Inverter Install

[1361]

I got a deal I couldn't pass up on a Magnum 1000w inverter (MMS1012). This thing is huge. I will need to be creative on where it gets mounted if I do it myself. I do have a few concerns. I have a single solar panel mounted on top. I believe its 80w or 100w. The original owner had it installed and I don't know much about it. I'm not sure what will need to be done to insure this still works. The best place to mount this would be where the converter is. Is there any need to have both an inverter and converter? The inverter has a 50 amp charger. That would keep me topped off while plugged in(generator) if the solar falls behind.

I know I'll need the remote. I have 2 deep cell 12v batteries up front. All that the inverter would be running is my cpap machine and maybe a coffee pot in the morning. (the coffee from my camping percolator pot just doesn't taste as good as my auto drip) I'm hoping that will be enough for now.

Is this a pretty simple job to wire up? Should I just hire it out? If I did hire it out, what is a fair price for something like that?

[Scarab0088]

Inverter makes 110VAC from Battery power.
Converter makes 12VDC from shore or generator power to charge the battery and power the 12VDC systems when on shore/gennie power.

Some RV's have combined Inverter/converters...but if you had that you would probably know.

Because of the basic nature of the question, I would recommend having the Magnum installed by a pro. It is possible to DIY an inverter install, but because of the nature of high voltage (110VAC), damage to the the installer and/or RV is possible if done wrong.

Sorry, can'the give you a price, because many RV's are different in the wiring, battery placement, and space for the inverter.

Best luck

[MtnTrek]

Great choice on the Magnum MMS1012. They are good inverters.
It should have come with a comprehensive installation manual, if not they're available on-line.
You'll need to mount it as close to your battery bank as possible as the 12V. cabling is critical. Don't scrimp on the suggested wire gauge. As you noted it's pretty good size and it requires air flow around it plus ventilation. Mine can heat up my basement area when working hard.
Magnum has a very good multi-stage charging program to prolong battery service life. So no you won't need that converter anymore. Many are battery killers anyway.
Your solar panel sounds rather light duty so a coffee maker plus your CPAP overnight and other parasitic loads will more than likely require some generator time. You can only drain your batteries to 50%
There should be charging controller either built into that panel or in a bay somewhere that limits the solar charging rates.
A common mistake many installers make is under sized AWG from the panel(s) to the battery bank causing a voltage drop.
A good shunt type battery monitor (Bogart Engineering TriMetric TM-2030 watt meter) is a good investment for the 12V. side of life.
Not knowing your aptitude, ballpark 3 hrs. @ hr. rate. + materials = $150. fair is a relative term... not really enough info. to bid it accurately.


Let us know how you come out.