This was the first time I installed an Inverter-Charger combination unit in an RV. If you're not familiar with this kind of Inverter-Charger, it provides AC to all of the regular 110v outlets in your trailer. I wanted this unit to run my TV, DVD player, DIRECTV Satellite Receiver, and my wife's curling iron. This 1000 watt unit provides plenty of juice for my needs.
With limited experience with 110v AC and having never installed one of these before, I was a bit intimidated at first, but after consulting with our resident expert "Lewster," it was a pretty simple job actually.
The installation manual calls for a separate breaker box for the Inverter output which is wired to the 110v circuit(s) you choose. I used a 15amp breaker to protect this circuit. The AC input to the inverter is provided by the main breaker box which also houses the air conditioner circuit. The inverter ground was wired directly to the ground bus in the main fuse box.
For the DC side, the installation manual called for 2 gauge wire but I decided to go larger with 2/0 to minimize loss as much as possible. These wires are very large and very difficult to manuever and bend. The biggest problem I encountered with this project was the lack of space on the + battery post. Including the Link 1000 battery monitor leads and the Inverter temperature sensor, I needed to connect six leads to the post but didn't have enough room, so I had to make my own aluminum bus. I added an additional two posts to this homemade bus which gave me plenty of room for all of these connections.
I'm using the Link 1000 to remotely control the Freedom 10 Inverter-Charger.
I took these pics of the installation after watching an episode of the Rockford Files on Inverter power. Worked great. I was also surprised at how efficient the Charger unit was. I had never before gotten 14.2 volts during charging with my old Magnetek, but I did with this Xantrex unit. I'm very pleased with this unit.
Top pic shows the Freedom 10 installation under the streetside twin bed. Pic 2 shows the new breaker box for the Inverter circuit (all 110v AC outlets are wired to this). Pic 3 shows my battery box with the associated
12v wiring. Pic 4 shows the homemade
12v bus bar for the + lead.
Linear Mode
