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tlaffourtit's avatar
tlaffourtit
Nomad
Sep 08, 2014

inverter, batteries,converter,tranfer switch, etc.

We own a 2015 thor ace 30.2 motor home. We are installing a 5000w pure sine wave inverter using 870ah batteries(12v). We are using 12v batteries because I was given them for free and they are deep cell batteries and are new. will also be installing 790w solar panels. we are trying to find out if this is enough power for the unit and would like to verify the manner we are installing them. I need to know how many amps the present converter/charger charges at, if I can change out the transfer switch to a 3 way to include the inverter with the generator and shore power(assuming there is only a 2 way transfer switch installed now), and if I use an inline transfer relay between the inverter and converter will this work correctly.( so the unit does not try and charge the batteries while the inverter is in use) since I never attempted this before I am sure I have most of this wrong. ideas would be helpful

79 Replies

  • tlaffourtit's avatar
    tlaffourtit
    Nomad
    Sep 12, 2014
    at this point after reading what everyone told me I know what I wanted can't be done in my size rv. at least this way i'll have 110v without running the generator all day, and once solar is installed i'm sure that will help too.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Sep 12, 2014
    tlaffourtit wrote:
    the powerjack is being returned, seems to run hot and turns itself off. I was talking to one of the aims techs. and he suggested a 4000w inverter/charger with an internal transfer switch. he said I would remove the old converter/charger and add the new unit. then connect the dc of the inverter to my batteries. I have no idea if that is a good or bad idea. but i'm liking wa8yxm's idea.
    wow, that changes everything. Back to a blank slate.

    While I am sure that 4000w AIMS would serve well I would honestly consider separate components and possibly going 24 volts at this power level. Simplifies the wire for batteries, inverter and solar. Would need 24/12 DC converter to run the 12v stuff. Charging from the alternator while in transit would probably not happen. Solar still works in transit. Although 24v might be a bit of a jump at this point.

    The 4000w AIMS shows a spec of 10% THD for the sine wave. Seems high.
    3000w Go Power gives 3% THD. Others usually fall 3% to 5%.
  • tlaffourtit's avatar
    tlaffourtit
    Nomad
    Sep 12, 2014
    thank you all for your help and mostly for putting up with my extreme lack of knowledge. with all everyone said I decided on removing the present converter/charger and replacing it with the aims 4000k picoglf40w12v120v inverter/converter/charger/,and a cummins oran ec30w auto start, and using the same 6 145ah 12v batteries. then I'll consider the solar panel, charger, monitor once I know how this will work first. Tim
  • ken_white's avatar
    ken_white
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2014
    tlaffourtit wrote:
    that dose make sense. ok I try and explain what I would expect from my rv. we intend to be in the warmer climate during the colder months . so I expect a/c will be used a lot of the time. that being said if we are dry camping I have no problem running the generator to keep the a/c unit going during the day. but at night I would like to rely on the batteries. besides the ac running im sure the tv, some led lights will be used. If the batteries are kept charged by the generator and some solar panels is this to extreme of an idea to work?


    Do you have a vented space that can handle the size and weight of all of those batteries?

    Will the inverter be in the same space? If so, the big DC cables that will be required can be managed. If not, then you will need to determine if you can fish the now bigger cables through whatever openings you have available or you will need to make a conduit run for them.

    You will also need to run the inverter's AC output cable to a sub panel, do you have a space and conduit for that?

    How will you charge the battery bank, just the new converter? Seems like you will need more than one and they will need to be in a cool place since they will work very hard trying to provide so many A-H.

    Just some basic questions you need to get answers for before you start spending money.
  • dan-nickie's avatar
    dan-nickie
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2014
    I think if you get your setup to run the Air Conditioners to run all night off the inverter/batteries, you will probably be the first.
    Good luck.
  • tlaffourtit's avatar
    tlaffourtit
    Nomad
    Sep 12, 2014
    that dose make sense. ok I try and explain what I would expect from my rv. we intend to be in the warmer climate during the colder months . so I expect a/c will be used a lot of the time. that being said if we are dry camping I have no problem running the generator to keep the a/c unit going during the day. but at night I would like to rely on the batteries. besides the ac running im sure the tv, some led lights will be used. If the batteries are kept charged by the generator and some solar panels is this to extreme of an idea to work?
  • ken_white's avatar
    ken_white
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2014
    As many others have stated, you need to define the load requirements before sizing the parts associated with the install. Then you can determine what parts are needed and if they will fit in the limited space available.

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