Let me preface by saying I know NOTHING about inverters, how they work, how they are wired etc. I do however understand the basics and I know some have actually installed in an ACE like mine. So here’s my question(s). If I wanted to install an inverter that would supply enough power to one or both TV’s, DVD (same outlet) and the refer, what size and type would I need? Going forward how exactly are they wired? I would like it to supply power to these items en-route, but be overridden when we plug in to shore power. Or don’t I want that? Could they be drawing on the inverter all the time and never be bypassed and the shore recharges the battery like always? As far as specs, My ACE 29.2 has 2 house batteries, we have 2 TV’s (22”) and DVD, and the standard small cheapo refer. I don’t need power to any high draw things like AC or Micro. I can run those via Gen if I need to. Also, how are they wired? From the batteries to the fuse box? That sounds like chasing a lot of wire. Thanks.

Hi,Add up the wattage of everything you wish to use. Get a small psw unit. 300 watts will be fineThe fridge draws 325 watts--so if you wish to power it, too, get a 600 watt pure sine wave inverter.A 300 watt inverter running flat out will draw about 30 amps. 600 will be double that amount.With that small a battery bank I would not attempt to run the fridge unless you are trundling down the road.

pianotuna wrote:Hi,Add up the wattage of everything you wish to use. Get a small psw unit. 300 watts will be fineThe fridge draws 325 watts--so if you wish to power it, too, get a 600 watt pure sine wave inverter.A 300 watt inverter running flat out will draw about 30 amps. 600 will be double that amount.With that small a battery bank I would not attempt to run the fridge unless you are trundling down the road.Assuming the reference to trundling is that the Alt will be constantly charging the batteries. likewise with shore power. I don't plan on boondocking - not something we really do - but more to simply avoid running the gen just to turn on the TV.

You should be able to install up to about 300 watts using the existing battery connection and use a small transfer switch to connect to the tv circuit.tvs & dvd are easy and will do fine on 300 watts. Fridge depends on model and options. Standard absorbtion fridge will run the 300w at the max. Icemaker could be too much. Compressor type fridge will need 1000 watts. I would try to skip the fridge unless there is a specific need.

You don't need to wire the fridge to the inverter. Set your fridge to Auto and let it switch by itself between electric and gas.Avoid wiring bathroom and kitchen circuits to the inverter so you don't accidentally turn on an electric coffee maker or hair blow dryer when the inverter is on.

It surprised me that a 2012 Class A wouldn't have an inverter! I went to a couple of web sites for the OPs MH and none of the sales brochures even made a mention of an inverter as an option either. I "assumed" all Class A MHs came with an inverter and we all know what assuming will get you...Bill

If I wanted an inverter...Who, how, what... | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

time2roll
Nomad
Apr 02, 2014
You should be able to install up to about 300 watts using the existing battery connection and use a small transfer switch to connect to the tv circuit.

tvs & dvd are easy and will do fine on 300 watts. Fridge depends on model and options. Standard absorbtion fridge will run the 300w at the max. Icemaker could be too much. Compressor type fridge will need 1000 watts. I would try to skip the fridge unless there is a specific need.
Effy
Explorer II
Apr 02, 2014
pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Add up the wattage of everything you wish to use. Get a small psw unit. 300 watts will be fine

The fridge draws 325 watts--so if you wish to power it, too, get a 600 watt pure sine wave inverter.

A 300 watt inverter running flat out will draw about 30 amps. 600 will be double that amount.

With that small a battery bank I would not attempt to run the fridge unless you are trundling down the road.

Assuming the reference to trundling is that the Alt will be constantly charging the batteries. likewise with shore power. I don't plan on boondocking - not something we really do - but more to simply avoid running the gen just to turn on the TV.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Apr 02, 2014
Hi,

Add up the wattage of everything you wish to use. Get a small psw unit. 300 watts will be fine

The fridge draws 325 watts--so if you wish to power it, too, get a 600 watt pure sine wave inverter.

A 300 watt inverter running flat out will draw about 30 amps. 600 will be double that amount.

With that small a battery bank I would not attempt to run the fridge unless you are trundling down the road.

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If I wanted an inverter...Who, how, what...

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