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Old 02-02-2022, 12:51 PM   #1
Superchief05
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Solar/Inverter upgrade

I am planning to install an inverter and solar panels similar to the SolarFlex 400i, perhaps expanding it to add an A/C. Also installing a 40A DC to DC charger. In the information on the Keystone site, it states that one of the components is a “2000-watt inverter w/ built-in transfer switch (up to 7 inverted outlets), second inverted loop for A/C. I presume that just wiring in the inverter at the Inverter location in the front garage, it will power the outlets. My question is if I install a 3000 watt inverter, how do I add the second loop for the A/C to that inverter. I have traced the wire that is provided for the inverter back to the shore power connection and to the electrical center in the trailer. It also goes to an electrical junction box on the left side of the coach behind the front garage wall. The inverter wire is on one side and there are 2 wires on the other side. If someone could provide a wiring diagram I would appreciate it.
 
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Old 02-11-2022, 06:38 AM   #2
Boondockboomer
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Solar setup.

I think the first thing we need is year and model of your RV. If it’s set up like mine I have attached some pics. 3000 watt is hefty and would require multiple lipo batteries. 3 at least. You should have on top a solar input if your rv is relatively new with the wiring down to the front storage inside the panel.
Your going to need a mppt between panels and battery.
Now to your question, yes you can power AC.
I would reach out to Daryles in the post below. He’s extremely knowledgeable.
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=86273
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Old 02-11-2022, 10:29 AM   #3
Superchief05
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Thank You Boondockboomer. I guess my model did not come through in my signature. It is a2021 MHC 372RD. I have located the solar and inverter prep locations (both in front storage). I am just wondering how to connect the inverter. The wire appears to be a 10/2 Romex, and I believe it only powers the 5 outlets wired for solar.
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Old 02-12-2022, 01:06 PM   #4
Boondockboomer
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The inverter resides in your basement storage becuase it needs separation from your batteries and other fuses. You should have a 150 amp fuse that your red cable would connect to. So from inverter, red cable through wall to front area where battery resides connected battery disconnect then to 150 amp. Then red cable from bottom of 150 amp to battery post. Black cable connected to inverter ran through the wall with a direct connect to battery.
Is this what you wanted.
As far as AC running off the inverter, you would split AC power that goes to shore and fuse box off with a feed to inverter outlet with a fuse in the middle.
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Old 02-12-2022, 09:49 PM   #5
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Scott, are you trying to run an Air Conditioner with 400 watts of solar? Just curious what you are trying to accomplish. Do you want your A/C to run while traveling to your camping destination or to keep your unit cool all day (and night)? If you don’t have one already, get and install a battery monitor so that you can monitor your battery usage. We have 1200 watts of solar. I generate about 300-350 amps of solar in a typical sunny day. Just the load with nothing running other than RV fridge on gas and water heater on gas we typically use about 9 amps/hr. Our Super Solar has the Victron monitor and Victron Connect also tracks our Victron Solar Charge Controllers. We have found with temps in the 30’s at night, we can recover and not utilize our generators. We have 540 amps of lithium batteries.
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Old 02-16-2022, 03:47 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Superchief05 View Post
I am planning to install an inverter and solar panels similar to the SolarFlex 400i, perhaps expanding it to add an A/C. Also installing a 40A DC to DC charger. In the information on the Keystone site, it states that one of the components is a “2000-watt inverter w/ built-in transfer switch (up to 7 inverted outlets), second inverted loop for A/C. I presume that just wiring in the inverter at the Inverter location in the front garage, it will power the outlets. My question is if I install a 3000 watt inverter, how do I add the second loop for the A/C to that inverter. I have traced the wire that is provided for the inverter back to the shore power connection and to the electrical center in the trailer. It also goes to an electrical junction box on the left side of the coach behind the front garage wall. The inverter wire is on one side and there are 2 wires on the other side. If someone could provide a wiring diagram I would appreciate it.
A 3,000W (2,400VA) will run 1 AC. The number of hours is dependent on the number of batteries. Obviously we are talking LiFePO4 here so assuming 90% to 10% use pattern on a typical 100AH battery means 80AH per battery or 960Wh. If the AC uses 1,440Watts in steady state (more during compressor start up unless you install soft start kit) then 4 hours of 1 AC is 5,760Wh which means 6 batteries at a cost of roughly $5,000 for the batteries plus a few more thousand for inverter, proper wire, marine grade connectors, breakers, bus bar etc.
Good luck.
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Old 02-17-2022, 05:14 PM   #7
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Thank you both for the replies. I do not intend to run the A/C via solar and batteries. I am also installing a 40 amp DC to DC charger, which I want to use to charge the batteries, run the refrigerator when traveling, perhaps the A/C while driving, and then short nights boondocking on longer drives when setting up in a RV park is too much work for one night. I found in a different forum how the connection is made to the inverted outlets.
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Old 02-17-2022, 05:23 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by Superchief05 View Post
Thank you both for the replies. I do not intend to run the A/C via solar and batteries. I am also installing a 40 amp DC to DC charger, which I want to use to charge the batteries, run the refrigerator when traveling, perhaps the A/C while driving, and then short nights boondocking on longer drives when setting up in a RV park is too much work for one night. I found in a different forum how the connection is made to the inverted outlets.
What I did was run one leg through the inverter, and moved 2 wires in the main power panel. Totally removed the converter of course and moved the fridge circuit over. Everything is powered off the inverter now except for the W/D, Fireplace, MBR AC, and the water heater electric element. I have one spare on the non inverted side that will be used to supply water hose and filter box electric heating if we have to go through another winter. Good luck.
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Old 02-17-2022, 06:49 PM   #9
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Everything is powered off the inverter now except for the W/D, Fireplace, MBR AC, and the water heater electric element.
Thanks for the information. I am considering this approach, but do not want to invest in a Multiplus inverter at the present time. I think the 3000 Watt Sungold I am considering would power one leg of the 120v. I would just have to know what is being powered on that side if I turn on the A/C.
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Old 02-17-2022, 10:06 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Superchief05 View Post
Thanks for the information. I am considering this approach, but do not want to invest in a Multiplus inverter at the present time. I think the 3000 Watt Sungold I am considering would power one leg of the 120v. I would just have to know what is being powered on that side if I turn on the A/C.
That might work for you depending on what you want. I don't know the capabilities of the Sungold, BUT WITH MY Victron equipment I can get a total of 50A of power when hooked up to a 30A post. Moreover with my remote control in the living room I can dial down the inverter leg to draw only 10A from the grid leaving 20A for the other leg and the inverter can add 20 more amps so I can run 1 AC full time and 1 part time with enough left over for the TV and lights.
Just make sure you know how much power you need and if the equipment you are considering can handle it. BTW, the newest Multiplus does what I am doing even more easily.
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Old 02-18-2022, 01:36 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Superchief05 View Post
Thank you both for the replies. I do not intend to run the A/C via solar and batteries. I am also installing a 40 amp DC to DC charger, which I want to use to charge the batteries, run the refrigerator when traveling, perhaps the A/C while driving, and then short nights boondocking on longer drives when setting up in a RV park is too much work for one night. I found in a different forum how the connection is made to the inverted outlets.
Thanks and as I am a new Montana owner, I am curious as to which other forum did you find your connection solution. I would like to use a couple different forums.
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Old 02-18-2022, 04:26 PM   #12
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keystone forums.com is where I found the info I needed. Enjoy your new rig.
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Old 02-25-2022, 01:55 PM   #13
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Thanks and following your lead I also joined the keystone forum.
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Old 02-27-2022, 08:12 AM   #14
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Installing anything electronic in the front bay is not recomended

That bay is not environmentally controlled, we had a quick temperature change and everything in that bay condensed and was dripping wet. I had to put a little heater in there to dry it out. It would have been a disaster if there were sensitive electronics in there. Matter of fact I am planning on relocating my DC to DC charger to the passthru where it is safe. I will also be installing solar and was planning on that bay also, but not after that. Look at the Victron Multiplus II 120vac, it has 2 AC inputs and 2 outputs with transfer switch built in. very nice unit. that is what i am installing. Along with 1400watts of solar panels on the roof. have fun!
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Old 04-03-2022, 02:18 PM   #15
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Question, if my 2019 3811MS came with a 2000 watt inverter will the factory wires handle a 300 watt inverter?
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Old 04-03-2022, 02:40 PM   #16
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Question, if my 2019 3811MS came with a 2000 watt inverter will the factory wires handle a 300 watt inverter?
Is it still April 1?
If you were serious, 300 is smaller than 2000 so yes. Remember 300 watts is 300/120 or 2.5A while 2000/120 is 16.7A and the wiring is rated for either 15A or 20A with a good safety margin.
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Old 04-03-2022, 10:11 PM   #17
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Rod, I would think you are wanting to upgrade to a 3000 watt inverter. Here is a link on wire size requirements. https://www.cerrowire.com/products/r...pacity-charts/ I would think you will be fine. Best of luck.
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Old 07-10-2022, 03:56 PM   #18
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Rod, I would think you are wanting to upgrade to a 3000 watt inverter. Here is a link on wire size requirements. https://www.cerrowire.com/products/r...pacity-charts/ I would think you will be fine. Best of luck.
Thank you for realizing my typo, yes I was meaning 3000 watt. I have not yet upgraded to the 3000 watt. Instead for now I added a 4th solar panel and 2 more 170ah li-ion batteries. (4 total). For now that has helped me be able to boondock more comfortably. It’s an ongoing project.
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