Installing Xantrex Pure sine wave inverter in a 2003 Scottsdale

[park_ridge_dave]

Hi:

I am installing an 1800 watt Xantrex Pure Sine wave inverter in my 2003 Scottsdale. So far I have determined the following "facts":

1.) The existing convertor (IOTA DLS-55) is upgradeable to a 3 stage controller with a low cost controller upgrade form the vendor (gives remote control/status indication too). Also, the rig was not pre-wired for an inverter.

2.) I need to add an auto transfer switch to the shore power genset circuit (no biggie).

3.) I am going to use a sub-panel to split off the MW, Frig (2.7 amp @ 110v), and entertainment center loads from existing main panel leaving only the A/C and water heater and convertor.

This set-up would give me the ability to have the passengers using the TV while rolling along.

It would allow me to run the frig on 110V while in motion (I don't like running down the road with the LP system "active" I close the main valve). I could use the TV and microwave (a very large intermittent load probably pop corn only ) during quiet hours while boondocking without the genset noise. I would not expect to run the frig from the inverter while parked, and the auto transfer switches would insure that I automatically ran everything off the genset or shore power when they are available.

I am going to have to run a 110V feed from the main panel to the inverter for Bypass operation, and then back up to the subpanel that I am going to mount next to the existing panel for the inverter loads. The inverter will be mounted on the backwall of the last basement compartment on the passenger's side.

My big problem now is how do I "fish: those two 110V cables down the back of the rig? The existing power runs are "romex" and I assume they are clamped down to structural members somehow via clamps, so I can't just use the existing cables to "back-pull" the new feeds and use the shore power connection box to install a run across the basement to/from the inverter .

I am sure that someone out there has done this before? If so, any insights would be appreciated. I have searched the forums and so far haven't found a post.

Here's hoping

[park_ridge_dave]

Hi:

I am installing an 1800 watt Xantrex Pure Sine wave inverter in my 2003 Scottsdale. So far I have determined the following "facts":

1.) The existing convertor (IOTA DLS-55) is upgradeable to a 3 stage controller with a low cost controller upgrade form the vendor (gives remote control/status indication too). Also, the rig was not pre-wired for an inverter.

2.) I need to add an auto transfer switch to the shore power genset circuit (no biggie).

3.) I am going to use a sub-panel to split off the MW, Frig (2.7 amp @ 110v), and entertainment center loads from existing main panel leaving only the A/C and water heater and convertor.

This set-up would give me the ability to have the passengers using the TV while rolling along.

It would allow me to run the frig on 110V while in motion (I don't like running down the road with the LP system "active" I close the main valve). I could use the TV and microwave (a very large intermittent load probably pop corn only ) during quiet hours while boondocking without the genset noise. I would not expect to run the frig from the inverter while parked, and the auto transfer switches would insure that I automatically ran everything off the genset or shore power when they are available.

I am going to have to run a 110V feed from the main panel to the inverter for Bypass operation, and then back up to the subpanel that I am going to mount next to the existing panel for the inverter loads. The inverter will be mounted on the backwall of the last basement compartment on the passenger's side.

My big problem now is how do I "fish: those two 110V cables down the back of the rig? The existing power runs are "romex" and I assume they are clamped down to structural members somehow via clamps, so I can't just use the existing cables to "back-pull" the new feeds and use the shore power connection box to install a run across the basement to/from the inverter .

I am sure that someone out there has done this before? If so, any insights would be appreciated. I have searched the forums and so far haven't found a post.

Here's hoping

["007"]

Not sure this is what your looking for but some interesting info never the less.

Inverter installation

[park_ridge_dave]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by "007":
Not sure this is what your looking for but some interesting info never the less.

Inverter installation </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks Double "O"

I saw that one and I have PMed him. I wanted to see if he had any tips on how to pull in the two 110V feeds that I'll need (he has a much nicer rig and it looks to be better wired). I don't see how I can get into the back of the rig to do the pulls. I am going to have to disassemble part of the bedroom to see exactly what's back there.

I suspect that the current 110V Feeder runs direct from the SP box to the main CB panel in the bedroom coming in through a small (Aprox. 1" dia) hole in the overhead ceiling panel then into the Main CB panel. I also suspect that it is attached to the frame using staples or clamps so that I can't use the existing cable to pull in the new runs.

I suppose, if all else fails, that I could call the factory and see what they might suggest. I am sure that Sue will take a dim view of my disassembling the RV to "scope it out"

but! A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do

["007"]

Don't pull coach apart go under to frame rails and run thru closets and compartments. Refer wall is where some put control units it is usually open behind there.
My service panel is built back to wardrobe closet with room to get new feeds for the different ckts you may want to devide up.
Most wiring is in the walls and ceiling not thru floor areas.
You will not get wiring thru the Newmar walls look for open space in washer drier closet also.
Seal up all holes to outside and into compartments. Just take you time and plan it out and you will have a job well done.

[park_ridge_dave]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by "007":
Don't pull coach apart go under to frame rails and run thru closets and compartments. Refer wall is where some put control units it is usually open behind there.
My service panel is built back to wardrobe closet with room to get new feeds for the different ckts you may want to devide up.
Most wiring is in the walls and ceiling not thru floor areas.
You will not get wiring thru the Newmar walls look for open space in washer drier closet also.
Seal up all holes to outside and into compartments. Just take you time and plan it out and you will have a job well done. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

OK Double "O"!

However, I am going to have to get up to the existing CB Panel none the less. The ideal location for the inverter is in the back basement on the passenger's side as that gives me short direct runs to the batteries. The remote control panel (in future) will be a simple Cat 5 run under the frame rails to the Cockpit area from the inverter. My rig has the DC and AC panels mounted in an overhead storage compartment over the bed on the back wall. I am going to remove the backboard that holds the panels to see what's back there "exactly". It May be possible to get from there thru the water heater enclosure (next to my bed on passenger's side) to the basement. If so, I'm home free!

Whatever happens I'll post the method here. As I am sure I'll figure out something

And thanks for the help! Man! I love this forum!