On board AC Inverter for Boondocking?

[Mrwaterway]

I'm looking at the space my old Univolt took up to place a series of batteries that would power my AC outlets. My boat was rigged with a 1750 watt invertor and would run the Microwave, toaster, TV and other small appliances-NOT at the same time! I believe I can use the new Iota charger that replaced the massive Univolt to charge the Inverter batteries as well as the RV main battery. The system would be switch wired and not be active when using shore power. I am sure someone in the group has done this-any comments?

[markdoane]

Don't really understand what you mean by "switch wired". If you mean the inverter output is a plug just like the 30a shorepower cord, so you can only use one or the other, then it sounds OK to me. Some on-board generators operate that way.

Otherwise, if you buy a Trace or similar inverter that has an onboard power transfer relay, that works ok also.

If you mean a make-break-make switch that feeds power to the main 120v panel from either the shore power line or the inverter, that should work also, although I think it might be inconvenient.

Otherwise you better make sure it's Poka-Yoke (idiot pruf) cause if you let thine magic smoke out of thine inverter thou will be out bookoo bucks.

[Melody Ranch]

My Sovereign has three AGM batteries. I just removed the huge, noisy Magnatek charger converter and replaced it with a silent three stage 55amp IOTA converter. The system is set, as originally, so that when 110 shore power is pulled, a transfer relay will automatically energize the inverter to provide 110v power. The IOTA is plugged into a service box which has a switch which will cut power to the IOTA if you want to.....for whatever reason. By the way, my inverter is a charger/inverter with DIP switches to disable the charger. I checked with IOTA today and they said that its perferable to disable the charger and let the IOTA do it all....but not necessary. They will compliment each other.

[2xS]

I just did all of that...

You can use any battery charger you want, but be sure to wire the charger on a separate circuit off of your main distribution box otherwise your inverter will end up powering your charger.

Then you'll need some type of multiple source relay transfer switch. The IOTA-30R should be plenty for your needs: http://www.iotaengineering.com/pplib/30rman.pdf

If your Univolt also acted as your circuit protection, you should also install a fuse block to protect your 12V devices. The Blue Seas 5025 would satisfy the requirements:
ST* Blade Fuse Block With Cover - 6 Circuit with Negative Bus - PN 5025 - Blue Sea Systems


The fun part will be fishing the wires where you need them...