Need tips in wiring an Inverter on my Rig

[Elqueso2]

I know you guys are probably thinking, oh no another inverter thread….., but I have been watching Inverter videos and reading articles until my head is ready to explode. I am looking for an inverter to power a small Keurig, toaster oven, TV and Satellite Receiver, and Microwave. I currently own a 2005 31’ Winnebago Minnie Class C that I resurrected from the dead because it sat for over 7 years. It’s in really great shape now and I wired in a lot of new electronics.

The current config is (2) Group 31 lead filled deep cycle in Parallel, Onan 4K Gen, Winegard Traveler Ant, and changed all light bulbs to LED. I have a Hughes Surge protector and because my power compartment is so small, I ran the main power cable through the floor and into a mounted 50 Cal ammo can for storage under that compartment. There is no transfer switch in the rig and have to manually plug in the internal power plug into either the genterator or shore power connector. My plan is to throw away the stock 300w boat anchor of an inverter and go with a 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter with On-Grid Transfer Switch. The Inverter with transfer switch is optional because I would like to also wire in a transfer switch that could handle Shore Power, Gen Power and the Inverter. Was thinking the on-board transfer switch might make the config a bit easier and don’t want to wire in 2 transfer switches.

Whatever road I go down, I want to make sure that I can add in solar panels, Controller, wiring, and any other device that will all work with what I am’ going to choose if that makes sense. Trying to do this in steps to ease the ol’ pocket book. It also would be nice to have the inverter feed all my 110V outlets in the rig if that’s possible. I could wire in a separate breaker panel with its own dedicated outlets, but I think plugging and unplugging the microware and other appliances could get cumbersome when switching back and forth the main power. I am really handy Mechanically and electronically so mounting/wiring anything in will be pretty straight forward. I'm also looking at the Victron smart shunt 500A ip65Oh to monitor my batteries.
I also will be looking at changing them to 6V Cart Batteries. OH Yeah, When the rig is not in use, I have 2 Noco battery tenders to keep my coach and main battery topped off. I’m looking to see what others have done for their rigs and get a good shove in the right direction. Thanks, Mike

[David 70]

My main suggestion would be to just go with lithium batteries and not to replace with lead acid. I put two gc2 golf cart batteries in mine last summer because I was in a pinch and couldn't wait for the lithium's. Also look for a converter/inverter combination that will support the lithium batteries.

[Elqueso2]

Originally Posted by David 70

My main suggestion would be to just go with lithium batteries and not to replace with lead acid. I put two gc2 golf cart batteries in mine last summer because I was in a pinch and couldn't wait for the lithium's. Also look for a converter/inverter combination that will support the lithium batteries.

Thanks for getting back to me and sounds like a solid plan. I'll need to figure out which converter/inverter to buy. When Iast looked there were a bunch to choose from. I also would probably give me better charging too. I'm on a 30amp circuit so I'll figure out what I have now and go from there. I also have looked at the GC2 cart batteries as my next stp up.
Thanks!

[d23haynes57]

The normal method of adding an inverter is to use a circuit form the exisitng distribution panel to feed an inverter with pass through relay, and then feed another panel that will feed the dedicated circuits you want on the breaker. this approach takes care of overcurrent protection on both sides of the inverter/charger. Even at 2,000 watts it is wise to have branch circuits after it. A combination inverter/charger will also automate and take care of charging the house batteries.
For a 2,000 watt inverter you want at 400 A/H of battery capacity, even with Lithium. For alternator charging you are also limited there. Maybe go with 300 A/H and you should be able to drop in. What is your alternator size and how does it charge the house batteries? My preference is automatic voltage-controlled relay such as Blue Sea 7226. you should include battery monitoring as part of the upgrade. If you want further assistance, engineering help you can p-mail me.
Dennis-VW-Service@outlook.com

[Elqueso2]

Originally Posted by d23haynes57

The normal method of adding an inverter is to use a circuit form the exisitng distribution panel to feed an inverter with pass through relay, and then feed another panel that will feed the dedicated circuits you want on the breaker. this approach takes care of overcurrent protection on both sides of the inverter/charger. Even at 2,000 watts it is wise to have branch circuits after it. A combination inverter/charger will also automate and take care of charging the house batteries.
For a 2,000 watt inverter you want at 400 A/H of battery capacity, even with Lithium. For alternator charging you are also limited there. Maybe go with 300 A/H and you should be able to drop in. What is your alternator size and how does it charge the house batteries? My preference is automatic voltage-controlled relay such as Blue Sea 7226. you should include battery monitoring as part of the upgrade. If you want further assistance, engineering help you can p-mail me.
Dennis-VW-Service@outlook.com

I'm assuming is got the 130Amp Alternator in the Ford V10. Generally I have been running the Onan Gen to recharge the batteries whe. When it's in n needed or they recharge while driving. Storage I disconnect the coach batteries (using the Discnnect switch) and change/maintain both batteries Using a Noco 5 amp smart battery tender.
With further research, it looks like I first have to change out the Parallax 7345 Converter/Charger. It looks like it a single stage charger. Looking to change it out with a Progessive Dynamics PD4655VL which an handle Lipo Batteries too. Thinking towards the future. When I do the swaps, I plan on adding the Victron Smart Shunt IP65 500A (Yes I could go 300A) but for $20 more why not. Gives me future Battery/Solar Panel upgrades.

Let me ask this question, What Size Alternator should I have? My guess is bigger alternator to charge all 3 Batteries. I could put in (later) a 275A Alternator. Also the Blue Sea Relay Unit connects battery sources together if one *or* the other have a higher voltage (its a relay so when connected both batteries are wired together) I didn't think about the power draining back but I thought the alternator diode would prevent that. So looks like I'll be changing out the Converter/Charger first. Also looking at my needs, probably only going with a 1000 or 1500w Inverter. I have the gen to run everything else for now.