Easy Budget Inverter Install For RVing!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- Today I wanted to share one of the easiest ways to add an inverter to your RV to use Off Grid. Thank you to Etrailer for sponsoring this video. Here is their Website. bit.ly/3TkfX63 I wanted to add to Our list of Inverter Setups and aim for the extreme of budget-friendly and easy setup for an inverter to use while RVing. This was the setup I came up with that I thought would fit that criteria.
2000 Watt Inverter bit.ly/3V2KmXH
2/0 Wire. amzn.to/3ThU6fs
Fuse Block Terminal. amzn.to/42YLeyL
Fuse amzn.to/3wENMG8
10 gauge Romex. amzn.to/49EZ2ky
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Thank you to Etrailer for sponsoring this video. Here is their Website. bit.ly/3TkfX63 I wanted to add to Our list of Inverter Setups and aim for the extreme of budget-friendly and easy setup for an inverter to use while RVing
2000 Watt Inverter bit.ly/3V2KmXH
2/0 Wire. amzn.to/3ThU6fs
Fuse Block Terminal. amzn.to/42YLeyL
Fuse amzn.to/3wENMG8
10 gauge Romex. amzn.to/49EZ2ky
That's EXCACTLY what I did with my 1999 Airstream Safari. I installed a 30AMP outlet in the bumper compartment so I just connect the RV to itself and turn on my 3KW inverter. I have 200AH Lithium batteries. The Airstream is equipped with a switch next to the door controls the Converter. I also have a battery monitor (Renogy) to visually tell me what the system is doing. Inexpensive, reliable and simple. It's never failed me.
do you think 3K inverter is overkill for 200AH battery?
The best application for this inverter.. “inverter prepped” GFCI’s… many trailers have the 110v wall sockets on one GFCI loop. Cut the “prep” loop, romex from the converter/110v breaker side connects to the “IN”, the other side of the loop connects to “Out” and goes straight to the 110v outlets. When the inverter detects shore/genny power at the “IN” the inverter simply switches to allow that 110v shore power to go right back “OUT” to the GFCI outlets. If the inverter does not detect shore power at the “IN” it will then use 12v to push 110v “OUT” to the GFCI outlets.
It’s extremely simple, but videos like this clouds or misses the best user-installed application for this inverter.
E-Trailer has always been a good shopping experience when I have used them and really surprised at the huge range of products they do have.
I like it since it's still working strong for me two years. Keep in mind that it truly does need good ventilation otherwise it heats up real fast and will shut down.
So much talent in one person, thanks for all your support in helping others.
I used the 1800 watt version of this in my inverter prepped cougar 5th wheel. Works great! The automatic transfer switch and hardwired ac side connections made it perfect for this application.
The timing of this was unparalleled. This was exactly what I had been daydreaming about for adding to our RV. We are a 50amp 5th wheel with a residential fridge running of a WFCO 1000w inverter and 3-100ah BB. I wanted to try and expand the inverter capabilities to also include the TV and my office space and have those outlets operate as seamlessly as the fridge. I was hoping to find a 2kw inverter that I could just swap out and replicate the wiring for the fridge to the other outlets. Earlier today, I saw your vid on the Multiplus II that is the better solution, but would require expanding the battery bank and is a higher hardware cost. But, my scratchpad math has me thinking that the Victron approach might still be a better bang for the buck. If the total hardware costs of the MPii are $2kish and this is just under $1k (including a subpanel), I think the upsides of the Victron make it the better option - especially if I want this to be a step towards a more complete/integrated solar/off grid system.
Thanks for introducing this product, this was pretty interesting. As owners of a smallish rig (25' tongue to spare), we're overwhelmed with videos about supersized electrical builds in 5th wheels, etc. We're part timers, have less space and less need for an extremely complex, expensive system. This product seems a good starting point for folks who just need an assist for overnighting when traveling or a few days of dry camping. The northeast doesn't have a great deal of boondocking locations. We have solar and a converter for the 12 volt stuff. Want to move up a bit so we can charge devices, make coffee, etc, without running the generator.
I have a small class C for motorsports.
This is exactly the same basic system i put together. Great video thanks.
Very nice!
I've got an Alliance Delta and added this inverter. With the inverter prep it's a super simple install, without any of the issues you mentioned... I installed it just before it went into storage, but I'm going to boondock for a week over spring break. Can't wait to try it out!
Very nice, spring is a perfect time for being off-grid.
Thx for posting! I have a 2004 Newmar Class A I purchased this summer that has a converter only. For my non-shore power situations, instead of the expense of an inverter and larger expensive batteries, I went the ecoflow route with 2 small portable ones, the river pro 2 for laptops, couch recline, coffee maker...and a little 256WH one for phone charging and hotspot power. I keep them plugged into AC right in the coach. After 5 months I am happy with my choice and am glad I did not install an expensive large LiPo battery bank and all the Inverter equipment and saved much money as well..I can run a generator 1/2 hour a day to recharge the ecoflows fully or simply turn my coach engine on briefly if its "quiet hours" time in a campground.. Bonus feature: the ecoflows are portable so I can use them for other situations outside the RV anytime, and can save weight by not bringing them at all if I am going to have shore power for my next excursion....
So glad I found this. I have a 1999 Leisure Travel class B and the previous owner installed a similar set-up. I always thought it was unusual, especially since I hadn’t seen anyone doing this before. Mine has a 3kw inverter that outputs to a 120v receptacle that I plug the 30A power cable using adapter. There is a light switch that disconnects converter battery charging.
Don’t really use set-up since I have an Ecoflow Delta 2 and because I still have lead acid house batteries. Been considering lithium battery upgrade that might make me reconsider using it. Anyway, great video, thanks.
Great option for those of us looking for an affordable entry to inverters.
Glad it helped
He said $600.00 for a 2000 watt inverter, which will not run AC.
I just bought a Renogy 3000 watt inverter, that will run AC for $389.00.
This is our setup works great and easy 👍
Great to hear!
Alliance uses these inverters. I had one in my 372rk before I upgraded to the victron multiplus. I had no issues with it while I used it.
I use the 1800w version which is much more cost efficient. I teamed it with 2 Renogy 100ah batteries and it’s great. I had an Xantrex unit fail in the first 18mos and they did not care one bit. Switched to progressive and have had the opposite experience. They actually answered the phone and helped with my install by suggesting a few things. 1800w version Jared. This is the way. Victron is amazing. It’s overkill for me who only uses the inverter once a year or in an emergency.
Very nice video, I am shocked more people don't wire up a battery bank like this! I have a couple vids on my channel showing how i did mine this way. Works great!
Thanks for this video. I have inverter prep and this would be perfect until I can afford Victron. Great information as always
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the video, very informative and straightforward, I would like to ask how do you know which size fuse to put on your battery pac to inverter?
This could be good for someone that has a residential fridge and you just want power to that. Previous owners put a residential fridge in our RV and that’s the main reason we can’t do any long trips off grid.
I did a very similar thing with mine. I have two 100 amp hour 12v lithium batteries in parallel and a 2000 W renogy inverter. This system only provides 120v. I still have my old 12V system composed of 2 6v golf cart batteries in series for all my 12v needs. At some point (when the 6v batteries die, I will buy an additional lithium battery and tie in the 12 v system.
When I powered an entire motorhome from a similar inverter, I resolved the 'inverter powering the charger' issue by connecting the charger's power cable to a normally closed relay that was powered by a separate line (i.e., not the one powering the rest of the motorhome) coming straight from the inverter. When the inverter turned on, the relay opened, thereby preventing the converter from receiving power even though everything else in the motorhome was powered. And when the inverter was off, the circuit was closed, so the converter would run. I didn't trust myself to always remember to manually turn the converter off and back on at the panel.
So far I’ve done 3 cheapish battery inverter setups. One for myself and 2 for family. I’ve gotten new takeout zantrex freedom xc2000 inverters on eBay. These are factory installed in alot of motor homes. Seems many upgrade right off the bat to the xc3000. Then 4 of the dr prepare 100ah batteries. All in with wire is 1525. Then I wire the shore power plug to the inverters transfer switch then from the inverter to the fuse panel. The xc line of inverters have a 80a charger so just disable the factory installed charger.
Interesting option. I think for the price point I’d go for. Renogy 3000W Inverter/Charger for about the same price.
Great video! Have a Winnebago solis pocket RV. Awesome camper van.. We are finding limitations to upgrade our power because of the small size and this may be the solution! Any more insight will be helpful! Our current power is AGMs + 170w solar.. 30amp plugged in, but no inverter for 110v off grid.
I would like to ask you a question if you don't mind. I am getting a 3000-watt inverter with an auto transfer switch built in. When on shore power it will reverse to charge most any kind of battery. I am going to use the 30 amp outlet and box because it is the easiest to work with for me. Can you tell me if I still need #10 wire to the 30 amp box or should I go with #8 and do I then still need the original converter or can I unplug it. Your help would be greatly appreciated as you speak so clearly and are very easy to understand. I love your channel. Thank You in advance either way you go :-)
Great video as usual. I did find it odd you never mentioned the brand of the inverter🤔. Was there a reason for that?
Now put it in a box with a solar hookup and charger and you will have your own home built power station.
This is similar to the system I put in my 17' trailer. I have the Renogy 2000 watt inverter and a Go power 30 Amp transfer switch. I hard wired mine so the converter is disconnected when not on shore power.
I love your videos. Curious what coffee maker you are using. I’ve owned three RVs now and each has had a 1800 or 2000 watt inverter installed in them and none of them would operate the coffee maker. Even tried a couple different brands of coffee maker. My current inverter/charger is a Xantrex Freedom HF 1800 that is suppose to have a surge rating of 3600w and it too will not operate the coffee maker. What do you think is the problem?
Good minfo. What manufacture of invertor did you install?
So here's one of my latest things. I changed out my Lance 80w panel for two 200watt panels. I can pretty much charge my rv batteries on a winter rainy day now.
Then in my travels I found a very cracked 48v 500watt panel in a dumpster. I recused it and put my meter on it and it still worked. I gave it to a friend. He got an eco flow power station for under $700 bucks. You can plug a 48v panel directly into that. So storage battery/controller/inverter all taken care of for $700 and his $350 dollar panel was free. I'm thinking I could use the same set up for a redundant power source in my camper. I can't mix it because my rv system is 12v and I don't want to put any money into the hardware other than the panel upgrade. I've got 10 gauge wire from the roof to my controller so 400w is no challenge.
The 48v power would be so I could run my computer without drawing down the engineering needs of the 12v system. Also, I can catch sunlight from the back of the camper in the event I can't urban dock facing south. I'd be able to plug the 48v system into the 12v through the inverter if I needed to charge the 12v.
The expensive part of my plan is the sun detecting frame I want to try. Have the frame track the sun and align the panel but also stow it remotely. Although the roof is built to walk on, I'm trying to stay off of it. Room is very tight up there but if I move the radio antenna, I can get that monster up there. It's over 7ft long and 3ft 7in wide. So for about $1200 I can have auxillary power that can go with me if I get a new RV. They're pretty much junk so I calculate replacing one every 10 years. Still less than just the property tax bill on the california home I sold for the same time span. I could just about buy a new camper if I wanted to throw money away.
Renogy 2000w inverter plus a WFCO transfer switch is way cheaper
Thanks for the video. According to the manual and the etrailer it should be installed in a well ventilated area. I have a GD Reflection 5th wheel similar to what you have. Question: would it be safe to install the inverter inside the front compartment or in the basement?
That’s where I would install it. Our Victron needs are about the same and it does well in there. If we are heavily using it in the middle of summer we would open the front compartment if we were running the AC or something.
When you're done with the test you can send it my way. Lol..look simple enough even I could do it 😅
Hi @AllAboutRVs. I've been struggling to find an inverter solution for our 30 amp trailer. I was hoping to go Renogy, but their battery inverters are ground-neutral bonded, so they fault whenever connected to our Progressive Dynamics panel. I've decided to go inverter charger, and wanted to use the Sungold 3000 watt, but it's too large to fit comfortably in the compartment with adequate breathing room. Any suggestions that aren't as expensive as the Victron?
I have a built in solar panel for my RV. Would the panels still charge the batteries while the inverter was powered on?
How about tapping into the shore power line before it reaches the inverter and wire the converter directly. That way the converter is only powered when there is shore power. Of course you need to add a fuse or circuit breaker. I did a something similar when I installed my Go Power inverter years ago. Since the Go Power inverter doesn’t have a transfer switch I had to add one and since my converter doesn’t charge lithium batteries I installed a separate charger for the batteries and turned the converter breaker off. I thought about replacing the converter but decided to keep it just in case I wanted to revert the system back to original.
That would work, but you would need two power inlets, one for the converter and another for the rest of the RV. Considering that most RVs are 30 or 50 amp, that wouldn't be easy. I resolved this issue in a prior RV by powering the converter from a normally closed relay I got at a local electrical supplier. When the inverter powered on, it opened the relay so the converter wouldn't operate. And when the inverter powered down, the relay closed again so the converter functioned normally. I think the relay was about $50, and the only other expense was some cheap wire to run a separate line from the inverter to the relay.
Am I understanding correctly that I should turn off my converter breaker anytime I'm boondocking? I've never heard this said before.
Nice review, very thorough but I also noticed that Renogy is selling a 2000W Inverter w/ Transfer switch AND charger for less than $600. That would likely be a preferred choice so you don't have to mess with the whole onboard converter issue.
I just installed a 2000w Renogy. Its great.
I did look at it and have had good experiences with other Renogy gear. I was a bit hesitant on their inverter with transfer switch and charger. Reading reviews it looks like it has a fairly high failure rate. Maybe they just had a bad batch and were able to correct it.
@@AllAboutRVs I just got the basic inverter, but thanks for the heads up.
Some have had good success with Renogy inverters, but I didn't. The inverter I got from them wouldn't even power on because it supposedly sensed that the 200 amp hour battery bank it was connected to was 'too small'. After some back and forth, including me pointing out that their web page said nothing about this 'feature', they agreed to let me return it for a refund.
@@calledtojourney Thats "interesting"! I'll need to watch for that.
I'm glad you got a refund.
Sorry in advance for the dumb question. But can you use an inverter that doesn't have a transfer switch? Like an inverter with built in outlets? Thank you for the great videos!
Yes you can.
what did you use for the pre-charge resistor? do you have a link?
I was wondering the same thing
I love the AC side of that inverter. Some have these TINY screws and I’m putting a 10 guage wire in it. It amazes me someone can be smart enough to build an inverter, but not realize they need a BEEFY connection for wire that size. Thanks for the great videos
Nice job and your in depth review is good... one problem. You said 10 gauge wire for the input of it. The outside jacket was yellow which is 12 gauge romex, 10 gauge romex is orange. Hoping you just overlooked that part.
It’s a strange color jacket but it’s 10/2. When I bought it by the foot at the hardware store I had to double check because I thought the same thing. I made sure it said 10/2 on the jacket.
Colors are helpful but not reliable!
Small is relative. I wish I had room for that.
If you need to use a circuit breaker as a switch, it must have the SWD/switching rating or it will soon fail.
What is the difference between the converter and inverter.
Question for all the US National Park RVers. This summer we will make our first visit to a US National Park. We have a Camping Site Reservation. Do we need a Park Pass in addition, or is access to the National Park included in our Camping Fee.
Where was this video a month ago, jk. I just installed this one to run my new Residencial refridegerator.
This went waaay over my head. How do you know how to make sense of this stuff? I would think you’d have to be an electrician.
Do you just make videos, or do you work for people helping them upgrade their RVs?
The specs indicate the transfer switch is only 20amps. If I interpret that correctly, when connected to shore power, you will only get a max of 20 amps vs full 30amps for those of us with smaller RVs.
Whats the point? If youre boondocking, 2000watts is sufficient for short term needs, but when connected to shore power, I would want all 30amps. Perhaps, I misinterpreted, but the transfer switch isnt helpful.
Yes I just double checked the manual for the specs and it is 30 amps. It looks like it might be wrong on Etrailers site. There are smaller versions of this inverter and that was probably a mistake transferred to this one.
Thanks! Now, I will definitely consider this one. I dont have a large place and this size will fit. Really want the built in transfer switch. Appreciate your review and your other videos.
👍🇺🇲
So I have to big Of Cat inverter. 3,000. Watts.
Etrailer is usually more expensive.
On the 2/0 wires, you should have used wire ferrules, the connection will be much better
That wire size in a number 12 not 10. #12 is good for 20 amps. not 30 amps. Number 10/2 orange.
It might look like 12 but it is 10/2. It’s a slightly strange orange. I had to double check when they were cutting it when I bought it by the foot.
You lost me by going so darn fast. I have a 600 watt inverter and a dedicated plug in my RV. I want a bigger inverter; but one that's not going to cause sub panels and breaker franastats. I believe I will look on eTrailer and see if it meets my expectations.
This cheap high frequency, transformerless inverter does not appear to be UL-458 listed and as such, it is not safe for use in mobile applications such as RVs. Also, unlike your Victron inverter, this low cost, lightweight inverter does not use an iron core, copper wound output transformer to isolate its DC boost stage from its AC output. which has the potential of damaging and even setting an appliance on fire during a catastrophic failure of its H-Bridge circuit and its AC output integrity monitoring circuitry. This inverter also provides a much poorer surge capacity when compared to a high quality low frequency, transformer based inverter, like the Victron, meaning that you will never be able to start or run a 2kW inductive load. And at a price of over $600, in my opinion, when compared to other inverters with built in charging capability that do posses a UL-458 safety rating, it is seriously overpriced for the features and ratings that this inverter offers.
missed the point. off grid? hours of videos on solar and convertors and batteries of 5 kinds. conclusion is buy a quiet generator inverter, soft start and propane hook up. solar for thousands of dollars might be able to run AC a couple of hours