Power assist Victron Inverter.

[twinboat]

I have a 30 amp RV with one A/C. I'd like to install a second A/C.

I'm thinking if I install a Victron inverter after my ATS it would get me past the startup surge of a second A/C while on shore power or my 4000 watt Onan generator. It should also let me run the Microwave with 2 A/Cs running, at least until the batteries run down.

Thinking I will need to run 6 or 8 gauge wire from the Victron to the breaker panel and replace the 30 amp breaker in my panel to a 50 amp single breaker.

Thoughts ?

[TechWriter]

First, install an Easy Start or equivalent in each AC.

[Captain8]

Yes this is exactly what I did. Also my inverter (and I think yours too) has a 2nd AC output so you could even run 2 wires, add a breaker box and separate each AC into its own breaker, putting microwave with ac1 and everything else on ac2 box.

You might even be able to go with a 6/3 and use the 2nd hot as output 2 then have common neutral but I'm not sure on that one.

There's no point in buying easystarts when you have power assist.

Btw if you haven't got the inverter I'd suggest getting the Quattro. It has 2 inputs so it becomes your ATS. Set in1 to shore and in2 to Genny and it works great. Plus you can easily run 6/2 for your shore cable and have 1 leg 50amp

I have a Quattro 5000 and run off 15amp plug. If I had to do it all over I'd get the 24v and maybe the 240v model. The 24v is like $800 cheaper then I can run twice the solar on a MPPT and everything. 240v I think would allow me to run 240v residential tankless water heater and other appliances, hopefully off 120v input

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by Captain8

Yes this is exactly what I did. Also my inverter (and I think yours too) has a 2nd AC output so you could even run 2 wires, add a breaker box and separate each AC into its own breaker, putting microwave with ac1 and everything else on ac2 box.

You might even be able to go with a 6/3 and use the 2nd hot as output 2 then have common neutral but I'm not sure on that one.

There's no point in buying easystarts when you have power assist.

Btw if you haven't got the inverter I'd suggest getting the Quattro. It has 2 inputs so it becomes your ATS. Set in1 to shore and in2 to Genny and it works great. Plus you can easily run 6/2 for your shore cable and have 1 leg 50amp

I have a Quattro 5000 and run off 15amp plug. If I had to do it all over I'd get the 24v and maybe the 240v model. The 24v is like $800 cheaper then I can run twice the solar on a MPPT and everything. 240v I think would allow me to run 240v residential tankless water heater and other appliances, hopefully off 120v input

Thanks, makes a lot of sense. A 6/2/wg shore cord with a 50 amp plug will be less cumbersome and can still be used on 30 amp service with an adaptor.

I have to look into the Quattro.

[creativepart]

What? Wait? What's your battery bank size, TB?

The Multiplus with 2-lines is a great addition, but you've got to have plenty of battery storage power for it to do it's thing.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by creativepart

What? Wait? What's your battery bank size, TB?

The Multiplus with 2-lines is a great addition, but you've got to have plenty of battery storage power for it to do it's thing.

Battery bank size to be determined.

I'm only supplementing shore or generator power, not replacing it.

[creativepart]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Battery bank size to be determined.

I'm only supplementing shore or generator power, not replacing it.

You’re looking at using an 3000w inverter that requires a large amount of amps to do the job of supplementing a 30-amp RV to start and run two A/C units off of 12v batteries. So you will need an appropriate battery bank.

[TechWriter]

Originally Posted by twinboat

I'm thinking if I install a Victron inverter after my ATS . . .

Which Victron inverter? There are several.

[Tskadberg]

I do exactly what you are looking to do with 400 amp hour bank. Works fine. I have the two line multi plus. My rv is 50 amp but lets me run on 30 amp with no worries.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by creativepart

You’re looking at using an 3000w inverter that requires a large amount of amps to do the job of supplementing a 30-amp RV to start and run two A/C units off of 12v batteries. So you will need an appropriate battery bank.

Why 3000 watts ?

I already have 3600 watts from shore or generator power. The inverter may not even supplement unless I'm brewing a cup of coffee or microwaving a leftover.

[Steve-W]

Originally Posted by twinboat

I have a 30 amp RV with one A/C. I'd like to install a second A/C.

I'm thinking if I install a Victron inverter after my ATS it would get me past the startup surge of a second A/C while on shore power or my 4000 watt Onan generator. It should also let me run the Microwave with 2 A/Cs running, at least until the batteries run down.

Thinking I will need to run 6 or 8 gauge wire from the Victron to the breaker panel and replace the 30 amp breaker in my panel to a 50 amp single breaker.

Thoughts ?

If you replace the 30 amp main breaker with a 50 amp, you will also need to upgrade the shore cord and any other existing wiring going to the main panel in the RV to 6 AWG. The existing wiring is most likely 10 AWG and is only capable of safely carrying 30 amps. You could also add a small panel with a 30 amp breaker prior to the Victron to protect the 30 amp shore cord.

[Captain8]

Originally Posted by Steve-W

If you replace the 30 amp main breaker with a 50 amp, you will also need to upgrade the shore cord and any other existing wiring going to the main panel in the RV to 6 AWG. The existing wiring is most likely 10 AWG and is only capable of safely carrying 30 amps. You could also add a small panel with a 30 amp breaker prior to the Victron to protect the 30 amp shore cord.

You're missing the OPs reason. He is planning on upgrading the cable from ATS to inverter to handle 50amps then replace the 30amp breaker with 50amp. Hell still have 30amp shore but Victron power assist would allow him to run 30amps plus the inverter power and get 50 amps (30amps plus 2000/3000w).

OP you don't need a big battery bank if just temporarily boosting. Also AC units aren't on 24/7 so they'll cycle and even if you're boosting 500w when both are running when it's off it'll be charging the battery.

I'd recommend getting a cerboGX and using whatever batteries you have. This will monitor power usages and let you figure out how much batteries you need.

When I was on lead acid and used the microwave or AC on inverter it would drop the voltages low and I'd get a cerboGX alarm. Now I'm on lithium I have no worries about voltages

[twinboat]

My thinking now is to NOT replace my 30 amp breaker and any wiring. Found out the panel is only rated for 30 amp main breaker.

I will just tie the second A/C to the inverters second outlet, with its own breaker.. Everything else will stay the same and feed thru the inverters primary outlet.

[Captain8]

Mine was also only rated for 30 amps, couldn't see a reason why it couldn't handle 50amps though so just kept it for now.