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Simplified Inverter installation?

cschaepecschaepe Member Posts: 6
edited June 18 in Battery/Electrical & Solar
Just hatching an idea and wanted to see how realistic it is.  I have a Tab360 with 460Ah of battery and no inverter today.  On one hand I could try and get the schematics of the factory Lithium upgrade and attempt to get the whole trailer hooked to the Inverter.  My understanding is that it requires running new wiring and assorted other changes.

The other idea I had was what if I simply install a large enough inverter and then plug the AC unit into the Inverter and have it simply run the AC.  I only care about the AC really not running all the outlets or even the Microwave.  The only downside I see is having to run the inverter when on Shore power to get the AC.  I could also install a switch so that I could use the existing plug for shore power and switch it to the inverter for boon docking.  

Does anyone have links to the schematic for the Factory Lithium upgrade to see how difficult that is.
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Comments

  • jjfalardeaujjfalardeau Member Posts: 8
    From pics I've seen, it appears the inverter is under the roadside bed hinged compartment and the battery is under the curbside bed next to the AC.  I too have a new Tab 360 and just finished installing a Victron inverter, Cerbo, and touch screen.  Looking things over, I decided to relocate my battery bank in the roadside bed compartment.  I mounted a victron Lynx distributor next to the solar charger.  This still left a reasonably short 4 or 5 ft 2/0 cable run to the battery. I wanted the inverter on the curbside where the battery was for short AC and DC cable runs as well as close proximity to the fuse panel, which I replaced with the one used with the lithium package. 

    I'm sure seeing the factory schematic would be beneficial. Myself, I bought a $10 design from Explorist Life and spent some quality time just tracing existing wires to visualize the "to-be" state.  I have 400ah now.  Ran the AC and it appears it could run non-stop for about 4 hours, so likely longer assuming it cycles on and off.

    I attached some photos to help with ideas.

    Jeff

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  • MuttonChopsMuttonChops Member Posts: 1,777
    Interesting . . . .
    If my DIY would just  plug Air Conditioner [A/C] into Inverter or Trailer (shore power) as needed and not do anything fancy with automated switching.

    That said, feel it would be more useful to buy a cheap generator instead of a pricey quality inverter as the generator will provide endless hours of A/C not just a few hours worth on the battery.

    If the A/C draws 11 Amps at 115 VAC. that is 1265 Watts.
    A quality Inverter will be around 95% efficient, so the battery will have to supply 1332 watts.
    At a battery voltage of 12.3 VDC, 1332 watts is 108 Amp draw (big wires on inverter 12V side)
    So the battery bank will last around 4-hours.

    Small generator just seems better & you won't hear it with the A/C on  ;)
    '18 320 S,  pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    Adventures:  56   Nights:  379  Towing Miles 47,220
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  • cschaepecschaepe Member Posts: 6
    Fair point even with 460Ah I will only get maybe 4 hours.
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  • jjfalardeaujjfalardeau Member Posts: 8
    Design around your priorities.  We boondock mostly.  While I appreciate having the convenience and options to use inverted A/C power, I was mainly motivated by fast recharging from generator if solar doesn't keep up.  We use 100ah per day.  The stock charger was only putting out about 22 to 25 amps.  Slow recharge.  The multiplus will output 80 to 120a depending on model, thus significantly reducing charge time.  I don't want DC to DC charging from my tow vehicle, so that was another consideration for me.  I prefer to minimize my generator use as well.  Everyone will have different needs so let those drive your decisions. 
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