Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
I would like to share my inverter wiring solution, after having considered all the pros and cons as they relate to accommodating our specific needs; other people will have different ideas or needs.
In the beginning, I was reluctant to install an inverter subpanel, but in the end I decided I need one if I want maximum operating flexibility. With my installation, I wanted the ability of running the AC section of our rig in several different operating modes, which are listed below. Modes 2) and up are all designed for situations with no or insufficient shore power (recently, we were at a campsite where the alleged 30 amp breaker tripped at less than 20 amps!).
1)Main panel (MP) and inverter subpanel (SP) both on shore power (the “standard” way)
2)MP and SP both on generator (a mobile 3,600 watt Boliy)
3)MP on shore and SP on generator
4)MP on shore and SP on inverter
5)MP on generator and SP on inverter
6)SP on inverter
Considering the various climate and campground/dry camping conditions you may find yourselves in when fulltiming, we wanted this kind of flexibility.
We spent less than $200 for all materials needed (subpanel, transfer switch, changeover switch, 30 amp inlet, breakers, wiring materials). [@Terry: Yes, we installed a generator inlet at the front like you suggested; it’s way more convenient than messing with a 50ft cord all the way to the end of the rig!].
If someone is interested in the wiring diagram, please PM me and I will email it.