Community Forums

Sweetbriar · 08-18-2018, 08:11 PM

A gas/electric install can certainly be accomplished but it will require multiple modifications to the coach. If the coach is all electric the project just got more complex with the addition of a propane distribution system. LiPo batteries and a couple of hundred watts of solar might cost less, particularly if you have to pay someone to do the work.

A lower cost option would be a smaller fridge. Dropping to 15 cu ft model could drop the power consumption 40-50%. As a side benefit you'll gain some space for a pantry in the fridge alcove.

The finally, ensure the charger options of the Magnum are correct for your bank size and battery types. Also that the temperature probe is functional. All can effect and increase the time to recharge (and generator run time) if the rate is unnecessarily low.

Kiawah · 08-18-2018, 08:22 PM

Can't imagine that you need to run your genny 7 hours.

I have a RR, and it draws about 1 amp when the compressor is running. We don't boondock extensively, but when we do we get buy by running the genny an hour in the morning, and an hour in the evening.

Have a Magnum MS2000, I added both a BMK unit as well as upgraded the remote controller from an RC50 to an ARC50, which has additional SOC functions. Easy install, but I'm an electrical engineer and handy.

jcroadies · 08-20-2018, 08:45 AM

Creativepart - Really appreciate your advice on here - as I don't have much knowledge on the battery power thing...
One more question - if you will - Wondering how many amps the inverter uses, as I plugged into 15A shore power to keep the fridge on while parked at home. I had to shut off the inverter to keep the breaker on. With the inverter off, the fridge stayed on and no breaker problems...

creativepart · 08-20-2018, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcroadies

Creativepart - Wondering how many amps the inverter uses, as I plugged into 15A shore power to keep the fridge on while parked at home. I had to shut off the inverter to keep the breaker on. With the inverter off, the fridge stayed on and no breaker problems...

I don't have the exact figure but it's at least 4 or 5 amps.

By the way, i and many others ONLY turn the inverter on when not plugged into shore power.

The charger in your inverter continues charging when you turn the inverter off. Think of it as two devices - one is a smart charger to keep the house batteries charged efficiently. And the other is an inverter to take 12v DC from the batteries and "invert" it to 110v AC.

So, why would you waste amps inverting 12v to 110v when you are plugged into 110v shore power?

There are special hybrid inverters that are capable of adding AC power to a shore power hook up - say when on a 30 amp shore power a hybrid inverter can add in some more amps as needed. However, it's not likely that you have such a hybrid inverter.

So, I'd suggest you do two things. One, turn the inverter on only to run your fridge when you are not plugged into shore or generator power. And, two, you'll find it a huge help to have at least a 30-Amp receptacle installed at your home. Obviously, a 50-amp would be ideal but installing that can get costly.

I've seen other people on IRV2 that say they leave their inverter on all the time - for convenience. But it's totally unnecessary when plugged into shore power. I turn mine on a few minutes before unplugging from shore power or before turning off the generator. That way I keep the microwave clock set.

PS. If your batteries are low when you plug into shore power or turn on your generator the charger in your inverter will send a large amount of amps to your batteries in "bulk" charging. So, on 15amp shore power a lot of the available amperage is being used by the charger even if your inverter is off.

Sbrownstein · 08-20-2018, 10:47 AM

X2. All of the factory installed inverters used in RVs have automatic transfer switches. When shore or generator power appears, the inverter transfer switch will immediately switch the reefer over to the available 120 volt feed. after that, the inverter draws maybe .6 amps or so, but the converter will be supplying that so it is no great loss as it does not come from the battery bank. I turn mine off when I am going to be connected to shore power but leave it on when running the generator. Even though it is designed to handle a power failure, I don't want the reefer to see the loss of AC when at all possible.