inverters

[Jeff Miller]

Common question.

If you have it you will likely use it.

The change from a redi-line to a simple 1500watt inverter is largely a
quick swap, the price of the inverter and a little installation.

To go to an inverter/charger, or a larger inverter becomes much more
involved and expensive if you want to be able to use the additional
capacity. You can probably use the original location, but getting
enough clean air for cooling is a problem for a larger
inverter/charger. There is space, once chargers and redi-line are
removed.

To use the charging capacity of the inverter/charger, you will need to
re-wire the compartment for the additional capacity of the inverter and
charger, and you will need to make some wiring modifications to the
service panel. Several options are available as far as how to wire the
loads, my method has been to power half of the panel (line 1 or line 2)
and re-arrange the loads so that inverter-powered loads are on one side
of the panel, an isolated neutral is also necessary, and then the
inverter/charger's internal transfer switch can be used (the 2 30a
transfer switches in the Xantrex/Trace RV3012 for example can be
paralleled to switch one 50a leg). Another option (better, but more
complicated) is to add an external/additional load center for inverter-
powered loads, ... etc.

With a larger inverter, you will be able to run many things such as the
microwave while running down the road, wonderful if your cook travels
with you and you're driving through meals occasionally, you can power
all outlets so that you can plug in anywhere for a cell-phone charger,
laptop, etc., you can ever run hair-care appliances, toaster,
coffeemaker, etc., all without starting the genset. A brief high-
current useage such as making coffee or heating something in the
microwave is also possible while dry-camping without waking the
neighbors with your genset.

The 4-stage charging capacity at 100-130a on these inverters will also
give you more battery capacity and battery life than the original
chargers.

Add to this one of the remote panels or monitor/control panels
available, or even a genset auto-start, and you have lots of data and
control of your batteries and electrical system.

I will install a large inverter in any coach I buy for personal use,
hard to be without it once you've had one.

- Jeff Miller
http://www.wanderlodge.net
http://www.millercoachworks.com



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "birdboat44"
wrote:
> I am going to change out my 1500 redi line inverter. My question is
> should pay the the extra for 3000w or go with the 2000. About 350.00
> more. Will i use the extra 1000w. What do you use. Comments please.
> Thanks.
> Jack Jones
> 87 pt 40
> East Tn sun -75