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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Boondocking, Solar Power, and Related Items -> Locate - inverter & solar controller
Post Info TOPIC: Locate - inverter & solar controller
Terry and Jo


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Locate - inverter & solar controller
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Scott,

When our coach was ordered, we ordered it with an inverter and extra batteries.  DRV Suites created an extra compartment with a door to the outside to allow the batteries to be housed within.  Then, they installed the inverter on top of the box that was that compartment.  That way, there was a short run of wiring through the wall from the batteries to the inverter.  I don't know if anything like that will work for you, especially since yours won't likely have the outside door for access to the batteries.  That issue would have to be addressed so you could service the batteries.

It is located on the curb side of the fifth wheel in the front of the basement.

In the link below, the main subject is the small box with the inverter on top in the second photo.  To the left of the photo is the compartment that was put in as part of our "generator prep" option and includes the electrical box with the wiring for that.  The first photo is one taken from the outside to see the batteries from that perspective.

Electrical compartment for extra batteries and inverter.

Terry

 



-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Sunday 5th of May 2013 02:54:11 PM

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jswharton


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Phase 1 is installing  an inverter next week and would like opinions on the best place to locate.  The design is based on Jack and handybob Information.

The equipment, magnum 2012, tristar 45, & 600ah of lifeline batteries.

the choices are to locate in the front compartment or the basement.  The front compartment is not temperature controlled, no generator, and has several slotted venting through the metal floor.  The concern here is that dust and dampness can enter this compartment and could that have negative impact on the inverter & solar controller. 

The basement and front compartment share a common wall so wiring distance in not an issue. The basement is temp controlled and has a tighter seal.  Does locating the equipment here improve performance or longenivty.  Is there any benefits to locating the shunt and fuse here vs the front compartment.

it would also be more convenient to locate the sub- panel in the basement.  I would loose space by locating in the basement but  it is not critical

any thoughts would be appreciated.  Thanks. Scott



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Jack Mayer


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It is a judgement call....and hard to say with the information given. In general I'd lean towards the front compartment. As long as the equipment will not get WET. You can not have road spray and direct water on the inverter and controller. Not being heated is not an issue...in fact it is a benefit. As is good ventilation.

My concern with the main compartment is air flow. I generally don't like to put the stuff there if it can be avoided, only because I have no control over what gets stacked around them in the future. People tend to load their compartments...things fall against the equipment or get stacked against it...that is not good. Plus you give up space because of the equipment.

If the front compartment is not real exposed I'd probably put the stuff there.

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jswharton


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all went into the front compartment.



-- Edited by jswharton on Wednesday 5th of June 2013 05:32:29 AM

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