Converter/Inverter

[TwoKozy]

Pondering getting lithium batteries for my TT. Have been reading numerous posts and web sites. My confusion is this:
When adding an inverter/charger, does it interfere or compete with the exsisting converter/charger? Should I opt for inverter only? Are they available as such?
Thanks for the clarification.

[TitanMike]

An inverter/charger will replace the need for the converter.

[itat]

An inverter/charger like a Victron MultiPlus or a Go Power IC will replace the factory-installed converter. They have a built-in transfer switch, too. If you have a 50amp trailer and your budget allows, you can use Victron’s MultiPlus II that will power both legs of the breaker panel.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Make certain that you get one that works with those lithium ion batteries you plan on installing.

[TwoKozy]

So my CHENG WF-8955PEC does not need to function when hooked up to shore power? We have a 30 amp single phase main service.
The inverter/charger will be in line with the shore power. That is the built in transfer switch you are referring to? Victron knows when 30a 120volt outside power is attached?
After having installed the feeder from the inverter/charger to my ac main terminals I can open the breaker to the converter and safe off the conductors?
Is it really that easy?

[rk06382]

Originally Posted by TwoKozy

So my CHENG WF-8955PEC does not need to function when hooked up to shore power? We have a 30 amp single phase main service.
The inverter/charger will be in line with the shore power. That is the built in transfer switch you are referring to? Victron knows when 30a 120volt outside power is attached?
After having installed the feeder from the inverter/charger to my ac main terminals I can open the breaker to the converter and safe off the conductors?
Is it really that easy?

Just remember to also turn off your electric hot water heater & the A/C while you are on Inverter (Battery power).

[itat]

Originally Posted by TwoKozy

So my CHENG WF-8955PEC does not need to function when hooked up to shore power? We have a 30 amp single phase main service.
The inverter/charger will be in line with the shore power. That is the built in transfer switch you are referring to? Victron knows when 30a 120volt outside power is attached?
After having installed the feeder from the inverter/charger to my ac main terminals I can open the breaker to the converter and safe off the conductors?
Is it really that easy?

Do you mean WFCO WF-8955PEC?

The “power center” will function as normal but you’ll need to either disconnect the wires feeding its converter or turn off the breaker for the converter. The Victron MultiPlus will become the battery charger and it will recognize whether you are connected to shore power. If you are, it will pass shore power through and charge the batteries. If you’re not connected to shore power it will use its inverter to supply 120 VAC and not try to charge the batteries.

[TitanMike]

A suggestion, when selecting your inverter/charger it would be a good idea to install one capable of running the largest appliance or combination of appliances you will ever want to run.

Sometimes people only install one just large enough to run a single appliance like refrigerator or microwave. Then later they find they need (or want0 more and instead of only paying once, they end up paying twice.

[itat]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

A suggestion, when selecting your inverter/charger it would be a good idea to install one capable of running the largest appliance or combination of appliances you will ever want to run.

Sometimes people only install one just large enough to run a single appliance like refrigerator or microwave. Then later they find they need (or want0 more and instead of only paying once, they end up paying twice.

This is good advice but I’ll add that you need the battery capacity to power the inverter. For example, my 2 Trojan T-105 6V batteries in series can power a 2000 watt inverter but probably aren’t enough to power a 3000 watt inverter for very long. Of course more battery capacity leads to needing more solar. $$$

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by itat

This is good advice but I’ll add that you need the battery capacity to power the inverter. For example, my 2 Trojan T-105 6V batteries in series can power a 2000 watt inverter but probably aren’t enough to power a 3000 watt inverter for very long. Of course more battery capacity leads to needing more solar. $$$

True but if you don't start with a large inverter, then you need to purchase not just more batteries but a new inverter too.

Needless to say I've been down that road.

[desalvo55]

If I can jump in here, I'm looking to change out my converter on my 34' Arctic Wolfe 5th wheel with a Victron Multiplus II to allow us to power up to 3000watts of appliances as well as the automatic switchover to shore power.

The trick is to the mounting location of the 50lb beast. The "little" converter sits behind the fuse panel. It would be nice to monitor functions from inside near to the fuse panel. Also, just having purchased a 200AH Lithium Ion Renogy battery, I wonder if perhaps I would NOT need a charge controller for this battery type.

[tomkatb]

This sort of a complex question.

You need a plan. This stuff is expensive very often disappointing.

I am from the other school. I like big battery banks and converting everything I can to 12 volt. Run the generator when the battery gets low.

Inverters are energy hogs.

We live in the Midwest.