Coach Inverter Charger, Generator Automatic Start, Install Advice

[scoudi]

Community,
I am looking for some advice on inverter/charger, Automatic Generator Start and auto transfer switch solution. I have a 2012 Coachmen Encounter with a 5.5k Onan generator.

I have researched the forums prior to posting, and there are a great many articles, so forgive me if I have overlooked, something.

Needs:

We would like to be able to Run 3 TVs, 2 Sat Receivers, 1 dvd player, 1 Satellite Tracker, 2 Laptops, 3 Cell phone chargers and if needed a coffee pot on occasion. This adds up to about 1600 Watts peak so I think a 2000 Watt Inverter (modified sine, or sine wave)
I would like to include features that make the operation of the RV simplified as sometimes my wife, and other family members will be taking it out.
I would like the following features I (think) An inverter, a power management transfer switch, automatic generator start.
Researching there are 3 major vendors out there Xantrex, Magnum and Samlex America.
Each of these companies sells a inverter with charger and the various features we would need

Questions:
OPTIONS: Are there any other options that I may have overlooked? Are there any recommended setup suggestions I should review.
COST: From what I can tell the setup mentioned above costs roughly ($1600 in parts) is this ballpark correct?
INSTALLATION: For purposes of warranty, I would like to have the system installed by an approved dealer. Are there any install methods to make sure I ask for? For instance I was assuming they would wire into the breaker panel, however I also understand they can put in a sub panel? I am open to a budget for work that makes sense.
LABOR: A dealer has quoted me $1000 to do the install this includes inverter, a power management transfer switch, automatic generator start and wiring to the breaker panal.
ISSUES/CAUTIONS: Are there any other items I should watch out for or if there any gotchas, please chime in.

Thanks in Advance!

[dons2346]

You need a good battery bank in addition to the inverter setup you mention.

What are you planning for a battery bank? One 12 volt or two 6 volt batteries isn't going to cut it.

[scoudi]

Currently the coach has 2 12 volt interstate batteries (deep cycle marine), I thought I may need to add a another 2?

[scoudi]

Well I answered my own question on this one!

I added
2 - 6 volt batteries
1 Xantrex 2KW Pro Sine with Auto Transfer Switch
1 x Xantrex 84-2064-00 Automatic Generator Start (AGS) (84-2064-00)
1 x Xantrex 82-0123-01 Auxiliary Battery Charger (82-0123-01)

Install went into a 2012 Coachmen Encounter.

Thanks!

[redtail]

I am just installing basically the same system except a 3000 watt i am also installing a battery temp sender to help with charging rate as battery's get warm the inverter charger i have charges at up to 140 amps / hour that will add a lot of heat to the battery bank. The sender is only 40 bucks . I have 6 Trojan 105s

[nothermark]

It will be interesting to see how long you go between generator starts. Please let us know.

[Grn_Mtn_Boy]

I just purchased a global lf series pure sine wave inverter/charger 600 w from the inverter store for $350.
Has many functions from above wish list built in.
Multi stage charger with temp sensor , selectable for various battery types
Variable rate charger user can control max charging rate
Auto sensing inverter with auto transfer from AC to inverter
Overload protection, will operate briefly at overload current
Auto start generator signal.

This last item will be my challenge. How to get the generator going from this relay signal.
Generator is Onan QD 3200 this years model.
Any ideas?

[ChasA]

Hi Len,
I'm curious about what you plan to run off of a 600 watt inverter. My Winnebago came with a 1000 watt inverter and only the entertainment stuff is connected to it.

[Grn_Mtn_Boy]

My villagio has a 12 volt TV so I don't need to power that. I will be powering sat receiver, a couple of cell phone chargers and a weather station. I'll have to rewire a central vac I installed, unless the inverter can pass more than 600 watts when on shore power. I decided I would add the extension monitor panel to keep an eye on it, and the battery temp sensor. Another concern I've discovered, I can not determine what type of batteries renegade installed. Looks like a pair of sealed lead acid, but with no markings, can't be sure. Another call to renegade to find out.