Can You Permanently Mount An Inverter To A Camper?

[longislandcampe]

Is there a way to wire an inverter to the battery that will power the outlets in the camper? We dry camp once or twice a year and we do have a portable inverter to power the TV/DVD during the day and a cpap at night. Our 12V plug is a bit of distance from the bedroom so we'd have to run an extension cord to the bedroom. It's doable, just not ideal. It would be easier if we could just get some juice from the regular outlet.

[Just_Jeff]

Just keep in mind that running stuff on 120v/inverter will take 10 times the amps from the battery as it would to run it on 12v...so plan for that in battery capacity.

So three common options (and likely many more) for the inverter.
- Hardwire the inverter into the AC distro panel. This will require an inverter with a pass-thru, and maybe a transfer switch if you want it to be easy. The generator and shore power would run into the transfer switch, then the switch would go to the inverter, then the inverter would go to your 120VAC panel.
- Just plug the shore power cable into the inverter. Then your hands will become a "manual transfer switch" to switch between generator and shore power, or inverter.
- Just wire a small inverter directly to the battery, and use it to install a separate 120VAC plug where you need it. You'll create an independent circuit this way and don't have to worry about wiring into the panel. Be sure to fuse this one.

You'll probably want to disconnect your converter for the first two options (or just remove the fuse), but the converter will work fine with the third option.

Or, it sounds like you may be using a 12V already...you could just install another 12V outlet where you need it. That might be the easiest option if a 12V can fill your needs.

And remember that I'm not an electrician... 🙂

[longislandcampe]

westend wrote:
Yes, some inverters are capable of being wired directly into the load center, powering your outlets. Another way to accomplish this is to plug your shore power cord into the inverter.

I guess plugging the TT cord into the inverter will work but then I'd have to hook/unhook when running the genny twice a day. I'd like to make it as easy as possible from the start.

[westend]

Yes, some inverters are capable of being wired directly into the load center, powering your outlets. Another way to accomplish this is to plug your shore power cord into the inverter.