Hi guys just joined the forum and looking for some help. RVing is completely new to me so i'm a little hesitant on DIY stuff.I have a 2013 Dutchmen Rubicon 2900- 2x6v batteries- 2x150watt solar panels- 20amp Charge controller.I have read through tons of posts on inverter installing but am still a little uncertain.I am looking to buy a Sunforce 2500watt Pure Sine inverter from Costco. I will be using 4/0 gauge wire.I will NOT be trying to run MW,WH,Fridge or ACAll I want it for is the TVs and to charge laptops and phones. Basically my GFI plug insI am struggling with where to mount it in regards to distance from batteries and the whole DTDP switch. In the unit is a WF-8900 Series Distribution Center.Any help would be much appreciated to get me going in the right direction.Thanks ahead of time

Hi devon,The Sunforce gets poor reviews and fails rather often. I'd avoid it. It is also a little large for your needs. I'd look at one of these instead: ProwattA 600 watt unit would easily handle the items you wish to run.I use simple a perko switch for my DC disconnect to the inverter, and a female outlet in the shore power cord box.Install as close to the battery bank as humanly possible without being in the same compartment. Use the biggest cable that will fit the terminals on the inverter on the DC side. Fuse to protect the wire.devoncbutcher wrote:Hi guys just joined the forum and looking for some help. RVing is completely new to me so i'm a little hesitant on DIY stuff.I have a 2013 Dutchmen Rubicon 2900- 2x6v batteries- 2x150watt solar panels- 20amp Charge controller.I have read through tons of posts on inverter installing but am still a little uncertain.I am looking to buy a Sunforce 2500watt Pure Sine inverter from Costco. I will be using 4/0 gauge wire.I will NOT be trying to run MW,WH,Fridge or ACAll I want it for is the TVs and to charge laptops and phones.I am struggling with where to mount it in regards to distance from batteries and the whole DTDP switch. In the unit is a WF-8900 Series Distribution Center.Any help would be much appreciated to get me going in the right direction.Thanks ahead of time

You don't need a big inverter like that do to what you want to so. A 300W will do all that. For example, I can run 26 and 23" LCDs, two sat boxes, a surround sound system, charge phones and a laptop all at the same time with mine with some power to spare. I use a Go Power 300W PSW. BTW, very nice setup.

Thanks for the input guys, I just wanted to go big first and once. I forgot to mention that I would like to possibly run a coffee pot and due to starting work early I avoid firing up the generator early. Is there a negative to running an overkill inverter like that one or is it just extra money spent?

Personally, for the exact application you describe I installed the small Prowatt, with transfer switch, wired into one circuit on the rig.BTW, we tried something this last trip that worked great. At the start of a major drive day, she made up a slow-cook dinner in the crockpot, put the pot in the sink and turned on the inverter (during it off for lunch). When we arrived that the days stop, just at dinner time, dinner was ready.

pianotuna wrote:Hi devon,The Sunforce gets poor reviews and fails rather often. I'd avoid it. It is also a little large for your needs. I'd look at one of these instead: ProwattA 600 watt unit would easily handle the items you wish to run.I use simple a perko switch for my DC disconnect to the inverter, and a female outlet in the shore power cord box.Install as close to the battery bank as humanly possible without being in the same compartment. Use the biggest cable that will fit the terminals on the inverter on the DC side. Fuse to protect the wire.devoncbutcher wrote:Hi guys just joined the forum and looking for some help. RVing is completely new to me so i'm a little hesitant on DIY stuff.I have a 2013 Dutchmen Rubicon 2900- 2x6v batteries- 2x150watt solar panels- 20amp Charge controller.I have read through tons of posts on inverter installing but am still a little uncertain.I am looking to buy a Sunforce 2500watt Pure Sine inverter from Costco. I will be using 4/0 gauge wire.I will NOT be trying to run MW,WH,Fridge or ACAll I want it for is the TVs and to charge laptops and phones.I am struggling with where to mount it in regards to distance from batteries and the whole DTDP switch. In the unit is a WF-8900 Series Distribution Center.Any help would be much appreciated to get me going in the right direction.Thanks ahead of timeOne of the reasons I was going with the Sunforce was because of the fact its a costco product and they are usually great with warranties and are cheaper than the Xantrex

Inverter Install | Good Sam Community

37 Replies

pianotuna
Nomad III
Jul 09, 2013
Hi mena,

Beautiful work as always.
devoncbutcher
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
So now that i've decided on the Xantrex 2000 and mounting within a couple feet w/ 4/0 cable. Back to stopping my built in charger from trying to kick in and loop the power. Best Converter has an inline Amp transfer switch, is that what i need?
devoncbutcher
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
mena661 wrote:
pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

I ran a 120 volt #10 cord from the inverter location to the shore power cord box. It powers a 30 amp outlet.
I did this too (that's a 20A plug in the bottom pic).

I really like the way you've got that mounted. I would like to do something similiar if not the exact same lol
hershey
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
I think its quite a bit of overkill going with the inverter you chose. But I'd suggest any inverter other than Xantrex. I'm on my third 2000 watt Xantrex. Why don't I change???? Extended warranty insists on exact replacement.
devoncbutcher
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
Does anyone know why my pictures wont post and why i cannot see pictures others have posted?
mena661
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

I ran a 120 volt #10 cord from the inverter location to the shore power cord box. It powers a 30 amp outlet.
I did this too (that's a 20A plug in the bottom pic).
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jul 09, 2013
Hi,

I ran a 120 volt #10 cord from the inverter location to the shore power cord box. It powers a 30 amp outlet.
mena661
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
5 feet is fine with the 4/0 wire you're using especially at a max of 975W. I wouldn't even have a problem running a MW with that length and size of wire. I also second that Xantrex SW2000 Prowatt.
devoncbutcher
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

The 120 volt side length of cable doesn't matter much. On the DC side 5 feet is a LARGE length. Try to get it closer.

Bestconverter is selling the 2k prowatt for $355 USD. See if the dealer will match or at least come close to that price. It doesn't ever hurt to ask for a discount.

I will talk to them tomorrow about it as the Battery Direct store i spoke with supplies the RV dealer I purchased unit from. You guys have all steered me very clear of the Sunforce though. Much appreciated.
devoncbutcher
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
hmknightnc wrote:
$355 from Best Converter clicky

5' seems awful long. You should be able to mount it on back wall behind the battery box (assumming your battery box is sealed and vented to outside). Maybe 2'

Well maybe 5' was a little exagerrated but looking at having to run them under the front lip of trailer and up into the storage space would be between 2-4' I would guess. Then i have to figure out getting a cord through there for shore power.

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Inverter Install

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