How To Power Your Entire RV With An Inverter | Easy Inverter Power
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- Опубліковано 27 лип 2024
- Today we show you how to power your entire RV with an inverter...well, ALMOST your entire RV. We recently upgraded to a Renogy 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter. We did this so we could power all of the outlets in our RV and run everything except the high load appliances (A/C & microwave). Also, I make sure to switch the refrigerator and water heater to run on propane. While this is not a complicated setup, you do need to be mindful of what is on and running while the inverter is on. We will show you our entire setup and how we manage and keep track of our power usage. We may upgrade in the future, but this setup is working out GREAT so far!
*Update*
Here is a link to an updated video WITHOUT the wind noise! EASY RV Inverter Setup | RV Inverter Setup Explained
• EASY RV Inverter Setup...
Below are links to everything we discussed in this video!
Renogy 2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter: amzn.to/3gPHlGm
Renogy 200 Watt Portable Solar Panels: amzn.to/3gOTQlp
Heavy Duty 12 Gauge 20A Extension Cord: amzn.to/3t3aUqj
Extension Cord Adapter (for inverter): amzn.to/3vrawDC
50A to 15A Adapter for RV: amzn.to/33034mU
AiLi Battery Monitor: amzn.to/3t7AV7Q
Chapters:
0:00 Upgrading to a Renogy 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter
1:31 How we power the RV from the inverter
2:51 Why you need a battery monitor
4:18 What you need to TURN OFF with this RV inverter setup
5:04 Benefits of having a battery monitor
6:08 Why we chose this inverter setup (for now)
7:14 How has this affected our generator use?
7:54 Let's wrap this up
*I use this solar **Generater.Systems** at work. The building is 80 years old so there’s not a lot of electrical outlets. I use it for lights, fans, charge phones etc. works great !*
A 200 watt solar panel will provide around 12 amps (DC) in full sun. Our trailer uses 7-9 (DC) amps for lights, refrigerator fan, and roof vent fan.
I recently had the same question and I'm glad you answered it I appreciate you posting this video! I went and tried it and it worked just make sure you turn off your breaker. But it worked like a charm now my outlets work my upper heating and air conditioning roof unit works
Glad the video was helpful and thank you for watching!
After reading many reviews and watching a lot of videos, I chose this option for my first backup power station. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxHypYDKHAN93Lp2RQpfvU_ksc70wJ00pt I was between this and a larger option that could power a wider range of items, but the price/size/capacity blend seemed right for this unit. Hasn't gotten a ton of use yet, but the build quality is solid and it charges fine via the Rockpals solar panel I purchased to pair with it. One thing to note is that the screen is optimized for a top down viewing angle, which makes sense, but this means it washes out at other angles - especially low angles. Not a huge deal, but perhaps a better option for the display could be used to provide wider viewing angles.
Thanks!
I just installed a Renogy 2000w inverter. I Used a 30amp locking trailer adaptor to a 50 foot 30amp extension cord. Then from the extension cord I added a 30amp to 20amp adaptor. That plugs into a 20amp receptacle installed beside the inverter. Now I have 20amp service to my trailer.The reason I went down to a 20amp receptacle is that I hard wired it to my inverter.
Renogy told me that the 3 plugs were 15amps, but the hard wire ports were 20amps.
Thank you for your excellent video on how to power the whole trailer with the 200watt sokar panels and 2000watt inverter.
Solar. Lol
That sounds like a great setup! I have been considering hard wiring a receptacle to the inverter. I like your idea, thanks for sharing!
That’s so cool , I was breaking my head how to do it and you gave me a simple solution. Thank you!!
Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!
Very smart setup. Very simple and it give you the added safety of your breaker panel working. Perfect solution.
Thank you, it’s been working really well for us!
Excellent video. Simple and elegant way to avoid the need for a transfer switch. I'll be installing a 2000W pure sine wave inverter this spring for my GD 5th wheel. Considering your method vs using a transfer switch to add some flexibility to the system. Keeping things simple is usually the best alternative. The detail about turning off the converter breaker is very important when using the inverter for powering the rig using your method.
Thank you, my main goal was a simple way to power the RV. Glad the video was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Fantastic. I’m beginning this journey. Thanks so much.
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!
Wonder inverter video, seen so much complicated ones, yours really hit the mark for me, thank you.
Glad the video is helpful! Thanks for watching!
Finally, someone explains it in a manner I understand. Thanks so much
You’re welcome! Glad the info was helpful. Thank you for watching!
I love how incredibly simple this is. I feel like it also insures you don't have the inverter on when you eventually connect to shore power and ruin your inverter.
Thanks! This setup has proved to be simple and effective for our needs without being overly complicated. And yes, there’s no chance of accidentally having the shore power and inverter hooked up at the same time! Thanks for watching!
I have 400 watts of solar, 200Ah of lithium batteries, a 3000 watt inverter. Remote power switch for the inverter. My trailer is a 30 amp unit. My setup is the same as shown in this video. Just avoid the microwave except for my wife’s tea. Fan only for the air conditioner. I tent camped for years, then a small tent trailer, so am accustomed to normal outdoor weather. Didn’t carry a microwave or air conditioner, didn’t spend daytime inside, so am content. I am a boondocker.
@@jonedwards2107 I am looking at a similar setup. Does using the microwave create significant battery drainage? How much would you estimate using it for 20 minutes?
@@azcanuck3131 haven’t tried yet. Typically you might use a microwave for a minute or two at a time.if you have the inverter plugged into your shore power inlet be sure to turn off your converter. Solar should fully recharge your batteries daily.
@@azcanuck3131 That depends on the rest of your setup? do you have solar? assuming worse case no solar and you have 2 lithium batteries (2X100ah=200ah) you could run your A/C for an 1.5 hours. So I see no reason that you could not run your microwave for 20 minutes. Assuming your batteries are at full charge and your not running any other heavy electrical devices, fridge, water heater etc.
Your info about turning off the converter was the final missing piece of information I was looking for. Thank you.
Glad the video was helpful! Thanks for watching!
I found another alternative to turn off the converter without having to turn off the breaker in the panel. I installed a remote controlled (wireless) grounded plug on the backside of my power distribution panel, where the converter plugs in. I then plugged the converter into the remote controlled plug. I can tell from my battery monitor if the converter is on or off and with the push of a button I can turn the converter/charger off when powering my camper off the inverter. Much easier than installing a transfer switch in my case.
@@lgmoon40 Sounds good to me. I bought the same remote plug for my little fan so I didn't have to get out of bed to turn it off : )
Excellent video! Very slick.
Thank you! It’s not fancy, but definitely gets the job done for us! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video got mine wired up tonight.
You’re welcome! Glad the video was helpful and thanks for watching!
Good use case in a sea of hard to understand videos. I wasn't sure if plugging in directly to the 50amp input was doable. I was also concerned about my converter and you showed me the quick and easy work around.......the freegin breaker!! Love it. I never comment on videos , much less like or subscribe. I feel like you earned this one.
Thank you, glad the video was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Video I was looking for, thank you so much buddy..
You’re welcome! Thank you for watching!
You can get 20amps with that inverter if you hard wire it to a 20amp receptacle. Then it can run a Keurig, Microwave, or a blow dryer easily.
1 at a time of course.
Thanks for your knowledge and sharing.
Made my life a lot easier while boon docking.
I always take a backup generator for emergency power.
You’re welcome. Great info, thanks!
Could you just buy a 15amp to 20amp adapter for the inverter?
That's the best simple solution I have seen!
Thanks! It has been a great, simple solution for us. Thanks for watching!
This is actually what i did to my motorhome and i was thinking the whole time it was considered "unsafe" kinda nice to see someone else had this idea. great video
It’s only unsafe if you are overloading the inverter and cord. This is an easy option that works great! Thanks for watching!
@@JouppiOutdoors do you have an instagram? I have some questions!
How does this work without a ground?
Man, I knew it was a simpler way. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, it works great for us! Thanks for watching!
You’re video is exactly what I was looking for!
Great! Thank you for watching!
I set my camper up this way. It was the simplest and safest way to use the existing power distribution system installed in the camper without any fuss. Thankfully my solar batteries and inverter were much closer to my input power port so a much shorter cable was required.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and thank you for watching!
So when connecting to shore power you have to makes sure your inverter circuit breakers are oof and the power on the inverter is off? when you have no shore power (off grid) you flip the inverter's circuit breakers on and turn on the inverter power button? is this how it works?
Since I am using 2 separate power cords, there is no chance of shore power and inverter power being fed to the RV at the same time. It’s one or the other, so yes, I do turn the inverter power off…but I am disconnecting the power cord anyway.
Very informative! Thanks!
Thank you and thanks for watching!
Great video. I have also thought this way would be the best way to connect my solar inverter to my camper "shore" power when boondocking. Thanks for verifying this for me.
It doesn’t get much more simple than this. It’s been a great setup for us! Thanks for watching!
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.
You’re welcome, thanks for watching!
This is the video I needed for self sufficient RV power!! Tysm
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching.
Thanks, you just confirmed what I wanted to do.
Thank you for watching!
We did the same thing with my friends reflection. Except he had a turn off his refrigerator becaues it would automatically go to electric when it was running on the inverter. Thanks Don
We turn our fridge to propane when we boondock so it doesn’t switch over when we turn on the inverter. It’s definitely not a complex setup but works great for what we do! Thanks for watching!
Your son looks like he loves being involved and helping you out. Great work dad!
Hoping he absorbs a little bit along the way! Thanks for watching
Nice set up. I did things similar except I ran dedicated plugs off the inverter to the inside of the fifth wheel and one in the underbelly. We have two suitcase panels ( one got a side broken in a wind event). We also use two Battleborn lithium batteries. We had bad luck with our AGM batteries. We just ordered a new Brinkley and it will come with a solar setup and wired for an inverter. We will put an additional panel on. We just got done boondocking outside of Yuma and never ran the generator once. Burlington Bill here busking from the road and here on you tube!
Nice! Thanks for watching!
Exactly how I did mine for on the road and keeping the fridge on and phones charged while traveling. The best thing ever.
Awesome! It’s been a great setup for us, thanks for watching!
I just want to watch "Wagon Train" when we lose shore power : )
Holy crap am I happy I stumbled onto this video. I had my ‘ah ha’ moment watching this, runnin this setup the way he did. Thank you! Now thanks to you, my Amazon accounts gonna be takin a serious hit lol
Glad the video was helpful! It’s been a great setup for us. Thanks for watching!
Great low cost setup as you said. Will definitely replicate as we boondock a lot but can’t afford these in depth setups. Thanks again.
It’s been a great option for us given the limited amount of boondocking we do. It’s also great to have when the campground power goes out! Thanks for watching!
Instead of running an extension cord everyrytime just hardwire it into the back of the plug and zip tie it up under the 5th wheel. You won't have to run the cord ever again just unplug at the inverter if needed.
Definitely something to think about! Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching!
A hard wired connection requires a Dual-input, single-output power supply selector switch. This is the safe/correct way to have convenient and 100% accident proof dual input power for your rv
@@liftviagra Absolutely, thanks for watching!
And here I was going to make it complicated! Thanks for this "KISS" solution!
You’re welcome! It has worked out great for us!
Great info almost a dyi project 👍
6 days is Great even with your generator back up 😊
Thanks for watching!
I appreciate this video. I’ve been wondering how people power everything with an inverter. I bought the Renogy 2000w and I have a 200 watt solar setup. Gonna be zip tying an extension cord under my trailer and doing it that way. Thanks again!
This setup has definitely worked well for us! I like the idea of zip tying the extension cord. Thanks for watching!
Nice to see your family in the video.
Thank you and thanks for watching!
Big hi to your young apprentice from New Zealand and thanks for you video
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!
Nice job, you do clean work! 👍
Thank you!
Finally a simple explanation.
Thanks for watching!
I have used this setup for years. I run 4-100ah Power Queen batteries into a 3000w pure sinewave inverter and run the output to the trailer 110v input. I can run everything in the trailer for days as long as I have sun for the 600w panels on the roof. It will even run the roof air for about 4 hours if I have to. More batteries and solar would be nice but I've run out of roof room. LOL It's only a 20' trailer. LOL
Thanks for the info video! I would love to see more on how you installed the inverter, i.e. the hookup to the batteries and the amp monitor you have in the rig. Very smart great set up. Fantastic GD rig btw.
I plan to do a more in depth review on how it is all installed. Thanks so much for watching!
@@JouppiOutdoors ditto
@@JouppiOutdoors I was over thinking the inverter installation. I bought all these on/off switches, power transfer switch, bus bars, fuses, wifi shunt, fuse box, extra heavy duty battery cables. I bought two 2000 watt inverters. One inverse will have AC & DC inputs and outputs, the other inverter is just a basic inverter. I will be sending most of these devices back for a refund and just keep it simple. My installation is just for backup we never go dry camping. We just want to have a little power in case we lose RV Park shore power.
Thanks for the info i was going to run an extension cord up through the floor to run a cpap. Your idea to run the cord to the dogbone is a great idea thanks.
You’re welcome! It’s nice to have all the outlets working with this setup. Thanks for watching!
We have a very similar set up for our inverter! I don't have a monitor though. Probably need one. My switch is outside. Where is your house battery? I still have mine and it runs separate from our AGM batteries. We run our generator the same way. Thanks for sharing! Chris and Barbara
We run everything on the 2 AGM group 31’s. That little battery monitor is awesome and not very expensive at all! Thanks so much for watching!
I got an iffy MWXNE 2000 Watts pure sine inverter because it was all I could afford to run my window air conditioner from a 12v 300ah LiFeP04 battery in my camper after hurricanes and other storms. Putting it on solar once I finish my system piece by piece. I need two more panels to match up a series/parallel 24v input through 10 gauge MC4 cable to a 60 amp MPPT controller and a few switches and battery meter. I`ve been using a 20 amp plug-in charger in the meantime to top it off before storms. I started with a collection of power banks for tiny fans and Onite LED bulbs then started getting various solar power stations from 250w up to 700w for emergency power for a dorm fridge, freezer, rice cookers, Dash griddle, and sometimes an electric blanket. I need to get a backup inverter for sure.
That’s going to be a great setup once you finish it!
These people should have more subscribers.. I couldn't believe that they had less than 10k subs.. Good videos.. 👍 👍
Thank you for the kind words and thanks for watching!
Done
Thank you!
Great Video! Thank you. As you and your family, my family and I are not hardcore boondocking campers. I have a Renogy 400 watt system with only 1 Lifepo4 battery. I been wanting to buy their 2000 watt inverter for small loads like you do as I want to run the microwave at times. Always have wondered if I would need an additional battery. It seems that my 1 battery would do as I can fully use the 100ah to 0 (I am assuming you use your batteries to 50%). Thank you and keep them coming. Your video was really nice.
You are correct, I only use 100ah of the 200ah battery bank. I have since upgraded to 2 100ah lithium batteries to double our useable capacity! Thanks for watching!
On my '05 dynaquest, all that's hooked to inverter output is frig and tv: nothing else. When converter no longer see shore or genset, it passes dc to lights and ceases charging of course.
I have 5th same . Same Ali monitor even . But when you plug inverter to shore power . Make sure the got water tank switch is off. Because it's sneaky. Lp heater and fridge I'm guessing. But water heater I got screwed up on .
Good point, I should have mentioned that. I took it for granted that people would know to switch the water heater and fridge to propane. That’s where the battery monitor comes in though, you would know instantly if something like that was on because the amperage draw would be very high. Thanks for watching!
Gear exactly what needed, Dupre mentioned turning the converter of; please explained why this is required. Many thanks,
Marcel
If you do not turn off the converter, you will be draining power from your batteries while the converter is trying to charge them. Since the converter pulls more amperage than it produces, you will kill the batteries very quickly.
Easy setup. Thanks
Works like a champ! Thanks for watching!
During generator usage i assume you shut it off(inverter) ... what would be the side affect of not turning it off like you do with the breaker to the convertor?
During generator use I have to unhook the 15 amp to 50 amp adapter from the trailer and plug in the 50 amp cord going to the generator. If I did not turn off the inverter the 15a to 50a cord & adapter would be live. You should definitely have a procedure in place so that everything gets turned off or on when it’s supposed to. Thanks for watching!
This is exactly what I was planning to try, despite being told it would not work. Thanks for sharing. I also have the Renogy 2000W Pure in my Amazon cart and was researching to ensure I was ok with such a setup. Would you please share the brand of the battery monitor? Sounds like an important item I should add to my setup. Thanks again!
It will absolutely work! This setup has been a great option for us since we do not boondock very often. The battery monitor has been a great addition also. Here is a link to the one we have. Thanks for watching! AiLi Battery Monitor: amzn.to/3t7AV7Q
@@JouppiOutdoors I already have a battery monitor that gave with the trailer to monitor batteries solar etc. Why do I need a 2nd one?
@@EarlBalentine if your battery monitor shows you the real-time battery voltage you wouldn’t need a 2nd one. My factory battery monitor just gave me a generic reading and did not show my amp draw which is why I added this one.
You should use your A/c terminal block on the inverter. That would allow you to pull more power.
Great point, thanks for watching!
Can you please make a video on how you installed the inverter and batteries set up? Thank you!! Great videos
Great job
Thank you and thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video's. I watched both of your videos about this set up. This gives me new options that make sense. My question is why a 20 Amp 12 guage extension with 15Amp adapters? Will a 15Amp 12 guage extension not work, or heat up or ??
In my situation I might run the inverter power to an "inverter" plug in on the rig exterior. Then use my 30 Amp shore power cord with the 15Amp dongle to run the inverter power back over to the shore power inlet. It's only using 1 leg anyway, I already have the cord and it's plenty of cable so it might work. Thanks again
Initially I wasn’t sure if a standard extension cord would handle the load, so I went heavier just to be safe. I have also thought of hard wiring a 30a outlet to the inverter so I could plug our normal shore power cord in with an adapter, great idea!
Thank you for this video it is exactly what I am trying to do to simply run my RV outlets. One question though. Is there something added between the extension cord and the inverter? it looks like a small black adaptor of some kind? Thank you again.
My extension cord is a 20 amp cord so I need an adapter to plug into the standard 15 amp receptacle on the inverter. I have all the components listed with links in the description. Thanks for watching!
Nice simple cheap setup
Not the fanciest, but definitely effective for our needs! Thanks for watching!
I did the exact same thing with my little pop up slide in truck camper. 300 watts of solar, 2 100 ah batteries. I installed a 30 amp plug in on the outside that plugs into my inverter. I then take my shore plug and plug it back into the 30 amp plug. With that all the plug-ins work like I'm on shore power.
It’s definitely a convenient way to power all the outlets. Thanks for watching!
Do you have a parts list for your setup? I like the reviews and your video. Found the same setup on Amazon for about $840, a 200ahr battery and 2000w inverter and renogy solar kit
We have a list of all the equipment for this setup in the description of the video. Thank you for watching!
I am about to do the same thing as a short term fix. But since I have a motorhome, really want to tie the inverter into the main breaker panel to power the coach. Did you ever go with a transfer switch?
I have not yet installed a transfer switch. It is on the list to do! Thanks for watching!
Great Video !
Thanks for watching!
Excellent video as I am new to owning a travel trailer do you have any videos on how you hooked everything up
I do not have a video detailing how everything is installed. I will be doing one very soon though as this is a pretty frequent question! Thanks for watching!
Good job
Thank you and thanks for watching!
I like this setup, I have a generator and don’t want to have the inverter running all the time. I just need to power my 110v lights and outlets when I don’t want to use the generator.
Exactly what I wanted to do as well. This has proven to be a great option! Thanks for watching!
I am using 3000W 12v to 220v pure sine inverter for power and also I am using a battery charger at night from the same inverter to charged the battery.The battery is maintaining constant voltage.Recycled power.
Sounds like a great setup! Thanks for watching!
Wait you charge your battery off the same power from the inverter?
Thats pointless, it's working 12v power to 220v then dropping back down to charge the battery. That won't be efficient?
This doesn't make sense... You can't charge your battery from your battery. You would lose power due to the power consumption and parasitic drain.
@@JouppiOutdoors how many amps does the inverter pull while just “on” ? Not powering anything.
The draw is about .75 amps with the inverter on and no load.
I have a 24v forklift battery that I want to use to power my rv completely including ac and heat when needed. How would I do that simply? Thank you for your time.
24 volt power is a fantastic option! The easiest way to do it would be a 24 volt inverter/charger. Victron makes an awesome 3000 watt 24 volt inverter charger. Then you could connect your solar panels in a series/parallel configuration to charge the battery when you are off grid camping. Thanks for watching!
thanks for the help! my question for you though is, if you do this style of "soft wire inverter hack" and you turn off the converter at the breaker inside the fusebox location, will my solar panel still charge my batteries while my inverter is being used and running?
Yes they will charge. The converter is separate from the solar, meaning the solar will go directly to the batteries without going through the inverter. Thanks for watching!
Its crazy how fast technology is moving in the battery/solar world. I purchased two 200 amp hour lithium batteries that have built-in heating elements and Bluetooth function so all I have to do is look at my phone and I could see how much power is going in and out and turn them off manually from my phone. I don't have to deal with anything on the wall other than the inverter switch
It is pretty amazing! I got into the battery industry in 2006 and the technology that is available to the consumer now, compared to back then, is incredible! Thanks for watching!
I like it. I have solar and batteries. And onboard genny. This would be nice and easy to install
Absolutely! It has worked out great for us. Thanks for watching!
My current battery set up ( lead acid ) is in a battery box that has a vent to the outside... if i install agm batteries, will i have to vent them the same way ?
No, AGM batteries do not gas like a regular flooded battery. They are internally vented so there are no fumes that escape from the battery. Thanks for watching!
Great video. I do have a question. Can I use any 12v car battery to power my new 1000watt inverter? Or does it have to be a marine, or RV battery? I'm new to this. Thanks.
Thank you! It would need to be a marine deep cycle battery. A regular car battery would technically operate it, but it would not last long and is not designed to be drained and recharged over and over like a deep cycle battery is. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out, I’m happy to answer if I can! Thanks for watching!
@@JouppiOutdoors Thanks a million!!!
Hey brother! Few questions! I love your setup it looks fairly simple.
I own a rockwood roo travel trailer. I've purchased and installed a 200ah lithium battery, a new charge converter 120v - 14.6v to charge the battery (when im plugged into shore power). When im off grid it works wonderfully to power all of our 12v appliances.... I now want to incorporate a 2000w renogy inverter to use t.v the odd time and toaster.... Few questions...
1. Do i just connect the 2000w inverter directly to the batteries terminals, (the battery already has two wires coming from charge controller (a red and a black). attached to the battery.
2. I do have one of those "solar on the sides" pre-wired to plug in a solar panel which i plan on getting... so I will have 200w of power charging the battery during the day...
is it possible to set it up like this? having two wires per terminal? one potentially feeding the battery 200w from solar and the other pulling 2000w from battery? Does this make any sense??
Correct, you can wire the inverter directly to the batteries. 200 watts of solar should offset your usage during the day while still providing a slight charge to the batteries (provided there is full sun on the panels).
Thanks for the video! I’ve been trying to figure this out for the past 1.5 years I’ve been on the road. I have finally acquired everything I’ll need I think but that’s why I’m writing this comment. I have 2 6v batteries each having 225ah. All of my equipment is 12v but I noticed you had 2 batteries. Do I need another pair of 6v ran in series? That way I’d have the equivalent to having two 12v batteries. I also have 2 100w renogy panels but they’re the permanent ones. From your experience how long does it take to charge your battery bank? Do you ever run out of power?
You can wire the 2 6 volts in series to make one 225ah 12 volt bank. My 2 12 volt batteries are 105ah each wired in parallel for a 210ah bank. You essentially have the same capacity as I do and we can run overnight easily with the batteries at 12.4v in the morning. It would probably take all day with full sun for your solar to recharge that bank if it were 50% depleted. That is why I installed the Victron BlueSmart 12/25, so when my generator is running, the batteries can fully recharge quickly.
I have a progressive Dynamic converter. It does not have a separate on/off breaker. I wonder if it with detector it, and turn off by itself. It switches to the battery type.
You would need a way to shut the converter down to use this setup correctly.
You can easily use a microwave using that inverter. Of course id shut down the water heater and/or AC while i was using the microwave because of running watts as peak watts is only for very short times in surge when devices start up. Pretty nice looking inverter though. I want to get a 3000+ watt one. If you run those 2 batteries in series, you'll use half the amps which extends battery usage.
Thanks for watching!
your a life saver
Glad the video was helpful! Thank you for watching!
This sounds like something I want to do for tv’s and maybe a cup of coffee from the Kurig without starting the generator at 6:00am. But are all my lights and water off to use the inverter?
Your lights and water pump will still run on the batteries since they are 12 volt accessories, the inverter being on will not affect them. Thanks for watching!
Hi my name is Frank when you hook up your inverter did you hook it up to existing house batteries or added two new batteries. I have no room to add new batteries.
I removed the single battery that came in the 5th wheel and replaced it with the 2 group 31 AGM batteries that you see in this video. If you absolutely cannot add more batteries, you could get a higher capacity house battery and still wire your inverter to it. Thanks for watching!
If you want to turn on the AC or microwave, do you disconnect the solar system? Then all runs with the generator? Or you leave the solar system connected? Thanks
I will leave the solar connected when the generator is running to help recharge the batteries. Thanks for watching!
Awesome! With having just the inverter running, how many amps does that draw?
The inverter alone is about 1 amp just being powered on. Thanks for watching!
The AC panel on my 2004 Fleetwood Southwind is not well marked. Is there some way to determine which breaker is for my converter/charger?
You could check the voltage on your house batteries while plugged into shore power, then start turning off breakers until the voltage drops. That should be the converter breaker, you could then turn the breaker back on and see if the voltage goes up on the batteries to verify. Thanks for watching!
I want to take my 5th wheel to state parks when shore power isn't available. I have a 1500 watt sine wave inverter from Harbir Freight that backs up my sump pump on my marine deep cycle battery. What would you see as issues using 2 deep cycle batteries with the inverter set up your way? I only want to have lights, tv, phone or laptop charging. I don't have generator yet. Parks limit the hours of operation. On that, can you recommend a good quiet model?
My only issue is not having ac if it's hot. I don't like 80 plus temps.
Doing this would provide more opportunities to be off grid.
Thanks for your comments in advance.
There would be no issues using 2 deep cycle batteries, you would need a way to recharge them. The 200 watt portable solar panel does a great job. The 1500 watt inverter is plenty to power what you are wanting to run. The Predator 3500 is as quiet as you can get for that size generator, and you can run an A/C with it!
Nice video brother
Thank you!
Just about have my 800watt solar / 3000watt Renogy Inverter / 412 aH lithium setup finished. I had planned on using the drop cord technique as you do, but am thinking that there must be a way to wire the power directly into the power distribution panel ?? And I don't want to hard-wire a dedicated outlet since I will need the AC power in a few different places. Any ideas ?
You could install a sub panel with the outlets you want to power being fed from it. It’s not something I have personally done, but have seen others do it to accomplish what you are trying to do. Might be worth looking into. Thanks for watching!
I love your setup. Just went on Amazon and bought most of this. My only question is why not just buy a 15amp to 50amp rv adapter and plug that straight into the inverter to your stock rv power cable? Stock rv 50 amp can handle more power than the 20amp extension. Am I missing something here?
My 50 amp power cord will not reach my inverter and using this setup, I will never draw more than 15 amps. The 20 amp extension cord is easier to handle and more than enough to carry the load. Thanks for watching!
@@JouppiOutdoors And what is the reason you want to stay below 15 amps? Battery life? I'm new to this and have a 2 week boondocking trip planned in about a month. Trying to figure all of this out lol.
For us it does come down to battery life. We have a 210ah battery bank that I do not like to discharge below 50%.
You can only get 20amps from the Renogy 2000watt inverter so it doesnt matter if you go to 30amps or 50amps to the trailer. You will still only get 20amps.
I think some 3000watt inverters have a 25amp hard wire from the inverter, but the most you can still get is 20amps with a 20amp receptacle going out.
I'm confused by the converter issue....I don't see it linked in the description. Is this an AC to DC battery charger pulling from a shore power cord?
The converter is the stock AC to DC converter/battery charger that came installed in our 5th wheel. It is in the basement storage area plugged in to a dedicated outlet that can be turned off at the breaker box. Thanks for watching!
If I turn the converter off whe. Using inverter will my 12 volt dc still work? The fridge is on 12 volt dc
All of your 12 volt will run off of the batteries when the converter is shut off.
So turning off the breaker for the converter in the rv do your 12 volt lights work? I thought the converter charges the battery and converts shore power to 12 volts for lights vent fans ect
The 12 volt lights will run off the batteries, but the batteries will not charge with the converter off.
Excellent video thanks. I just bought the same inverter so your instructions are super helpful. Not-so-quick newbie question: you have that external 50amp female receptacle on your 5th wheel, which you plugged into with your inverter extension (and taped on adapter). But I have a 1992 Class C motorhome that has a 30amp receptacle inside the shore power line compartment, which I plug into with my shore power line in order to run everything off my Onan onboard generator. Is that the where I would plug in the extension cable? And then switch the converter breaker switch off before using, as you advise, or is there more to it in my case? If that's where I plug in, the easiest thing would be to cut the 20 amp female plug off the extension cord and wire in a 30 amp male plug in order to plug into my system. Does that sound right?
Hi, I’m guessing your shore power cord is hard wired to your RV? If so, you would plug the cord from the inverter into your shore power cord via an adapter. The outlet your referring to most likely is wired to your generator to give you a convenient access point to plug into when on generator power. Hope that’s not too confusing? Thank you for watching!
@@JouppiOutdoors Oh. Okay. That's easy, thanks!
@@JouppiOutdoors Another way to think of it is how you would plug your rv into a 15amp outlet from your house. You would use a 30amp to 15amp adapter on your rv power cord. But instead of plugging into your house front porch 15amp outlet you would plug into the 15amp outlet on the inverter. Be sure to turn your converter circuit breaker off 1st inside your Rv's power panel.
What is that port on your fifth wheel called 2:11 ?!? Because I don't have it 2:11into the video
It’s just the standard port where our regular 50 amp power cord plugs in. I am using a 50 amp to 15 amp adapter in the video. Thanks for watching!
I have a question. My converter just went out do I need the converter in tact to do this system?
You will need a converter or at the very least a battery charger to recharge your batteries when you plug into shore power.
With your 20amp extension cord, are you using a plug adaptor on the 15 amp end of your 50 to 15amp plug that's coming from your rig? You're going from 15amps to a 20 amp extension cord. Do the adaptors get warm/hot after being plugged in for extended periods of time?
There is no adapter needed on the 50 to 15a adapter going to the trailer. I do have to use a 15a to 20a adapter on the inverter end of the cord. They never get hot. Thanks for watching!
Been thinking about this set up for months. So far I have collected 400w of solar panals, 40amp solar charger and 200amp lithium ion battery. Just waiting to get a 2000w inverter
That is going to be a great setup! Thanks for watching.
Don't forget your battery monitor.
@@TheHuntingSpot yes thank you. I just spent $440 on a new Renogy 3000 W power inverter. The battery monitor is next and a must have
@@JouppiOutdoors dude I picked up the 3000 w renogy... it's badass. Even though my battery will only produce 2560 w but that's enough to do what I want
I would love to have the 3000 watt! Should be a great unit!
Great video!
Have you been able to safely run your air conditioner off the batteries and 2000w inverter without shore power or a generator? I have a similar setup but the air conditioner trips after a minute on hot days, it works fine at night time for some reason.
We do not run the A/C as the draw would drain the batteries too quickly. Perhaps adding a soft start capacitor would help your situation.
I just got the 3,000 watt RENOGY and 2 x 230 amp hour REDODO LifePO4 batteries. QUESTION; My plan is to run 4/0 battery cable fused. Then run 10 gauge wire hard wired to the inverter, to a 30 amp female RV plug mounted beside the inverter, inside the compartment. Make an access hole that has the plastic reclosable big enough to run the 30 amp cord through it. Seems as long as the inverter functions as stated, it should power a microwave for 5 hours, the AC for 2 to 2.5 with no solar. I have a 190mwatt solar that came with camper, can expand to 600 watts with the 30 amp charge controller that came with the camper. WILL add solar soon.
Sounds like a great setup!
I have heard (but not confirmed) that the full output of that converter can only be achieved if you utilize the provided hard wired port located next to the plug outlets. That might explain why you aren't happy with the way the inverter powers your microwave oven.
I believe you are correct.
Does this method also power on the onboard battery charger? Is there a way to shut that part off?
When I talk about turning the converter breaker off, that is also your battery charger.