Inverter on Generator wiring?

[timelinex]

I have a 2021 Grand Design 381m. I just put in 2 Lifepo4 batteries and am installing a Pure Sine Wave Inverter tomorrow. I am looking for the easiest way to do it before my trip next week.

I have a 5500 Onan generator, which is wired to a junction box in my battery compartment. From that junction box, the generator wires are wire-nut'd to wires that go to my transfer switch.

I know the "best" way of doing this is separating my panel into 2, adding another transfer switch so only one of them is energized, and running separate wires from the inverter to this setup..... But considering how often I will use the inverter and preferring an easy/fast install so I can have it for next weeks long trip...I've got a different idea.

Is there any reason I shouldn't put the inverter in the battery compartment, connect one end to my batteries, and add the inverter 120v wires into the wire nuts in that generator junction box?

I won't ever be running the generator at the same time. I also recognize that I have to flip my converter breaker off when using the inverter and be mindful of my use since the inverter is powering everything (a.k.a no AC...) I'm happy with all that. I'm just making sure there are no safety issues.

Thanks!

[timelinex]

Cptnvideo wrote:
If the inverter you are installing has a 20 amp outlet on it, you could simply pick up a 20 amp dog bone adapter and plug your shore cord directly into it.
I did that on a previous Class C with a 1500 watt inverter I added.
And I forgot, you absolutely want the inverter as close to the batteries as possible.
Where in AZ are you?

I recognize that is an option , but its a hassle lugging the big cord. Also I believe the inverter is limited in output in the plugs vs hardwire (may be 15amp plugs)

I'll do this temporarily if I can't find an otherwise easy solution

I'm in Cave Creek

[Cptnvideo]

If the inverter you are installing has a 20 amp outlet on it, you could simply pick up a 20 amp dog bone adapter and plug your shore cord directly into it.
I did that on a previous Class C with a 1500 watt inverter I added.
And I forgot, you absolutely want the inverter as close to the batteries as possible.
Where in AZ are you?

[timelinex]

Cptnvideo wrote:
Where is your transfer switch located? In my Solitude which is pre-wired for a generator but does not have one, the wires to my inverter/charger come from the transfer switch which is located just to the rear of the pass thru compartment. Then the output of the inverter is wired to the AC distribution panel. The OEM converter is unplugged.
With this configuration, shore power is passed thru the inverter and I am able to use the load share feature on the inverter.
I also have a lot of solar.
With your proposal, you would want to make DANG sure inverter is turned off before running the generator.

Its' located in the false wall behind the storage space before it. It's not too hard to get to and if I had to I wouldn't mind running wire there. But I'm also not sure what the benefit this way would be since I'm guessing there isn't an empty input.

It's a Southwire Surge Guard Automatic Transfer Switch Model 40140. Currently it is managing between shore and generator power I think.

Someone mentioned that my proposed setup won't work as it will fry the inverter when I run the generator and 120v is fed back into the inverter. Not sure if that's true or not?

[Cptnvideo]

Where is your transfer switch located? In my Solitude which is pre-wired for a generator but does not have one, the wires to my inverter/charger come from the transfer switch which is located just to the rear of the pass thru compartment. Then the output of the inverter is wired to the AC distribution panel. The OEM converter is unplugged.
With this configuration, shore power is passed thru the inverter and I am able to use the load share feature on the inverter.
I also have a lot of solar.
With your proposal, you would want to make DANG sure inverter is turned off before running the generator.