One large inverter or 2-3 small ones?
So as I get closer to adding solar (or at least a larger battery bank) to my RV, I have more questions than I started with! Big thanks to the folks who have helped me along so far. I found a great...
Forum Discussion
Awesome information - thanks again for taking the time.
So your inverter's max amps can be channeled thru that single 120V outlet? (Or at least enough to run your rig.) Sounds too easy!
I do plan on putting the max feasible amp-hours within my constraints. I did an energy audit and found that I can max out pretty easily with electric heaters, so I figure I'll just go big on the system and then add in as many conveniences as I have power for. Once I add solar (and maybe a small wind turbine), I should be close to full-electric. How do you keep electric heating within your energy production capacity?
For now, "going big" will probably be four 6Vs at the location I found, and the easiest installation in this spot would be on their sides. Is this pretty reasonable? FULLRIVER Sealed DC400-6 6V 400Ah AGM Battery for $502? That would give me 800AH at 12V in a pretty compact space. Better options?
The shore power box is pretty close to the batteries...probably 3' or so. The current battery is between them so that might make a good place for the inverter mount.
Ok - separate disconnect switch between the batteries and inverter, and don't depend on the house switch. Easy.
Not sure I'm completely clear on how the amps are adding up regarding the thickness of wire I need.
- What exactly does "1000W" inverter mean? Does this mean it can invert 1000W of DC into 1000W AC? Or another way, wouldn't that be inverting 83.3A in DC into 8.3A in AC? So...roughly 100 amps across the DC cable gets pretty hot and needs a big wire.
- But then where would I put the catastrophic failure fuse? I've seen common numbers around 30A. Does this mean they generally go on the AC wire? Wouldn't it make more sense to put a 100A DC fuse between the battery and inverter?
Looks like I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger on this! The RV is at Camping World right now for some minor warranty work, and I asked them to give me some estimates on a few things, including parts of this discussion. I'll see what they come back with and go from there. Might tell them exactly which parts I want and the basic hows, then let them install them so I know it's safe.
The service guy was just excited that I was actually using it! He said he gets a lot of rigs in for repairs b/c the buyers only use it a couple weekends a year...not maintaining batteries, seals, etc. So I had a whole list of questions and potential projects. (I'm sure he was also excited about how much he stands to make off it, but still...)
So your inverter's max amps can be channeled thru that single 120V outlet? (Or at least enough to run your rig.) Sounds too easy!
I do plan on putting the max feasible amp-hours within my constraints. I did an energy audit and found that I can max out pretty easily with electric heaters, so I figure I'll just go big on the system and then add in as many conveniences as I have power for. Once I add solar (and maybe a small wind turbine), I should be close to full-electric. How do you keep electric heating within your energy production capacity?
For now, "going big" will probably be four 6Vs at the location I found, and the easiest installation in this spot would be on their sides. Is this pretty reasonable? FULLRIVER Sealed DC400-6 6V 400Ah AGM Battery for $502? That would give me 800AH at 12V in a pretty compact space. Better options?
The shore power box is pretty close to the batteries...probably 3' or so. The current battery is between them so that might make a good place for the inverter mount.
Ok - separate disconnect switch between the batteries and inverter, and don't depend on the house switch. Easy.
Not sure I'm completely clear on how the amps are adding up regarding the thickness of wire I need.
- What exactly does "1000W" inverter mean? Does this mean it can invert 1000W of DC into 1000W AC? Or another way, wouldn't that be inverting 83.3A in DC into 8.3A in AC? So...roughly 100 amps across the DC cable gets pretty hot and needs a big wire.
- But then where would I put the catastrophic failure fuse? I've seen common numbers around 30A. Does this mean they generally go on the AC wire? Wouldn't it make more sense to put a 100A DC fuse between the battery and inverter?
Looks like I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger on this! The RV is at Camping World right now for some minor warranty work, and I asked them to give me some estimates on a few things, including parts of this discussion. I'll see what they come back with and go from there. Might tell them exactly which parts I want and the basic hows, then let them install them so I know it's safe.
The service guy was just excited that I was actually using it! He said he gets a lot of rigs in for repairs b/c the buyers only use it a couple weekends a year...not maintaining batteries, seals, etc. So I had a whole list of questions and potential projects. (I'm sure he was also excited about how much he stands to make off it, but still...)
