Converter in 2013 Prime Time Tracer 2700RES

time2roll wrote:

tmckenna wrote:
I've been researching the process of installing an inverter into my 2013 Tracer 2700RES and I noticed that most installation videos tell you to turn off the converter while utilizing inverter power because theres no reason to charge the batteries from their own power.

I've check my breaker box and have no breakers for the converter as far as I can tell. How else would the converter function, and where should I look?

That is correct that you do not want to create a charging/inverting loop as it will just run your battery down fast.

Your converter is probably on one of the shared branch circuits that go to the various outlets. If you pull the cover off to see the 120v wires in the distribution panel you may see the connection. Otherwise you can monitor battery voltage as you turn off the breakers one at a time. Battery voltage will drop once the converter is powered off.

You can also wire the inverter into the panel so it does not power the converter.

Also you will want to set the fridge to propane only as it may also get powered by the inverter.

Just depends on how you connect the inverter.

If the converter is on a shared breaker, is it as simple as just adding another breaker and running the lines to that?

If I'm not connected to shore power I would almost always run the fridge on propane.

I'm really just planning out the setup when I hopefully get a pretty beefy solar setup so I can power the AC items inside without being connected to shore power.

time2roll wrote:

tmckenna wrote:
Also I was planning on running a large enough inverter to power at least the AC. I don't think I'd ever power the AC from the batteries, but itd be nice to have the option, especially if i ever do a serious solar setup.

Running the A/C from battery power will need 2000 to 3000 watt sine wave inverter. To have cool air for any significant time you will need 10+ batteries. General minimum to power an inverter is a battery for every 500 watts.

Im looking to do a few 100ah Lithium batteries with 70amp continuous discharge rating. Thats 840 watts per battery, so with a 13,500btu AC pulling 1500 watts while running, i should be okay with 3 batteries, providing 2520 watts to start and run the AC.

tmckenna wrote:
Also I was planning on running a large enough inverter to power at least the AC. I don't think I'd ever power the AC from the batteries, but itd be nice to have the option, especially if i ever do a serious solar setup.

Running the A/C from battery power will need 2000 to 3000 watt sine wave inverter. To have cool air for any significant time you will need 10+ batteries. General minimum to power an inverter is a battery for every 500 watts.

tmckenna wrote:
I've been researching the process of installing an inverter into my 2013 Tracer 2700RES and I noticed that most installation videos tell you to turn off the converter while utilizing inverter power because theres no reason to charge the batteries from their own power.

I've check my breaker box and have no breakers for the converter as far as I can tell. How else would the converter function, and where should I look?

That is correct that you do not want to create a charging/inverting loop as it will just run your battery down fast.

Your converter is probably on one of the shared branch circuits that go to the various outlets. If you pull the cover off to see the 120v wires in the distribution panel you may see the connection. Otherwise you can monitor battery voltage as you turn off the breakers one at a time. Battery voltage will drop once the converter is powered off.

You can also wire the inverter into the panel so it does not power the converter.

Also you will want to set the fridge to propane only as it may also get powered by the inverter.

Just depends on how you connect the inverter.

Sandia Man wrote:
Turn off breakers one at a time until converter is disabled, should be on one of your circuit breakers. Are you planning to run all your AC outlets, most inverter installs are for running a TV or other minor electronic equipment when not plugged into shore power. When installing an inverter for whole rig use your AC unit, converter, fridge, and microwave will have to be turned off when using the inverter.

I installed my inverter to power my hdtv, satellite receiver, bluetooth speaker bar and blu-ray dvd player, that way I don't have to use my genny. When camping off the grid I primarily use my genny for convection microwave and AC unit, other wise solar keeps my batteries up to power all my audio video equipment. Mount inverter close to battery bank using largest diameter wiring your inverter lugs will accept.

How do I tell which breaker is associated with charging the battery?

Also I was planning on running a large enough inverter to power at least the AC. I don't think I'd ever power the AC from the batteries, but itd be nice to have the option, especially if i ever do a serious solar setup.

Turn off breakers one at a time until converter is disabled, should be on one of your circuit breakers. Are you planning to run all your AC outlets, most inverter installs are for running a TV or other minor electronic equipment when not plugged into shore power. When installing an inverter for whole rig use your AC unit, converter, fridge, and microwave will have to be turned off when using the inverter.

I installed my inverter to power my hdtv, satellite receiver, bluetooth speaker bar and blu-ray dvd player, that way I don't have to use my genny. When camping off the grid I primarily use my genny for convection microwave and AC unit, other wise solar keeps my batteries up to power all my audio video equipment. Mount inverter close to battery bank using largest diameter wiring your inverter lugs will accept.

I may be misunderstanding, but do you turn off the "main" breaker switch when utilizing the inverter? I'm really just trying to figure out how to disable the battery charging function in the camper.