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Will disconnecting converter stop 12 volt power?

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(@Anonymous)
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Our 31SL does not have a inverter or generator. Instead of wiring a transfer switch and associated equipment to automatically switch to an inverter when shore power is unavailable, I thought I would install an inverter near the AGM batteries in the front compartment and plug the coach power cord into the inverter to power the 110 volt electrical outlets (not the air conditioner or refrigerator). I would need to bypass the converter so I do not create a charging loop. Turning off the circuit breaker to the converter may accomplish that, but I thought I might also install a switch on the positive cable between the inverter and the battery. However, if I do so I do not know if that would prevent the 12 volt circuits (lights, fans, etc.) from operating in the coach. I will test the idea once I identify the correct cable from the inverter to the batteries, but I thought I would ask for any opinions before I do so.

 
Posted : August 7, 2017 5:26 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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If the interpretation is right, you basically want to run the RV from the batteries, to an inverter, to your power cord, back into the RV. Did I understand this correctly?

I don't see any kind of generator connections or shore power...

What is the goal? To power a TV while you are boondocking or dry docking? Do you have a residential refrigerator or a Norcold / Dometic refrigerator?

You could just connect the inverter to the batteries and run to a protected, dedicated outlet strictly for the use. That way, everything else can continue to run off the battery (i.e lights).

I'm first trying to understand the goal.

 
Posted : August 7, 2017 5:58 PM
(@Anonymous)
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Yes, the goal is to use the 110 volt electrical outlets for the TV, computers, fans, and kitchen appliances without running a generator or hooked to shore power when boondocking. The inverter/batteries would provide AC power to the whole coach via the power cord but it would not be used for the air conditioner or Norcold refrigerator (which would be powered by propane).

Another method might be to install a couple of DC power outlets in the coach and use small inverters to power the AC appliances. However, it would be more convenient to have all the electrical outlets available without moving around small inverters.

 
Posted : August 8, 2017 12:32 AM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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You probably won't want to run DC circuits as the wire sizes can be larger and more expensive.Then, you have DC voltage drops to contend with. They drop with even short distances. Multiple Inverters are not that cheap either.

I like the thought of trying to "back-feed" yourself but it will be an interesting endeavor. The inverter probably won't have a receptacle that has your 50A cord connection. You would probably have to rig something up. Then you would have to run the 50A cord all the way up to the Inverter. If you haven't priced wire lately, you better be sitting down for a cord that is 60-70' long. And then you'll have to buy the cord caps. They aren't cheap either. Probably around $75-100 each. Or maybe you could just hook up a 15A storage cord adapter and run a #12 Extension Cord up to the front. That would be less expensive.

And you are probably correct. You would have to disconnect the charger somehow so that you are not "re-charging" your batteries. The load would be too much on your inverter.

You could mount 1 inverter and run an extension cord back inside for the isolated devices you want to run. Keep the inverter(s) close to the batteries. The distance will drop the voltage on the DC circuit. The AC voltage drop is nothing to worry about.

Thinking about it...It sounds like too much work...Buy a cheap Honda Generator and set it outside on the ground. Run a cord inside and don't worry about it. The Honda's are super quiet. A 2000W would be plenty for a TV.

.

 
Posted : August 8, 2017 8:28 PM
(@Anonymous)
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Thanks for the suggestion. I just purchased a portable Yamaha EF2000iSv2 2000 Watt Inverter Generator‎ from Dyer's for $860 including shipping. I just don't want to ruin the quiet of a campsite for my neighbors or me except when necessary to charge batteries.

As for the 50A cord connection, I would just run it to the front of the coach (close to the batteries) and use adapters to connect to the 15 amp output of the inverter just like I will connect to the 15 amp output of the generator.

 
Posted : August 9, 2017 1:14 PM
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