The batteries are connected in parallel, i.e. a cable from one battery's positive to the next positive. Same with the negative, all connected together. One lead from the end of this arrangement, the negative, to frame ground. One lead, the positive, from the other end, to 12V distribution panel or common stud from converter and distribution panel.
battery wiringThe inverter is connected directly to the battery terminals with large cables, a fuse located on the positive battery terminal or cable. One lead to inverter from positive and one lead to negative terminals. Use the shortest possible cables but try to locate inverter outside of battery mounting area.
You can download instructions and diagrams from the name brand inverter mfg's.
Note: Your small hybrid batteries will not support any duration or full draw from a 2000W inverter. In fact, I would not choose to even install it. If you're poor and that's all you have, you can try it but don't expect it to work for very long before the inverter goes into protection mode or the batteries are dead.
Best boondocking setup for the severely poor is a small genset from HF or Craigslist. It will be noisy and will take a few hours to get batteries back to 90 percent charged. I would be thinking long and hard about using just the 12V system. You can buy chargers for phones and laptop and even run a TV from 12V. Upgrade the batteries at the first opportunity. Get true deep cycle batteries if making this a long term living solution.
Another good thing is solar power. I use a single 235W module, a small MPPT controller, and a 1000W inverter. This solar system keeps all of my 12V charged and runs a small dorm fridge and 120V entertainment gear. It is a lot quieter and cheaper than a generator.
Good luck and happy off-grid living!
