โOct-22-2018 02:23 PM
โOct-23-2018 08:37 PM
kmb1966 wrote:tropical36 wrote:kmb1966 wrote:
We are the new to us owners of a 2003 Newmar Dutchstar. This unit did not come with an inverter. I have an idea on how to possibly install an inverter in this unit, but would like some feedback on this install idea:
The battery system is in the bin next to where the inverter system is usually installed by Newmar. My idea is to install a 2000 or 3000 watt inverter in that bin, since it will be a short run to the battery system and the inverter remote can be easily ran inside a cabinet at that point so that the inverter can be turned on/off from inside the unit (close to the breaker box). Then using some #10/2/G wire (was considering the metallic shielded type) running the #10 wire to the other side of the motorhome where the 50 amp power shore cord area is located. I can see a direct shot from the inverter bin to the power shore cord area.
In the shore cord power bin area, install a 30 amp receptacle.
The procedure would be to plug the 50 amp shore cord into the 30 amp receptacle using the dogbone(50/30 adapter). When traveling leave the connection plugged in, and turn OFF the charger on the breaker box, turn ON the inverter. (Obviously do not turn on the air conditioners). By this method, all plugs should be 110v running on the inverter. If desiring the run the generator and air conditioner, we would turn OFF the inverter, start the generator, turn back on the charger.
Does this make sense? does anyone else hook up their inverter this way? Is there a better more reasonable method?
Are you saying that this coach never had an inverter/charger as OEM? Hard to believe, but if it didn't, then it certainly had a converter, so is this still wired in, as it came from the factory?
If you are starting from scratch with an inverter charger, then I would probably install it, according to a later Newmar wiring diagram, that had such.
Mine is whole house feed thru, for the most part and except for the obvious, like the ac/heat pumps and block heater. I think that this is the way you should want to go.
I keep waiting for someone with a like coach, saying that theirs is so equipped and came from the factory that way.
I purchased this from the original owner, and he said it never had an inverter. I do see in the brochure/owner manual where it shows "Optional", and I see the storage bin where it was to be installed if the owner had purchased this option. No other changes have been made to the unit that I can see in the electrical system.
โOct-23-2018 01:27 PM
tropical36 wrote:kmb1966 wrote:
We are the new to us owners of a 2003 Newmar Dutchstar. This unit did not come with an inverter. I have an idea on how to possibly install an inverter in this unit, but would like some feedback on this install idea:
The battery system is in the bin next to where the inverter system is usually installed by Newmar. My idea is to install a 2000 or 3000 watt inverter in that bin, since it will be a short run to the battery system and the inverter remote can be easily ran inside a cabinet at that point so that the inverter can be turned on/off from inside the unit (close to the breaker box). Then using some #10/2/G wire (was considering the metallic shielded type) running the #10 wire to the other side of the motorhome where the 50 amp power shore cord area is located. I can see a direct shot from the inverter bin to the power shore cord area.
In the shore cord power bin area, install a 30 amp receptacle.
The procedure would be to plug the 50 amp shore cord into the 30 amp receptacle using the dogbone(50/30 adapter). When traveling leave the connection plugged in, and turn OFF the charger on the breaker box, turn ON the inverter. (Obviously do not turn on the air conditioners). By this method, all plugs should be 110v running on the inverter. If desiring the run the generator and air conditioner, we would turn OFF the inverter, start the generator, turn back on the charger.
Does this make sense? does anyone else hook up their inverter this way? Is there a better more reasonable method?
Are you saying that this coach never had an inverter/charger as OEM? Hard to believe, but if it didn't, then it certainly had a converter, so is this still wired in, as it came from the factory?
If you are starting from scratch with an inverter charger, then I would probably install it, according to a later Newmar wiring diagram, that had such.
Mine is whole house feed thru, for the most part and except for the obvious, like the ac/heat pumps and block heater. I think that this is the way you should want to go.
I keep waiting for someone with a like coach, saying that theirs is so equipped and came from the factory that way.
โOct-23-2018 10:54 AM
kmb1966 wrote:
We are the new to us owners of a 2003 Newmar Dutchstar. This unit did not come with an inverter. I have an idea on how to possibly install an inverter in this unit, but would like some feedback on this install idea:
The battery system is in the bin next to where the inverter system is usually installed by Newmar. My idea is to install a 2000 or 3000 watt inverter in that bin, since it will be a short run to the battery system and the inverter remote can be easily ran inside a cabinet at that point so that the inverter can be turned on/off from inside the unit (close to the breaker box). Then using some #10/2/G wire (was considering the metallic shielded type) running the #10 wire to the other side of the motorhome where the 50 amp power shore cord area is located. I can see a direct shot from the inverter bin to the power shore cord area.
In the shore cord power bin area, install a 30 amp receptacle.
The procedure would be to plug the 50 amp shore cord into the 30 amp receptacle using the dogbone(50/30 adapter). When traveling leave the connection plugged in, and turn OFF the charger on the breaker box, turn ON the inverter. (Obviously do not turn on the air conditioners). By this method, all plugs should be 110v running on the inverter. If desiring the run the generator and air conditioner, we would turn OFF the inverter, start the generator, turn back on the charger.
Does this make sense? does anyone else hook up their inverter this way? Is there a better more reasonable method?
โOct-23-2018 07:18 AM
MountainAir05 wrote:pianotuna wrote:
My Microwave is a hog. It draws 207 amps which my alternator could certainly not sustain for any long period of time--unless I wish to replace the alternator.
hope you mean 207 watts not amps
โOct-23-2018 03:22 AM
โOct-22-2018 09:27 PM
โOct-22-2018 08:09 PM
kmb1966 wrote:donn0128 wrote:
First question, why?
Second question, what do you want to power?
Third question, how big is your battery bank?
Last question, how do you plan to recharge the batteries?
Why?: We want to have outlets live in the event we want to plug in a laptop, or something small like a blender, or can opener, or the 1 tv we have.
What?: Laptops, front tv, small items but like the idea of all outlets being available.
How big is the battery bank?: 4 6-volt Trojan
My thoughts on this is that we would only use it this way when driving down the road (we don't boondock). When we plug in we would turn back on the charger. I can do this install myself with the only cost being the inverter itself and the wire, receptacle.
The other methods go beyond my capabilities and would likely be much more costly with exactly what benefit?
โOct-22-2018 07:06 PM
โOct-22-2018 06:50 PM
donn0128 wrote:
First question, why?
Second question, what do you want to power?
Third question, how big is your battery bank?
Last question, how do you plan to recharge the batteries?
โOct-22-2018 05:55 PM
pianotuna wrote:
My Microwave is a hog. It draws 207 amps which my alternator could certainly not sustain for any long period of time--unless I wish to replace the alternator.
I do have manual control over the dual charging circuits and they are protected by twin 50 amp automatic circuit breakers. It is interesting to watch the ammeter as they "wink" on and off.
โOct-22-2018 05:25 PM
โOct-22-2018 05:21 PM
โOct-22-2018 04:50 PM
MrWizard wrote:
battery bank size is NOT primary importance if this is intended for drive time medium loads with engine running
battery bank becomes important for overnight use and large loads like Coffee maker or MW
โOct-22-2018 04:43 PM
msturtz wrote:
I would recommend that you install an inverter with an internal automatic transfer switch. Magnum Energy and Xantrex have inverters like this. If you want to simplify this even further you can get an inverter that has an internal ... charger which would eliminate the stand alone converter.