theoldwizard1
SE MI
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Joined: 09/07/2010
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kfp673 wrote: When I search, most of the inverters have AC plugs directly on them but I would like ours hard wired in.
While common, this is not universal. Samlex makes inverters that are designed to be hardwired so that all AC outlets will work.
If this is what you desire, I suggest you buy an inverter/ charger/automatic transfer switch. Get rid of your old converter any wire the new inverter/charger/automatic transfer switch directly to your batteries via a mega-fuse on the positive cable and a meter shunt on the negative cable!
Your shore power cable goes directly to the inverter/charger.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Here is how my system works:
1. set fridge to propane
2. disconnect converter
3. power all outlets from a hybrid inverter charger.
To operate high draw items such as a microwave at least 4 six volt batteries may be best.
My microwave draws 170 to 180 amps @ 12 volts.
Size the inverter at 125% of the largest load intended to be used.
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
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steveh27
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
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Joined: 08/21/2004
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In my Class B Xplorer I have a 400 watt inverter for the tv. I hard wired it to the 2 LiFePo4 batteries. I tried just plugging it into the cig lighter 12 v outlet, but that has a very long circuitous way to the batteries and the tv will not work with a little battery drain. So I wired it direct in a much shorter route and have an on/off switch.
The sat tv box and tv just plug into it. Works well. Obviously this low power inverter will not run the microwave or coffee maker.
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kfp673
PA
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Joined: 12/12/2012
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Great feedback everyone. I'm busy reading all of this and appreciate the help!
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ewarnerusa
Helena, Montana
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Joined: 12/20/2011
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My technique is similar to pianotuna's. When boondocking I do the following:
1. Fridge and water heater on propane
2. Disconnect converter. I isolated my converter's power supply to its own AC breaker that I switch off. I also have air conditioner, electric water heater, and microwave breakers switched off to avoid accidentally running them (too much load for my battery system)
3. I plug my camper's shore power cable into the inverter's AC outlet.
4. Turn on inverter, now all outlets are live in the camper.
Aspen Trail 2710BH | 470 watts of solar | 2x 6V GC batteries | 100% LED lighting | 1500W PSW inverter | MicroAir on air con | Yamaha 2400 gen
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kfp673
PA
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ewarnerusa wrote:My technique is similar to pianotuna's. When boondocking I do the following:
1. Fridge and water heater on propane
2. Disconnect converter. I isolated my converter's power supply to its own AC breaker that I switch off. I also have air conditioner, electric water heater, and microwave breakers switched off to avoid accidentally running them (too much load for my battery system)
3. I plug my camper's shore power cable into the inverter's AC outlet.
4. Turn on inverter, now all outlets are live in the camper.
Curious, where did you mount the inverter to make in convenient for your shore power cord? Also, what size inverter do you run and off what size cable from the battery system? Thanks!
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi kfp,
I ran a thirty amp cord from the inverter to an outlet. I cut the 30 foot cord and added a new male end.
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ewarnerusa
Helena, Montana
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kfp673 wrote:
Curious, where did you mount the inverter to make in convenient for your shore power cord? Also, what size inverter do you run and off what size cable from the battery system? Thanks!
Front pass through storage of a travel trailer. Battery connection is about 5' of 2/0 gauge.1500 watt pure sine wave inverter
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kfp673
PA
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ewarnerusa wrote:kfp673 wrote:
Curious, where did you mount the inverter to make in convenient for your shore power cord? Also, what size inverter do you run and off what size cable from the battery system? Thanks!
Front pass through storage of a travel trailer. Battery connection is about 5' of 2/0 gauge.1500 watt pure sine wave inverter
Thanks! I like the simplicity of your method of simply plugging the shore power cable into the inverter, but doesn't that cause the batteries to try to charge themselves? With onboard chargers in the camper any time I have AC plugged in the charger is on. Does this cause a problem?
Edit- Actually, I see you dedicated a breaker to the onboard charger so you can isolate and turn that off. Found a youtube video of this exact install. I guess the only downside is having to change the shore power cord back and forth from inverter to generator throughout the day.
Thanks again
* This post was
edited 05/27/22 09:15am by kfp673 *
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valhalla360
No paticular place.
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Joined: 08/19/2009
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pianotuna wrote:Hi kfp,
I ran a thirty amp cord from the inverter to an outlet. I cut the 30 foot cord and added a new male end.
Commonly referred to as a "Dead Man's Cord" or "Suicide Cord". Goes against pretty much every electrical code.
Be very careful following this advice. Even if you are aware and understand the risks, someone else may not be aware and get themselves killed.
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV
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