Inverter Installation

[scottz]

Greetings. I just purchased a new 3160RL with a factory installed generator. Most of our time is spent boon-docking without hookups. I plan to install extra batteries, an inverter and solar panels. My thoughts are to install a manual transfer switch between the factory installed automatic transfer switch and the shore power connection. I’ll also be mounting a Hughs Autoformer in the line.

Any thoughts or advice on using a second transfer switch to tie the inverter into the system? I think I will only power one of the AC busses from the inverter; all the stuff I want (mostly the TV) is on one bus. The other bus has the air conditioner, microwave, water heater, converter, etc on it; stuff I do not want connected to the inverter.

Attached is a simple drawing of what I am planning. It only shows the hot leads; neutral & ground will be connected as usual.

Anybody see a problem with this?

Thanks

[mtheo]

Can't say much about the inverter, but you need to be sure not to over load one side of your panel with all the big draw appliances.

[scottz]

Now I'm working on another solution. Since I am going to install the Hughs, I will already have a 50A plug pigtail coming off the shore terminals of the ATS. I will simply make a cord with a 30A jack for the inverter. When I want to use the inverter instead of shore power, I'll:

*Turn off all the breakers I don't want to load the inverter
*Unplug the ATS from the Hughs box and plug it into the inverters 30A jack using a 50A-30A dogbone.

Later if i want I can install the second transfer switch.

[scottz]

Originally Posted by mtheo

Can't say much about the inverter, but you need to be sure not to over load one side of your panel with all the big draw appliances.

Right; none of the big draw appliances will be powered by the inverter. I just want to be able to watch a movie or recline my chairs while boon-docking.

This trailer has AC powered TV's and recliners. I guess Keystone thinks we hook up all the time. I would have much preferred DC TV's and manual recliners.

Thanks

[boat391]

Sounds like you have all ready purchased your inverter. But if not look into a inverter that has a built in transfer switch that's what I have. I hard wired it into the entertainment center and the bed room circuits only by going into the back of the panel and isolating just the ones I wanted to use. I also have solar up top and boondock 90% of the time.

[scottz]

Photos of the completed installation: