Heavy Metal Doctor wrote:
I have a new Jayco 5th wheel unit with a residential fridge which runs off of an inverter. As I understand it, it is essentially one 110V circuit which is wired separately from the rest of the unit and powered by the inverter so that the fridge stays powered off of the batteries at all times, regardless of outside power.
While possible, this seems very unlikely. You need to confirm this !
Heavy Metal Doctor wrote:
The RV power panel keep the batteries topped off as long as there is shore power.
The DC power distribution panel is usually separate from "converter"
(converters AC to DC to charge/maintain the batteries)Heavy Metal Doctor wrote:
I am about to install a Cummins / Onan QG 5500 LP generator. I'm wondering if there are any changes for the inverter that should be considered (or just a good idea / improvement) while messing around with all the wiring. Or, simply "tee" in the generator between the shore power and the existing RV power panel and let the rest stay as it is?
DO NOT JUST "TEE" IN ! This will put 120VAC on the power inlet plug on the side of the trailer !
Heavy Metal Doctor wrote:
I have seen Progressive Dynamics mentioned often as good power products for RV's (tell me if that's true or false), so I have found one of their transfer switches with built in surge protector I'm thinking of ordering for this setup.
Their reputation is accurate !
A more expensive, but much more convenient solution is to replace both your current converter and inverter with a combination inverter/charger/automatic transfer switch. Easy installation and even easier to use (
everything is automatic, including optional generator start).
