Automatic Transfer Switch

TechWriter wrote:

So OP will have to always remember to throw several switches or risk dead batteries.

Plus, if the ATS is generator preferred and the inverter is connected to the generator side of the ATS, then OP will have to remember to also turn off the inverter when shore power is applied.

Why not just use a manual transfer switch?

Or, though more expensive, it sounds eminently more practical to buy an inverter/charger with a built-in transfer switch and wire it like so (with or without a sub panel), especially is OP's wife or friend(s) will also be responsible for switch throwing:

no he won't nothing poweres up just because the breaker box is live.

the whole idea of using a transfer switch with an inverter is for boon docking so you do not use them at the same time and you turn it on when you need it. I have left mine running for an entire weekend but didn't use any 120V stuff and I used a whopping 5AH more per day due to the effiency of the inverter. now if you have your frifge on electric and such then ya you need more batteries than the four I have. when I plug in shore power with my inverter running it will actualy disconect my inverter and reansfter to the shore supply so that is how the factoy wires it when you don't have a genny.

Steve