Second Shore Power Connection

[TomCat]

Hi Folks - love the forum and your abundant knowledge! I have a 2017 305RL and am in the process of installing an inverter system with Lithium batteries. Not going solar initially - want to see how much we boondock first. I intend to charge the system with shore power or a small generator for now. To that end, I am considering adding a second shore power receptacle somewhere near the front. Since I will be mounting my inverter and associated hardware inside the front storage area where the battery is now, I thought somewhere on the face of that storage area, maybe above the access doors, might be a good place. The other thing I thought of was a cord that stores in the hitch cavity when not in use. Thoughts?

[jetskier]

The initial thought I have is make sure you install an ATS so the two inputs are isolated for safety.

[BB_TX]

You would need to also add a power transfer switch to prevent the male contacts on the front receptacle from being HOT when you supply power to rear receptacle, and vice versa. Otherwise it would be a dangerous situation.

Oops. Jetskier beat me to it.

[TomCat]

Thanks both. Absolutely - I didn't mention it, but I will be using an ATS. Still debating if I want a full 50A receptacle/cabling, or go with a 30A. Can't think of a reason I would ever connect a generator capable of providing 50A, and can't think of a need to plug 50A shore power in front, but I get stuck sometimes thinking I don't want to limit my options.

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by TomCat

Thanks both. Absolutely - I didn't mention it, but I will be using an ATS. Still debating if I want a full 50A receptacle/cabling, or go with a 30A. Can't think of a reason I would ever connect a generator capable of providing 50A, and can't think of a need to plug 50A shore power in front, but I get stuck sometimes thinking I don't want to limit my options.

When I rewired the 2000W inverter that came with the solar/inverter package, I installed a 50A ATS in place of the 20A single pole switch Keystone installed for the 3 outlets in the trailer. I tied the single 120V hot out of the inverter to both hots on that input so both buses on the main panel have 120V even though it wasn't remotely capable of more than 2000W. I also have the 5500W Onan. Power comes in from the regular shore power and generator to the first 50A ATS, the outputs feed the second 50A ATS and the inverter output before feeding the main panel.

In summary, you need a 50A ATS since one set of inputs is 50A rated.

[TomCat]

Thanks! Sounds similar to what my setup will be. I will have the Victron 3000VA inverter/charger with the AM Solar smart ATS. Definitely going to use a 50A ATS to front it. I was just debating if I should go with a 30A receptacle/wiring for the generator.

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by TomCat

Thanks! Sounds similar to what my setup will be. I will have the Victron 3000VA inverter/charger with the AM Solar smart ATS. Definitely going to use a 50A ATS to front it. I was just debating if I should go with a 30A receptacle/wiring for the generator.

30A would be fine for the input. Just split the hot at the ATS input and it should be fine up to 30A loading.

[PNW Fireguy]

I am installing a 50A input on the front of our rig as we just spent 5 months in a site where the pedestal was situated near the front half of the site. Haven’t got around to wiring the ATS yet as I have decided to change our inverter setup. Going to go with two inverters with dual inputs to simplify our 240 genset wiring. This will allow me to re-purpose the existing ATS for the SP connections rather than having to install another.

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by PNW Fireguy

I am installing a 50A input on the front of our rig as we just spent 5 months in a site where the pedestal was situated near the front half of the site.

I bought a 15' and 36' 50A extension cords for that purpose. I don't carry them if I'm boon docking, but if we go on a road trip, I place them in the compartment.

[jcurtis934]

To cat, trust you know that inverters are NOT ignition proof devices...in other words they should not be used near normal lead acid batteries. Mounting the inverter in the passthru area would be a safer environment.

[TomCat]

Originally Posted by jetskier

I bought a 15' and 36' 50A extension cords for that purpose. I don't carry them if I'm boon docking, but if we go on a road trip, I place them in the compartment.

Simple, practical, smart. In other words, no fun.

[TomCat]

Originally Posted by jcurtis934

To cat, trust you know that inverters are NOT ignition proof devices...in other words they should not be used near normal lead acid batteries. Mounting the inverter in the passthru area would be a safer environment.

Thanks much for the advice. I am aware of the pitfalls of lead acid batteries. Not just the fire hazard, but the corrosive effects of the gasses as well. That would certainly be a great reason NOT to install the inverter there. I'm starting with 2 100ah LiFePO4 batteries - might add more and solar later. Any other reasons you can think of to consider a different location?

[PNW Fireguy]

Extensions are a no no in my world.

[Billyj571]

Why no extensions ???

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by PNW Fireguy

Extensions are a no no in my world.

My extensions are 6ga and weigh a ton. That's why I don't keep them loaded all the time. I also have a hardwired PI EMS and surge protector for those questionable electrical services.

[mlh]

I have a receptacle in the front of my Montana. It’s 30 amp because that is more than my 3000 watt generator will put out. I made an extension cord to plug into the camper and directly into the generator. I made a transfer switch using 2 50 amp square D breakers. Flip the leaver forward for the front receptacle and backyard for the rear receptacle. I mounted it in the convenience center because you always haft to be in the convenience center when you set up. I made my transfer switch because it will never go bad or give any trouble.
Lynwood

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by jetskier

My extensions are 6ga and weigh a ton. That's why I don't keep them loaded all the time. I also have a hardwired PI EMS and surge protector for those questionable electrical services.

Most times at a dealer I check out the clearance areas. Years ago I found a 50 amp 15' extension cord, never used yet, but prepared. A few years ago a 50 to 30 amp cord was found. I picked it up, then at 15' put it back. What the heck~~ bought it for $65. That has been a great purchase to my generators and storage connection. We can never be prepared for everything, sometimes we get lucky.

[Leftie Canuk]

Jetskier: would you be able to post a link to where you purchased the 50 amp extension cords ? I originally thought of adding a forward 50 amp shore power connection, and then realized that I would have to go the ATS route, with more expense, hassle, etc.
Seems a couple of extension cords of the right wire size would be easier and less hassle.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by Leftie Canuk

Jetskier: would you be able to post a link to where you purchased the 50 amp extension cords ? I originally thought of adding a forward 50 amp shore power connection, and then realized that I would have to go the ATS route, with more expense, hassle, etc.
Seems a couple of extension cords of the right wire size would be easier and less hassle.

I found my 50 amp extension on the clearance rack at CW. I couldn’t buy 1/2 the wire alone for the price paid.

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by Leftie Canuk

Jetskier: would you be able to post a link to where you purchased the 50 amp extension cords ? I originally thought of adding a forward 50 amp shore power connection, and then realized that I would have to go the ATS route, with more expense, hassle, etc.
Seems a couple of extension cords of the right wire size would be easier and less hassle.

Parkworld RV 50A Extension Cord, NEMA 14-50 Extension Cord, 14-50P to 14-50R (15FT) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077YFRD1G/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_CqbWEbKKR54GH*