Image LinkHello! We’re currently working on an RV conversion project and are gearing up to install electricity. Since we do a mix of boondocking and campsite camping where we have power access, I’m looking for a system that will compliment both. It also takes into account the equipment we already have, which is everything that doesn’t have a price underneath it on the chart Above. Since we already have an inverter, and want to conserve our batteries when camping we’re thinking about a converter/charger. Most of our rig is built to run of DC, with the exception of a possible air conditioning unit in the future (which we wouldn't run off grid). Because of this, we wanted an idiot proof way to keep our converter from running at the same time as our inverter without the complication of a sub panel. I ran across this post in the process: Cam Switch Inverter Installand felt that a cam switch was the way to go. Please let me know if you see any pitfalls in this design that could hurt us in the future. I tried to include all information of the equipment we have and the equipment we are planning to buy. I also haven’t decided on a distribution panel. I understand they have ones with the converter built in, but I’m more privy to keeping them separate for ease of future modifications. I’m currently leaning towards this one from Progressive Dynamics. Thanks so much for looking!

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.

DIY RV Electricity | Good Sam Community

12thgenusa
Explorer
Dec 01, 2013
I copied shooted's manual transfer switch installation and used the same cam switch. It has performed as advertised for two seasons. There is a lot to like about the installation.

1. No sub-panel required
2. All CB functionality is retained
3. All circuits to be powered by shore power only are automatically switched off when inverter is selected
4. Center "off" position assures "break before make"
5. All 120V AC outlets are powered by inverter
6. Wiring is a bit of work, but not complicated or difficult
7. Shore power cord can be connected to shore power or generator and not require an additional transfer switch

I fail to understand how a manual switch with 32A rated contacts would not perform as well as a 30A rated ATS. Also, I never change switch position under load.
Btruck
Explorer
Dec 01, 2013
Thanks a ton everyone for your responses,especially to shooted for sharing his build and to 12thgenusa who summed up the benefits of the CAM switch really well. We're going to go ahead and move forward with the CAM switch. Maybe as we grow our rig we'll change that in the future, but for now it feels like the best option. The one thing that we are considering more heavily is upgrading to the 50amp panel - or a panel that can handle a 50amp set up, along with a 50amp surge protector (since from what I've read the 50amp hard-wired progressives will work just fine on 30amp services). A bunch of you mentioned the limitations that 30amps could have on future upgrades, not the mention the fact that you can wire 50amp to 30amp but not the other way around ... it makes sense to set up for 50amps now. Thanks again for looking over everything and providing your feedback. I hope to have pictures up soon as we move along in the process and to share the issues we come across in the future.
shooted
Explorer
Dec 01, 2013
Here are some additional cam options, including 100 amp if so desired. They also have a 60 amp already mounted in a box as well.
bukzin
Explorer
Dec 14, 2013
This blog thinks you may not need a generator at all.

http://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/about/

He has a lot of good info on powering your rig.

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