Easy Budget Inverter Install For RVing!

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[bareend]

That's EXCACTLY what I did with my 1999 Airstream Safari. I installed a 30AMP outlet in the bumper compartment so I just connect the RV to itself and turn on my 3KW inverter. I have 200AH Lithium batteries. The Airstream is equipped with a switch next to the door controls the Converter. I also have a battery monitor (Renogy) to visually tell me what the system is doing. Inexpensive, reliable and simple. It's never failed me.

[timothyculliver]

So much talent in one person, thanks for all your support in helping others.

[mikeweis]

Great option for those of us looking for an affordable entry to inverters.

[sprayhawk]

The timing of this was unparalleled. This was exactly what I had been daydreaming about for adding to our RV. We are a 50amp 5th wheel with a residential fridge running of a WFCO 1000w inverter and 3-100ah BB. I wanted to try and expand the inverter capabilities to also include the TV and my office space and have those outlets operate as seamlessly as the fridge. I was hoping to find a 2kw inverter that I could just swap out and replicate the wiring for the fridge to the other outlets. Earlier today, I saw your vid on the Multiplus II that is the better solution, but would require expanding the battery bank and is a higher hardware cost. But, my scratchpad math has me thinking that the Victron approach might still be a better bang for the buck. If the total hardware costs of the MPii are $2kish and this is just under $1k (including a subpanel), I think the upsides of the Victron make it the better option - especially if I want this to be a step towards a more complete/integrated solar/off grid system.

[standingmannequin]

I like it since it's still working strong for me two years. Keep in mind that it truly does need good ventilation otherwise it heats up real fast and will shut down.

[BillRolke]

I used the 1800 watt version of this in my inverter prepped cougar 5th wheel. Works great! The automatic transfer switch and hardwired ac side connections made it perfect for this application.

[mrsmac]

Thanks for introducing this product, this was pretty interesting. As owners of a smallish rig (25' tongue to spare), we're overwhelmed with videos about supersized electrical builds in 5th wheels, etc. We're part timers, have less space and less need for an extremely complex, expensive system. This product seems a good starting point for folks who just need an assist for overnighting when traveling or a few days of dry camping. The northeast doesn't have a great deal of boondocking locations. We have solar and a converter for the 12 volt stuff. Want to move up a bit so we can charge devices, make coffee, etc, without running the generator.

[anthonyb]

Thank you. This is a very helpful video. I have the 1000W version of this inverter installed OEM in my Class C. I now understand why the inverter is continuously drawing from the battery unless I turn off the breaker. Thanks for the content you produce.

[ardvark]

I use the 1800w version which is much more cost efficient. I teamed it with 2 Renogy 100ah batteries and it’s great. I had an Xantrex unit fail in the first 18mos and they did not care one bit. Switched to progressive and have had the opposite experience. They actually answered the phone and helped with my install by suggesting a few things. 1800w version Jared. This is the way. Victron is amazing. It’s overkill for me who only uses the inverter once a year or in an emergency.

[billleslie]

I did a very similar thing with mine. I have two 100 amp hour 12v lithium batteries in parallel and a 2000 W renogy inverter. This system only provides 120v. I still have my old 12V system composed of 2 6v golf cart batteries in series for all my 12v needs. At some point (when the 6v batteries die, I will buy an additional lithium battery and tie in the 12 v system.

[voyagerman]

So glad I found this. I have a 1999 Leisure Travel class B and the previous owner installed a similar set-up. I always thought it was unusual, especially since I hadn’t seen anyone doing this before. Mine has a 3kw inverter that outputs to a 120v receptacle that I plug the 30A power cable using adapter. There is a light switch that disconnects converter battery charging.

Don’t really use set-up since I have an Ecoflow Delta 2 and because I still have lead acid house batteries. Been considering lithium battery upgrade that might make me reconsider using it. Anyway, great video, thanks.

[ChipEstrada]

So I have a little Keystone Hideout 175BH, it comes "Inverter Ready" meaning... I think.... you can add an inverter and bypass the cyclical recharge of the discharge issue you mentioned. There are a few plugs in the camper that are labeled Inverter prep and then there are others that are not, like the Microwave and the AC. So I can add an inverter and not worry about shutting off any breakers because I dont have to plug my camper into the inverter.

[DriverDean]

Thx for posting! I have a 2004 Newmar Class A I purchased this summer that has a converter only. For my non-shore power situations, instead of the expense of an inverter and larger expensive batteries, I went the ecoflow route with 2 small portable ones, the river pro 2 for laptops, couch recline, coffee maker...and a little 256WH one for phone charging and hotspot power. I keep them plugged into AC right in the coach. After 5 months I am happy with my choice and am glad I did not install an expensive large LiPo battery bank and all the Inverter equipment and saved much money as well..I can run a generator 1/2 hour a day to recharge the ecoflows fully or simply turn my coach engine on briefly if its "quiet hours" time in a campground.. Bonus feature: the ecoflows are portable so I can use them for other situations outside the RV anytime, and can save weight by not bringing them at all if I am going to have shore power for my next excursion....

[brianhilligoss]

So far I’ve done 3 cheapish battery inverter setups. One for myself and 2 for family. I’ve gotten new takeout zantrex freedom xc2000 inverters on eBay. These are factory installed in alot of motor homes. Seems many upgrade right off the bat to the xc3000. Then 4 of the dr prepare 100ah batteries. All in with wire is 1525. Then I wire the shore power plug to the inverters transfer switch then from the inverter to the fuse panel. The xc line of inverters have a 80a charger so just disable the factory installed charger.

[dtcrimm]

I've got an Alliance Delta and added this inverter. With the inverter prep it's a super simple install, without any of the issues you mentioned... I installed it just before it went into storage, but I'm going to boondock for a week over spring break. Can't wait to try it out!

[misteraon]

Interesting option. I think for the price point I’d go for. Renogy 3000W Inverter/Charger for about the same price.

[Jimmy_Jim_Jim_]

I have a small class C for motorsports.
This is exactly the same basic system i put together. Great video thanks.

[jeric]

E-Trailer has always been a good shopping experience when I have used them and really surprised at the huge range of products they do have.

[lancebohren]

I did this install using a renogy 2000watt inverter. We have 400 watts solar, victron smart solar charger and bmv500 shunt, 380ah batteries all running through a positive and negative busbar. Wired from ac terminal bar to a 30amp receptacle to plug my shore power cord into. I also did run the ground from the inverter to chassis ground. My question is why do I get a ground fault trip on the inverter when I power it on and RV is plugged into it but no ground fault when unplug the RV and plug directly into one of the outlets on the inverter. I also did a separate breaker for the inverter/charger in the RV panel.

[dash]

The best application for this inverter.. “inverter prepped” GFCI’s… many trailers have the 110v wall sockets on one GFCI loop. Cut the “prep” loop, romex from the converter/110v breaker side connects to the “IN”, the other side of the loop connects to “Out” and goes straight to the 110v outlets. When the inverter detects shore/genny power at the “IN” the inverter simply switches to allow that 110v shore power to go right back “OUT” to the GFCI outlets. If the inverter does not detect shore power at the “IN” it will then use 12v to push 110v “OUT” to the GFCI outlets.
It’s extremely simple, but videos like this clouds or misses the best user-installed application for this inverter.