andrewh wrote:
When I first purchased the RV, I swapped out the factory installed coach batteries for a set of 2 12V 100AH batteries running in parallel, ...
We do not have an inverter, but I'd be interested in installing one to use for charging laptops, cell phones, and occasionally watching TV.
I also wouldn't be opposed to swapping out the batteries for a set of 4 6V if that would seem to make more sense for our use/need.
First, run what you can directly off of 12V DC. Inverting to 120V AC and the converting back to 12V DC is very inefficient.
USB cigarette lighter chargers are cheap on eBay. You can also buy cigarette lighter sockets. Yes, you may have to pull some wire. Make sure any new 12V DC circuits are properly fused. Shop for a 12V DC laptop charger.
Unless you plan on running addition 120V AC appliances (CPAP, residential refrigerator, etc) a 300-500 watt PURE SINE WAVE inverter is all that you will need. These are small so you might not want to permanent mount it (you could use it in the car while driving), but make sure you have adequately sized wiring (12 minimum, 10 better) and the wired is fused near the battery. The simplest connection from the inverter to your RV is to run an extension cord from the inverter to your normal shore power inlet. Make sure to TURN OFF the converter/charger and you are done !
As for batteries, a pair of 6V golf cart batteries would likely be adequate, especially with some solar.
