Community Forums

Durango · 06-02-2006, 08:03 AM

Hi
I am looking for some info on installing a 2000 watt inverter in my F/W. I have installed four 6 volt batteries and a 120 watt solar panel. That is all working fine and now I would like to hook up an inverter for occasional use when dry camping, but I am unsure on the best way to install it. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks Durango.

Durango · 06-02-2006, 08:03 AM

Hi
I am looking for some info on installing a 2000 watt inverter in my F/W. I have installed four 6 volt batteries and a 120 watt solar panel. That is all working fine and now I would like to hook up an inverter for occasional use when dry camping, but I am unsure on the best way to install it. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks Durango.

powerboatr · 06-02-2006, 08:30 AM

read here

i use these folks alot for info , then shop around at al lteh sponsors and others to get the best deal on the model that fits my needs

electric6 · 06-15-2006, 04:57 PM

If you are still working on your Inverter I can help, first off please read the manufactures guide lines on sizing the wire for both the 6-12 volt side and the 120v side, the DC side is the most critical due to line loss, the larger the load and the longer the wire is between the batteries and the Inverter the BIGGER the wire, always use the correct size of fuses/over current protection for both sides and check the RV's manufactures info on how to properly ground the 120v side to your RV, It's normally to the frame. By the way if your 6 volt batteries have an Amp hour rating of lets say 500AH each X 4 = 2000AH at 6volts, thats 6volts X 2000AH = 12000watts your 120watt per hour cell is going to take a long time to charge your Batteries if they get run down, that's why most larger inverter systems have at least between a 100Amp- 200Amp per hour charger in the system or use the Alternator under the hood at 90Amps per hour or more. As a rule of thumb, you should not run your Batteries down beyond 50% in charge with an Inverter, past that and it will take longer to recover to full charge and temperature is a factor. You're Micro that draws 6Amps at 120Volts will Eat (60Amps at 12Volts) and (120Amps at 6Volts) on the DC side through the Inverter, that's per hour.

To change Amps to Watts, Amps X Volts = Watts

To change Watts to Amp, Watts = Amps
Volts

electric6 · 06-15-2006, 05:04 PM

To change Amps to Watts, Amps X Volts = Watts

To change Watts to Amp, Watts divided by Volts = Amps

Sorry

wingnut60 · 06-27-2006, 05:09 PM

Why not install the inverter in the tow vehicle?

I have a 2000W Cobra in my 350 and it works just fine--but to really use it, I have to have the truck running at high idle.

Even with 4-6 vt batteries, it won't take long to drain them with a high load.

wingnut60 · 06-27-2006, 05:11 PM

and if you install one, use only "o" or "1" guage wiring, with the appropriate fuses.

Tom from Tucson · 07-13-2006, 08:06 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Durango:
Hi
I am looking for some info on installing a 2000 watt inverter in my F/W. I have installed four 6 volt batteries and a 120 watt solar panel.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
---------
You should get an inverter/charger. With a 2000watt inverter/charger it will have a built in charger of about 100 amps (12Volt). If you have a generator you can recharge quickly. The inverter will really use power if you run the Microwave, hair dryer, toaster, coffee pot, tv, etc, and that's why you want the inverter, right.
Some of the inverter manufacturers web sites have downloadable manuals so you can see how to install.
You'll need really heavy DC input cables and it's a function of distance from the batteries.