Inverter install

[Joe Zig23]

but if you turn off the converter, by breaker or swtch that would break the death circle, no?

 

[chuckster57]

Yes it would, but Breakers are not designed to be a "switch".

Where would you install the outlet for the shore cord to plug into? and depending on the batteries you probably can operate the AC for any length of time.

 

[NH_Bulldog]

It boils down to logistics and a big “why bother”.

If I recall, there is a member on here who did install a big enough inverter (maybe inverter/charger?) and wired directly to the power center, but had the batteries and solar to make it somewhat viable. But for the casual weekend warrior, the return on investment for the equipment is in the negative territory.

 

[mikehoyt]

So if only certain outlets and appliances work on the inverter when installed on the loop, then why not install an inverter NOT on the loop but with a 30a rv receptical and plug the rv into that like shore power??

Sure. Buy a bluetti. We have one with 2048 watt hour capacity. Plugging trailer in charges batteries and allow tv use etc but drains the Bluetti AC200Max in only a few hours.

We want the inverter for when off grid to power low draw items like electronics and tvs etc... the Bluetti is great but shore power is a power hog....

We have generator (1200w) for charging battery, bluetti for charging batteries when off grid, suitcase solar 200w for charging Bluetti, 200 watt solarflex for charging batteries and an inverter to watch movies on rainy days. Is a rabbit hole that drags you in ..

 

[flybouy]

but if you turn off the converter, by breaker or swtch that would break the death circle, no?

AND make sure the water heater is on gas only AND make sure the fridge (if lp/elec) is in gas only mode.

 

[Joe Zig23]

I'm running down the same road. Wanting to install an inverter. My trailer is pre-wired (just a loop I'm assuming) and the panel covering it is on the front wall of the forward storage. About 2' run to the batteries.


Still trying to figure out the size I need. Primarily just to run the 120v tv....

Peto have you installed the inverter yet? Did you have 1 loop or the second for the A/C also. Going to start mine when the weather clears up in NJ

 

[NH_Bulldog]

Unless you have a factory 440i system, you will only have the inverter prep loop for outlets. They do not install a loop to run the AC until the 440i and larger.

I recently made my system a 440i (upgraded from the factory 220w aystem) but did not bother with the second AC loop since it isn’t realistic to run the AC off batteries. But I do have the second solar panel, the inverter, the smart shunt and two LiFePO4 batteries. Installation is straightforward as long as you have the right components and upgrade the DC cables to the proper size. Not including the batteries, the parts cost around $1,200 and a cumulative total of my time (priceless) was about 8 hours.

 

[MrKABC]

It boils down to logistics and a big “why bother”.

If I recall, there is a member on here who did install a big enough inverter (maybe inverter/charger?) and wired directly to the power center, but had the batteries and solar to make it somewhat viable. But for the casual weekend warrior, the return on investment for the equipment is in the negative territory.

You recall correctly!

• Victron 3000w Inverter/Charger: $1168
• Victron Energy 200/200 amp Digital Multi Control Panel GX: $117
• Victron Energy Lynx Power In Battery Connector - Modular M8 DC Bus Bar: $141
• Cat 5 cable to run control panel: $40 or so, I have tools for custom runs
• Mega Fuses - $22 for a 5 pack
• BatteryCablesUSA 4/0 AWG cables: $393
• 25 ft. 10/2 Solid Romex NM-B W/G Wire (orange, used for run from inverter to WFCO panel) $90
• Elbow grease

Not mentioned is the 5 Battle Born GC2 batteries in my bank, the Victron solar controllers, BMV, and solar panels. Up side is that I can run 120VAC pretty much all of the time to run microwave, coffee pot, CPAP, TV, etc. It will even run the A/C for a while on battery power only. No need to worry about transfer switches, which outlets are inverted, etc. The entire trailer is covered. Bonus is when running off 15A shore power, if the demand exceeds the 15A outlet, the inverter/battery bank makes up the difference.

DOWNSIDE: Expensive and took a few weekends to complete the job. Definitely not for the faint of heart (my wallet is still recovering!) to be sure! If I ever sell my TT all of this stuff is coming with me.

 

[ColinB-KEY]

I purchased a ‘24 Cougar 25 MLE with the prep and had them install a Xantrex X2000. Only $100 for install with warranty. I wanted more juice for microwave. BUT guess what, Keystone didn’t wire that outlet for inverter. Only 7 outlets with sticker, TV is one. So I’ll need to fix that. It’s mounted in front storage bay, but you have to crawl in to see panel with flashlight adjust settings or power off etc. So I bought the Bluetooth remote. Will feed cable up through bedr floor and put it on my side of the bed. I can then adjust, pwr on/off there or use the app most of the time. CAUTION, read your manual, mine and likely most are rated for 30A, I have 50A so MUST turn it off when plugged into 50A shore at site.

 

[flybouy]

The inverter you listed is a 2000 watt inverter. 2000/120= 16.6 amp that is MAX load. Most microwaves and a/c units will not work as the initial startup load is much higher than that. The outlets are labeled because they are on one circuit that the manufacturer runs with a loop of Rome in the front storage compartment.

As for turning it off on 50 Amp shore power there's no need or it won't matter. First, the inverter is powered by 12vdc and the OUTPUT is 120 v ac at 16 amps.. The inverter does not power the entire camper and is limited to that 15 Amp circuit. The inverter has its own 15 Amp breaker on the output side. I think the inverter should disconnect when shore power is connected via a built in relay. You will need to turn it off when in storage or it will run down the battery(s).

The inverter will be limited in TIME of use by the capacity of the battery(s) used and the load placed upon them. Most dealers will install a pair of 12 volt group 24 or 27 lead acid batteries that won't be "true" deep cycle batteries. They will be very limited on Amp hour rating rating resulting in shorter periods between needing to charge them.

So first take a look at your battery(s) and identify what they are. Second, how do you plan on charging the battery when using the inverter. Keep in mind that if you are not plugged in to shore power the battery will not only be used by the invert inverter. The lights, the furnace, the tv antenna, stereo, etc. will still be using the 12 vdc power.