Adding Inverter to 2003 Coachmen Leprechaun

[r-v]

I purchased a 2003 Coachmen Leprechaun QB313 in Nov 2010. After 5 trips it is obvisous that I need to run small AC appliances ( Handheld Video Game charger, Cell Phone Chargers and Portable DVD players) while traveling to and from campground . I have been running an inverter from the cigeratte lighter but hate the wire in my driving area.

I am considering mounting an inverter permenatly close to the electrical distribution panel. This way I can pickup 12 vdc and have access to the 120 vac circuits.

Any thoughts on what I need and what I need to concider before installation would greatly help.

Also if any know how to get a copy of the electrical and plumbing diagrams for my MH that would also be great help.

Thanks
Rus

["007"]

Welcome r-v to irv2.
Here is a thread that discuss small inverters. I have one that supplies 110 for TV & tape player in front compartment under floor.
Do not know your layout with batteries but inverter near batteries for short cable run to inverter and run cable to outlet near where you want to place you small powered items will work out with power strip.
Enjoy the forums.

[wa8yxm]

You have many choioces.. First: I recommend TRUE SINE WAVE inverters, about the smallest in this class is 300 watts Samulex is I believe the name (Likely misspelled)

You will need to decide which outlets and circuits you wish to power.

Mount the inverter NEAR not the electrical panel but near the batteries.. In the compartment nearest them is my suggestion or inside the coach near them.. NOT in the same "Air Space" though. (not in the battery are) use heavy cable (At lest starter cable that's usually 4ga) and put the proper fuse in the line. NOTE that for a 300 watt 4G is a bit heavier than needed but it is very very easy to obtain with lugs already attched at any auto parts store.

Run the negative (Ground side) cable back to the battery as well and tape the two cables (Negative and positive) together for as much of the "run" as you can.

IF you can get red and black cables.. Makes it easier to remember which goes where (RED IS Positive) Or red and white (Red is still positive)

Now.. Run standard 120 volt cable to your switch over spot. At the switch over spot you need method of switching.. Unless you use a small inverter and decide to not switch. 4 types of switches.

1: Built into the inverter (Easiest)
2: Auto transfer switch, a small (30 amp) one
3 Manual transfer switch.. I paid 50 bucks for one some years back, go to an electrical supply NOT a hardware or "Home Improvement" store. But someplace with "electrical" in the company name.
4: Poor man's switch (Described below)

From there power runs to a sub panel (Electrical supply house has 'em)
It contains breakers, just not a "Main" and you transfer the circuits you want on Inverter power to it. normally Televisions, radios and the GFCI chain (Kitchen and bath and patio)

Poor man's switch: Install two outlets, one a standard color like black, it is fed by a breaker in the main breaker box.. 20 or 30 amp your choice

Next to it is a box with a plate with a hole in it, a pigtail comes out of this box with a matching plug (20 or 30 amp) the pigtail runs to the sub panel I mentioned above.

Next to that is a 2nd matching outlet, this one Red or Orange (Denoting "EMERGENCY power) fed by the inverter.

Logic: The current on the 12 volt side of the inverter is 10 or 11 times the current on the 120 volt side so mount the inverter near the 12 volt power source.

If you use a small inverter like the 300 watt job (3 amp or less at 120 volt) I mentioned above, you might wish to dispose of the transfer switch and just feed the inverter outlets full time, In this case though you do NOT feed the kitchen/bath/patio GFCI loop. you would feed the entainerment center and either the outlet near the passanger's foot or install a 2nd one for the chargers. An electric skillet for example, or a hair dryer, would quickly kill a 300 watt inverter.

[r-v]

Thanks for the information.

I have a 750 watt modified Sinewave. Requested Electrical prints from Coachmen. They sent me 120 vac, 12 vdc, water, waster water piping along with a equipment layout. My house battery is located under steps at door which is mid ship and the power center and converter are located across from the steps under the sink. From the schematic the converter is powered off of the circuit with the TV and Entertainment cabinet. My first step is to power the converter from another circuit or tap into the wire going to TV and stuff.

Will TV, DVD, and VCR work from Modified Sinewave?

and

Anyone considered an Ice cube relay (standard 8 pin) for tranfer switch? I have some rated at 15 Amps.