Water and electricity usually don’t mix

[Biljol]

So in my 2000 exe the inverter, hot water, water manifold ect are all the same bay.

I thought this was odd seems like you spring a leek and the inverter/charger could fry easily. Are newer units set up the same way or are they doing things different now?

I am looking at replacing the inverter/charger if you were me would you move it?

[hawkeye1995]

WOW! That is strange! I think I would be finding a way to protect the electronics from any major water leak. I have something close, I have a small electric panel by my doorway that sits next to the hot water tank. I said the same thing, accident waiting to happen. So I built a cover over the back of the panel.

This would not be that simple for you, because the inverter needs cooling air. But, I would think something could be done. Murphy Law, if it can happen it will.

[jacwjames]

My rig is set up the same way, I agree not the best of design.

Back in 2009 my water heater developed a small leak, that over a long enough period of time would fill up the floor of the compartment where the inverter was mounted. The inverter was mounted on blocks that elevated it up maybe 1.5". Just enough so the water would not reach if parked but there was a potential for it to form a wave while driving. Not a good scenario.

The compartment had the drain from the refrigerator routed through it and discharged out through a hole in floor but they had it sealed. I cut the seal away enough to allow the water to drain.

I replaced the water heater when I got home but never did completely reseal the fridge hose so that water has a way to get out.

[Biljol]

I would be more concerned with water spray. If one the pex lines developed a leek under pressure you could have a mist or stream of water hitting the inverter.

Also my water filter system is located not 6” from the inverter and every time I swap the filters some water spills.

[wamcneil]

It's all a compromise I guess... I don't think I would move the inverter because of its proximity to the plumbing.
2003 Dynasty; the inverter is located on the road side about midway between drive and front axles.
My battery bay is on the curb side behind the tag axle.
So, the inverter is well isolated from the wet part of the rig, but it's even more isolated from the batteries unfortunately...
Kinda hard to get a good 200A current over >25' of 4/0.
If/when I upgrade to lithium batteries I'll probably move them into the storage bay just aft of the inverter, but relocating the inverter would be a much bigger project.
Cheers,
Walter

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by Biljol

Are newer units set up the same way or are they doing things different now?

I am looking at replacing the inverter/charger if you were me would you move it?

My inverter/ charger, as well as transfer switch (ATS), are both screwed to the ceiling of one of the dry storage bays.

[Biljol]

If it was hanging from the ceiling I would be less worried but mine is mounted to the floor. I am replacing my batteries with a lifepro4 battery pack and the inverter so now would be the time to make the change.

Or I should say I am having someone replace them. Still trying to find someone in the Phoenix/sun city area to do work on the rv system. Have not had a good referral yet.

[wamcneil]

Originally Posted by Biljol

If it was hanging from the ceiling I would be less worried but mine is mounted to the floor. I am replacing my batteries with a lifepro4 battery pack and the inverter so now would be the time to make the change.

Or I should say I am having someone replace them. Still trying to find someone in the Phoenix/sun city area to do work on the rv system. Have not had a good referral yet.

Well, without crawling around the rig, I’m not sure my advice will be worth much...
But... moving the inverter to a different location will involve fabricating some kind of bracket for the inverter, re-routing or and/or replacing battery cables, and also re-routing shore power in and out, inverter control panel wiring, battery temp sensor and possibly auto gen start. That could get expensive. I’m guessing you could replace a soggy inverter for less money than having it relocated.
Cheers,
Walter

[Biljol]

Thanks Walter, I am replacing it now not because of water but it’s old and is msw. I also need to move my bats switching to lithium and the current compartment is not weather safe for them.

This topic was me just wondering if this was a normal setup or if this is just my rig.

My inverter has no mounting bracket now just screwed to the floor of the basement. I have a half compartment that a freezer was in and am thinking that would be good for the battery’s and the new inverter it is definitely large enough. The the only new wire would be from the shore power and the inverter panel.

It’s unfortunately at the front of the coach.

The other option is to revamp the current battery compartment to make it more lithium/ inverter friendly I like the idea of the inverter and battery’s in the same compartment.

That compartment is in the rear so the only wire move is the shore power panel the inverter panel line runs right by that compartment.

[96 Wideglide]

Maybe you could find an appropriate size tupperware bin that you could mount the new inverter in, screwing straight thru the bottom of the bin, sealing the holes. You would have to leave the top off for air circulation, but if you had a small water leak, it should protect your inverter.