Installing 12 v power port; Question

Goes to show there is no "one size fitz all"...I don't have a shore cord compartment, I have a Marinco detachable cord. This scenario would require me to unpack the cord, connect it to the TT, then run it into a compartment somewhere....with my scenario I just flip a switch.

Ron 3rd, a good first step is to do some testing with your panel box and see what breakers control what. The converter is typically not on its own circuit (I had to add another breaker in the panel so I could have the converter on its own circuit) so you want to be sure if you flip off the breaker for the converter you are also not de-powering the outlet for the TV.

Either transfer switch or shore cord plug in are technically equal in terms of delivering power to your TV outlet, you need to figure out which works best with your RV and where things are located. The key is minimizing the distance form the inverter to the batteries, or else using up-sized wire between the inverter and the batteries to minimize the voltage drop. This was why mine squealed at less than 80% battery charge from the cig outlet, due to a long run of small gauge wire to the cig outlet.

Ron3rd wrote:
If I go 300w, what amp transfer switch will I need?

You need 15 amp minimum to use the branch circuit as normal when plugged into utility power.

+1 for GoPower 300w :B

Hi Ron3,

I do the same as Mena and have a 30 amp outlet in the shore power cord box. I also have a dedicated inverter outlet in the kitchen so I can draw more than 30 amps at a time while I'm on shore power. I started out with a 300 watt 13 years ago and gradually went to larger and larger inverters. I'm now maxed out at 3000 watts.

I prefer to not use transfer switches. I want to know the power is definitely OFF.

Ron3rd wrote:
Good info, thanks mena.

You're welcome!

mena661 wrote:

Ron3rd wrote:
What size inverter are you using and what brand?

It's a Go Power 300W PSW. I've had it for 3 years or so. Works great! With the 30A receptacle, I can upgrade the inverter to a 2000W and use the same wiring (it's 10-2). Also, could use the inverter while driving if I chose.

Good info, thanks mena.

Ron3rd wrote:
What size inverter are you using and what brand?

It's a Go Power 300W PSW. I've had it for 3 years or so. Works great! With the 30A receptacle, I can upgrade the inverter to a 2000W and use the same wiring (it's 10-2). Also, could use the inverter while driving if I chose.

Thanks mena, that might be an option. Nice idea with the 30A RV receptacle too. I would turn of the charger, have fridge on gas, etc. We never run the AC anyway and would require shore power for that.

What size inverter are you using and what brand?

Ron3rd wrote:
Thanks mena, one more question; I've read some people just plug the 30 amp cord into the inverter with an adapter. Is this a good/bad option? Too much parasitic draw in the batteries? I only 2 group 24s.

I bunch of us do that although we get some cr!p about it on occasion. :) I have a 30A RV receptacle inside my shore cord compartment. On the other end is a 20A plug that goes into the inverter. I just turn off the converter, AC and microwave (usually only have the converter turned on at home anyways...everything else is turned off) and plug the shore cord straight into the 30A receptacle.

30A RV receptacle


20A plug into inverter

Thanks mena, one more question; I've read some people just plug the 30 amp cord into the inverter with an adapter. Is this a good/bad option? Too much parasitic draw in the batteries? I only 2 group 24s.

15A transfer switch is still applicable even with a 300W inverter. Depending on the voltage your inverter puts out (mine is 115V), you're only looking at 2.6A max on the AC side. More than enough for a 15A transfer switch.