DIY RV Electricity

I cant see your pic. :(

Huh, I wonder why it isn't showing up? I posted a link to the image while I figure it out! Thanks!

I see the picture just fine, maybe ScottG needs to change some forum settings to allow pictures.

Hi,

I'd go with a 50 amp panel myself.

I'd also go with the 2000 watt prowatt psw inverter @ $355.00 from bestconverters.com

Over the top complicated wiring, not to mention your "cam" switch is going to be a problem.

Your switch is "rated" at 32A, even if each pole is 32A you are going to seriously overheat the contacts under continuous operation.

Not sure as to your goal but really doesn't need to be this complicated.

You can by an inverter which has ATS (automatic transfer switch) plus it will have built in charger. Apply gen to 30A shore cord and the inverter switches to shore cord and starts recharging your battery.

Shut down gen and your inverter automatically switches back to inverter mode.

You can also buy a separate ATS which can be connected to your shore power electrical box.

Thanks for the response Gdetrailer! We looked into the option regarding the inverter with the transfer switch/built in charger. We already have an inverter though that does not have the internal charger/transfer switch, and don't want to put out the money at this point. We may switch to that in the future, but currently want to stick with what we have. The cam switch is a cheap fix in the meantime. I'm curious about what you said regarding the cam switch rating. I went with what the OP in the linked post went with, but I can choose a different rating.

Thanks for the reply Pianotuna! The reason we didn't go with the 50amp is partly because our generator has a 30amp plug straight into it, as well as the fact that we really don't foresee needing that much power at once. Most everything we've purchased is low energy DC usage. We also don't want to pay extra fees at camps sites, etc. Why would you go with 50amp?

I went with a 30 amp system for much the same reason as you are. People are tending to go with 50 amp for a number of reasons - because it's available at many parks now, because they can, because it leaves options open for upgrades later, because it opens options for 240 volt appliances. For me, I had a 3000 watt inverter generator, I have a 4000 watt inverter/charger, I have 30 amp cords, so it was logical to go with 30 amp.

Your sketch shows a logical layout that I am going presume a few things about. First comment is the use of a simple plug option to switch between the shore power and the generator. It's functionally a manual transfer switch, and a better way to go would be a 30 amp automatic transfer switch. Why better? Simply because it can be automatic - shore power is on unless there is no shore power and the generator is on - and because cord plugs, particularly the big 30 amp ones, do wear out and have been known to cause arcing and over-heating when they get worn. Second, the "cam switch" is basically just a manual transfer switch again. It switches live and neutral from the plug (shore and generator) or the inverter. I am going to presume that it also can be set up so that your converter/charger can never be powered from the inverter, or you'll get the inverter trying to charge the batteries from the batteries, which doesn't work for long... I would use the Progressive Dynamics panel, I used one myself and it is a fairly decent charger with an AC breaker distribution panel and a legally separate DC fused distribution panel. A little light on AC breaker positions but you can get double breakers to increase the number of branch circuits.

My recommendation is to use automatic transfer switches wherever you can, but the manual option always works too. Always keep track of neutral and ground, and only bond neutral to ground at the source of the power, be that the shore power, the generator or the inverter. Chassis ground is always chassis ground and is common to everything.

Brian

50 amp service allows for much more electrical use, 12,000 watts versus 3600 watts. When in campgrounds, you can use 30 amp hookups with 50 amp service. An adaptor is all that's necessary. 50 amp service also offers more distribution variability. Since your usage is low, 30 amp service should work well for you.

From looking at your diagram and noting your location, I'd suggest to add more solar panels. It might be that , with enough solar, you won't need a generator.

Hi Brian,

My apologies to the OP.

What make and model is the 4000 watt inverter charger? Is that 4000 watts continuous?

VintageRacer wrote:
I have a 4000 watt inverter/charger
Brian