Using Inverter through all AC outlets ???

[Rbertalotto]

I installed a 1000w inverter in my truck camper. Came in very handy this past weekend for laptop charging, shaving, electric mixer, etc.

But the only outlet it at the inverter itself. The inverter sits low, I had to use an extension cord for most things.

How are folks activating all their AC outlets from the inverter without going with a complicated and expensive transfer switch.......Which I simply do not have room for.

Thanks in advance

[Ron3rd]

pianotuna wrote:
and set the fridge to gas
and turn the converter off

...then plug your shore power into the inverter. That's how I do it and many others on the forum do it. But I only use it to power the TV's, dvd, etc, low power stuff. Basically, I turn off all breakers in the panel except the gfi outlets. I have a 300w PSW inverter BTW.

[Rbertalotto]

Sound Guy...You've done some real nice modifications to your camper! Nice work!

[SoundGuy]

Rbertalotto wrote:
How are folks activating all their AC outlets from the inverter without going with a complicated and expensive transfer switch.......Which I simply do not have room for.

Your truck camper doesn't have a front pass through storage compartment as does my travel trailer but that's where I installed my 1000 watt sine wave inverter, wiring it to power the trailer "whole house" by simply plugging the trailer's main service cable into the inverter output, no transfer switch necessary. A series of 7 pics starts here ... surely you could find somewhere in your TC where you could do a similar installation.

[RJsfishin]

I installed the small inverter in the tv sat cabinet, then run a strip inside, and run a receptical into an outside compartment too, so I got it all covered w/o a transfer switch. Keep it simple,....you won't be sorry.

[joebedford]

Installed inverter receptacles next to the mains receptacles.

[Rbertalotto]

Great ideas all...thanks

[RoyB]

I have an always ON DUTY 600W PSW INVERTER just to run the home entertainment items and a bunch of small 120VAC items like the WX RADIO - Chargers etc. I ran two MULTI-HEAD drop cords from the two inverter 120VAC receptacles with one going to the home entertainment center area and the other one going back close to the bed.

These multi-head extension cords usually has a ON-OFF switch as well. These are mounted to the back of a table top out of sight. No extension cords showing as I followed around things to keep it all of of sight.


This INVERTER is always ON even when we are camping at electric sites.

The INVERTER doesn't draw much current unless it is being used...

This is what I did to keep from installing a transfer switch.

I also was going to do what was suggested above about just plugging the shore power cable into the INVERTER and then having to switch off a bunch of 120VAC breakers to not overload it. This also means you probably would want to run a dedicated 120VAC OUTSIDE RECEPTACLE next the the 30A CABLE and use a RV30A-15A Adapter...

Running two out of sight drop cords from the inverter was an easier way out for me...

Roy Ken

[time2roll]

Transfer switch is $50. Otherwise plug the main cord into the inverter.

http://www.donrowe.com/KISAE-TS15A-Automatic-Transfer-Switch-p/ts15a.htm
This 15 amp switch would be just to power one branch circuit. If you want to power everything through the main cord you need a 30a switch for about $75.

[BFL13]

I do the truck camper the same as with the 5er. Plug the shore cord into the inverter, turn off the converter, fridge and water heater on gas. The TC is different in some details, but same method. Easy!

Some detail: I ran an extension cord from the inverter inside up inside the TC to the inside of the shore cord storage box. The batteries, converter, and inverter are all fairly close together (like everything else in a TC! 🙂 ) So it is either plug the shore cord (with its 30/15 adapter of course) into the extension cord from the inverter or to a shore power pedestal (or portable gen)

[pianotuna]

and set the fridge to gas
and turn the converter off

[2oldman]

Plug your shore cord into it.