Down the road I will wire a second box in the bedroom next to that TV. I also want to swap out the 12v Jensen entertainment system with a true Blu-ray surround sound system. I have to admit that I struggled with this choice. I easily could have done with 600W or even less but I got sucked in with the fear of wanting more down the road. I realize there are some negatives to going too big. Are you thinking the 1000W will have drawbacks for me? For one thing I will only turn it on when it's in use.

PARAPTOR · 03-23-2014, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppy's 5th Wheel

Thanks Paraptor.

I would have like a full box but couldn't find anything that would mount in the wall without a stud or something to mount to. The original shore power outlet is installed without any sort of box at all. Thoughts?

Yes they do make full boxes with similar it not same screw/clamp system to hold it in and if I recall I recall that back clamp can be screwed in to be even with edge of box. I will see if I have one laying around. Have not torn into my Raptor yet but would have thought the 120VAC receptacles would have had boxes including light switches.

Interesting that the existing shore power outlet had no BOX???? Maybe someone with code knowledge will chirp in.

Again Great Job

Poppy's 5th Wheel · 03-23-2014, 08:55 AM

A quick search and I found the exact self-contained box they used in the original construction. I'm going to talk to a friend, who is an electrician, and see if he thinks I should swap them out.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120v-White-S...bf2997&vxp=mtr

**hankpage** · 03-23-2014, 09:01 AM

From the size of the unit I thought it was larger. I have a 1000w we use for tv and 120v air compressor and it works great. (only wish it had remote) You should be fine with what you have. I would not go any smaller than 1000w as many inverters do not not deliver their stated output continuously just like generators. If I had to do over I would go with a 2000w just so I could make a pot of coffee in a rest-stop if I wanted to. We don't dry camp so the inverter is just for convenience or emergencies.
Again ..... great step by step photos. Thanks and enjoy the fruits of your labor, Hank

Poppy's 5th Wheel · 03-23-2014, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hankpage

From the size of the unit I thought it was larger. I have a 1000w we use for tv and 120v air compressor and it works great. (only wish it had remote) You should be fine with what you have. I would not go any smaller than 1000w as many inverters do not not deliver their stated output continuously just like generators. If I had to do over I would go with a 2000w just so I could make a pot of coffee in a rest-stop if I wanted to. We don't dry camp so the inverter is just for convenience or emergencies.
Again ..... great step by step photos. Thanks and enjoy the fruits of your labor, Hank

Dang Hank, I never thought about using my air compressor. I carry a pancake compressor in the trailer and I figured I would only be able to use it when on shore power or starting a generator. So the compressor will run on a 1000W inverter? That would be fantastic if needed on the road! Thanks for bringing that up! I think I will go ahead and add an outlet in the pass through next to the air compressor just for convenience.

PARAPTOR · 03-23-2014, 09:23 AM

Looks like that cover on the back may be used to give similar effect as the plug being in a box ? Picture with cover is blurred for my old eyes

where does wires connect actual plug? with screws or just pinch? Usually those orange semi boxes are used for audio/video and I think low voltage control. Be interested what electrician has to say about code. Newer worked on a trailer.

Thanks

**JRTJH** · 03-23-2014, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppy's 5th Wheel

A quick search and I found the exact self-contained box they used in the original construction. I'm going to talk to a friend, who is an electrician, and see if he thinks I should swap them out.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120v-White-S...bf2997&vxp=mtr

The plugs that are in your RV are the same as mobile home plugs. They are a self contained outlet. Usually you can pick them up locally at any mobile home parts house, at most hardware stores that have mobile home parts (ACE and TruValue both have them) and usually Lowe's/HD have them in their mobile home departments. They are not a "exclusive item" and they are common in every mobile home/RV that's made.

Before you go spending lots of money and waiting for EBay, check the local mobile home sales/service lot or even your camper supply store.

Poppy's 5th Wheel · 03-23-2014, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

The plugs that are in your RV are the same as mobile home plugs. They are a self contained outlet. Usually you can pick them up locally at any mobile home parts house, at most hardware stores that have mobile home parts (ACE and TruValue both have them) and usually Lowe's/HD have them in their mobile home departments. They are not a "exclusive item" and they are common in every mobile home/RV that's made.

Before you go spending lots of money and waiting for EBay, check the local mobile home sales/service lot or even your camper supply store.

I checked Lowe's with no luck (that's where I got this) but I will check the other suggestions because I do want to swap that one out with the enclosed style outlet. I need a couple more anyway so might as well do it now.

**JRTJH** · 03-23-2014, 10:01 AM

At the Lowe's here, they aren't in the electrical department, but are in Hardware. All of the mobile home parts are located together, I believe they are next to the locks, but it might be one aisle over from there. The entire mobile home parts section is in a strange place, not where you'd expect to find it.

PARAPTOR · 03-23-2014, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppy's 5th Wheel

I checked Lowe's with no luck (that's where I got this) but I will check the other suggestions because I do want to swap that one out with the enclosed style outlet. I need a couple more anyway so might as well do it now.

Poppy, just finally woke up and had a coffee

This is a very active thread so by the time I type this up others may have already submitted other posts. Just thought of what I said in a previous post. The enclosed "OLD WORK " boxes that I mentioned used in homes are going to be deeper than either those orange ones (no backs) you used or as John stated the ones commonly used in mobile homes (clip on backs). Interesting what John said about a mobile home section in Lowes or HD, thought I had walked through it all. Just wanted to clarify

Poppy's 5th Wheel · 03-23-2014, 10:54 AM

I just made another run to the depot (Lowe's yesterday) for some wire clamps to tidy the install up and checked and they don't carry them either. I will keep checking for a local supplier otherwise I will just order online.

dtas · 04-09-2014, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppy's 5th Wheel

Dang Hank, I never thought about using my air compressor. I carry a pancake compressor in the trailer and I figured I would only be able to use it when on shore power or starting a generator. So the compressor will run on a 1000W inverter? That would be fantastic if needed on the road! Thanks for bringing that up! I think I will go ahead and add an outlet in the pass through next to the air compressor just for convenience.

Poppy, it looks as though your inverter has two outlet. Maybe you won't have to add another outlet in the pass-thru, just plug right into the inverter. Just a thought.

Poppy's 5th Wheel · 04-10-2014, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtas

Poppy, it looks as though your inverter has two outlet. Maybe you won't have to add another outlet in the pass-thru, just plug right into the inverter. Just a thought.

It does Danny, but the cord from the compressor is very short and the inverter is in the front compartment on the street side of the trailer. I did think about that though and considered moving the compressor closer but then I thought I might like an outlet here for other uses while camping anyway.

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