110v and 220v

Em...

What about frequency? Isn't Oz 50 Hz? That can make operating certain items like a microwave and A/C, interesting.

An M-G set might be easier (motor-generator). But that would not be a small "thing"

I am not sure what particular utility a transfer switch would have here. I would suggest getting a sufficiently sized transformer (typically they are autotransformers in this case, so the input and output are not isolated) and plugging in through that.

60 Hz microwaves tend not to do so well on 50 Hz power, so avoiding microwaving would be a good idea. If you have a feroresonant converter, that definitely won't work properly; the output voltage is quite dependant on the line frequency (but relatively unaffected by line voltage fluctuations).

On the whole, I'm not sure this is the most practical project, but perhaps someone thinking of taking their 5th wheel from America to Australia and back isn't too worried about what is most practical.

I would convert power through the battery. Need a 100 amp charger, four batteries and 2000 to 3000 watt inverter to make 120vac you need.

http://www.bestconverter.com/DLS-240-55-240-VAC x2 and get the parallel IQ controller.

http://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/products/go-power-gp-sw3000-12-inverter

The 2000w should run your air but if you will need it a lot I would get the 3000.

Already have a hybrid Magnum 3000W inverter 125A charger and it is 120-240V 50-60H.

Magnum will not convert 230 to 120 but will certainly make 120 as needed.
Just get the IOTAs to keep the battery up and you are good to go.

NO transfer switch
purchase the correct step down conversion transformer, wired up with a 120v 30amp3 wire plug on the output side and Aus power line and male plug on the input side

you can mount the xformer in a bay of the 5th wheel, or in a weather proof box

just Plug in and use it

when you come back to the states, just store it away someplace

im not up on Aus elect code, i suggest you look into that subject

Slownsy wrote:
I am trying to make my FW able to be used with both 110V for here in the states and have a transfer switch for running of 220V in Australia via a step down transformer? Is this possible or not?

Just curious. Are you seriously going to pay the cost of transport to get your 5th all the way from the US to Australia ... and then perhaps back again? Wow! Once there your trailer will be "backward", as the entry door(s) will be on the wrong side of the trailer. And what are you going to tow with? - your own truck, built to US standards? Are you prepared to tow on the "wrong" side of the road, sitting in the "wrong" side of the truck?

Electrical standard in North America is 120 vac @ 60 Hs, in Australia it's 230 vac @ 50 Hz - and certainly a 50 Hz frequency would present some issues with a rig designed to run @ 60 Hz.

World Electrical Standards

Why bother? :h

Yes, it is.. HOWEVER.... EXPENSIVE and HEAVY YOU just need the proper transformer..

I would not suggest doing it via a switch however, Use a portable device you can plug in and then plug into That way when you do not need it you can leave it behidn or carry it with you, also the plug in is way way simpler than a switch wiring, and what's more the plugs are different so it doubles as an adapter.

But if you look up a Hughes Autoformer... The transformer will be AT LEAST that big and heavy, likely more so. but they do exist. If you need I may be able to link to one but I tried once in the past and finding one big enough is the issue.

SoundGuy wrote:

Just curious. Are you seriously going to pay the cost of transport to get your 5th all the way from the US to Australia ... and then perhaps back again?

Yes I think this is a TOTALLY bad idea.

But people posting questions like this usually don't REALLY want practical advice, they just want help implementing their plan......no matter how ill-advised it might be.

Being not aware of your requirements but I think if I had this problem I would be looking into renting a motor home in Australia... Shipping transportation has got to be hugh for doing this... Kinda hard to drive to Australia unlike Mexico and South America... There is also all the headaches of license requirements for both the truck and 5th wheel trailer I would think...

Who knows about all of the being safe rules... i would probably loose my whole caravan the first night on the road haha... Being a rig setup from the states would for sure stand out in the crowd down under...

Of course we all have our dreams on things to do... I've been drooling for years over their off-road vehicles... They for sure have got all of that down pat... All too expensive for my pay grade...

Roy Ken