1989 Pace Arrow Inverter Installation

Daveinet wrote:

Grandpere wrote:
Doing this is not for beginners, I suggest that you take it to a reliable RV dealer and pay them to install it, that way if something goes wrong they are liable.

:h Um this does not take a rocket scientist. Most likely the OP is smarter than the typical RV mechanic/hack. Those guys are not the highest paid on the food chain.

A couple of things. First for starters, We are going to assume that you really mean an inverter - a device that converts 12 volts to 110 volts. If that is correct, then continue reading.

Generally speaking when you are talking about voltage, you either have low voltage/high current, or high voltage/lower current. High current means heavy wire to handle it. So the best advice is to install the inverter right next to the batteries, that way you have short runs and low losses. Use battery cable to connect the batteries directly to the inverter.
Now what I did on the AC 110 volt side was to run a 30 amp cord from the inverter to my shore power. This way when the inverter is on, all my outlets are hot. The only down side to this is that you will need to remember to turn your converter (12 charger) off, otherwise it is trying to charge its self, which just wastes a bunch juice and will run the batteries dead pretty quick. You probably also want to force you fridge to run on gas rather than auto, as the 110 volt heater heater pulls some juice as well. Other than that, that is really about all you need to worry about.

Hopefully you're not close enough to your batteries and especially in an enclosed compartment, so as to create a dangerous situation with possible sparking and the gaseous atmosphere near the batteries.

Grandpere wrote:
Doing this is not for beginners, I suggest that you take it to a reliable RV dealer and pay them to install it, that way if something goes wrong they are liable.

:h Um this does not take a rocket scientist. Most likely the OP is smarter than the typical RV mechanic/hack. Those guys are not the highest paid on the food chain.

A couple of things. First for starters, We are going to assume that you really mean an inverter - a device that converts 12 volts to 110 volts. If that is correct, then continue reading.

Generally speaking when you are talking about voltage, you either have low voltage/high current, or high voltage/lower current. High current means heavy wire to handle it. So the best advice is to install the inverter right next to the batteries, that way you have short runs and low losses. Use battery cable to connect the batteries directly to the inverter.
Now what I did on the AC 110 volt side was to run a 30 amp cord from the inverter to my shore power. This way when the inverter is on, all my outlets are hot. The only down side to this is that you will need to remember to turn your converter (12 charger) off, otherwise it is trying to charge its self, which just wastes a bunch juice and will run the batteries dead pretty quick. You probably also want to force you fridge to run on gas rather than auto, as the 110 volt heater heater pulls some juice as well. Other than that, that is really about all you need to worry about.

asifnq wrote:
Hi

Has anyone installed an inverter on 1989 Pace Arrow. Can you please advise where was it mounted and how was it connected to the coach battery circuits. Thanks.

Not in an 89 PA, but did so in mine. Installed a 1000watt mod sine wave unit and in fact replaced it on the road the other day with an auto zone for $100, after the 6yr old Sears Cobra quit on us. The 12vdc cables need to be min. #2awg and as short as possible but don't mount it in the battery compartment if you have one. I put mine in the forward bay, as our batteries are under the steps. I then ran some AC outlets here and there, so as to reach the TV's, laptop desk, one in the galley and also behind the fridge, where I built a simple plug in relay system, so that the fridge will automatically go to the inverter, if it doesn't see shore power. We make good use of this, while underway in cool weather, when the genset isn't running and like it better than using propane. With just two batteries on board, it will suck them down after awhile if used while dry camping. I say this, keeping in mind that we would go with a cheap residential unit, if the OEM fridge ever fails.

Also, maybe an experienced electrician can help you.

Doing this is not for beginners, I suggest that you take it to a reliable RV dealer and pay them to install it, that way if something goes wrong they are liable.