Inverter

[oldwave]

Yes I will add the 4 breakers instead of two

[Brian B-P]

You might also consider where you want those breakers. Since the WFCO panel can't be split, you need a separate panel. Escape puts that panel inside a compartment, which some people find suitable and not an issue, but causes issues for some other people (although mostly just people who don't even realize it's there); it would be possible to put a panel in the face of the cabinet.

[Mike Lewis]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

One thing I have learned when working inside the benches in the dinette is to make the area up as a bed, as laying down doing the work is much nicer than trying to reach in while crouched on the floor. A wee nap is also an easy bonus with this setup.

Yes, this is indeed a good idea, thanks. I will be spending a lot of time working in those compartments later this year, and lying down sounds more appealing than kneeling on the floor, which is rough on the knees.

[Mike Lewis]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

The second pic show the other end of the rear bench area.

In the background of the second photo it looks like you have a Victron solar controller mounted to a plywood panel. The manual for their MPPT 100/30 and 100/50 controllers says to mount the controller vertically on a non-flammable substrate. Do you think this is an issue?

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

In the background of the second photo it looks like you have a Victron solar controller mounted to a plywood panel. The manual for their MPPT 100/30 and 100/50 controllers says to mount the controller vertically on a non-flammable substrate. Do you think this is an issue?

I mounted mine with a pair of 1/4" stand offs for each mounting bolt with a piece of 1/16" aluminum sheet between them, then bolted to 1/2" plywood. So far, I've never felt any heat from the controller...

[Jim Bennett]

I just screwed my solar controller to the floor and have no issues at all. I even checked the temp with my hands when at full charge (full sun anyway) and it was only warm at the best.

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

In the background of the second photo it looks like you have a Victron solar controller mounted to a plywood panel. The manual for their MPPT 100/30 and 100/50 controllers says to mount the controller vertically on a non-flammable substrate. Do you think this is an issue?

Originally Posted by Vermilye

I mounted mine with a pair of 1/4" stand offs for each mounting bolt with a piece of 1/16" aluminum sheet between them, then bolted to 1/2" plywood. So far, I've never felt any heat from the controller...

I haven't seen any problems with heat but I like the idea of the standoffs - good idea Jon. I'll go back and add them as they would assist in cooling the controller.

[Mike Lewis]

Standoffs were suggested to me as well when I brought this issue up at an electronics store. Seems like a good idea.

I intend to install a panel to hold the controller, a B2B charger, and later on an RF amplifier for ham radio (on the back of the panel). I'll ventilate the compartment with a thermostatically-controlled exhaust fan. Gonna get warm in there.

[Mike Lewis]

BTW- I've noticed that the under-bench compartments are larger on the older trailers like mine, and consequently the floorspace under the table must be smaller.

[jennykatz]

When we ordered our E21(2016) I asked ETI to run a wire 14GA. to the battery box area from the back or the microwave cabinet($50.00) .Then I added a 2000 watt Sine wave inverter with a breaker fuse .WE then put in another gang box under dinette so we have 2 gang boxes one for the microwave and Television the other for hair dryer and c-pap machine .So now if we boondock we can use microwave and still have TV and most comforts of Home except Air conditioner which you need a 115AC
I think at the time it was $500 for inverter ? and $800 for all plugs for a 1500 inverter from ETI. If I was doing it again I would have ETI do it and add the plug behind microwave .

[Greg A]

Early in the process, but some interesting progress. My buddy is just completing installing in his stickie 5th wheel a Tesla battery module (480ah) if I recall, 600w Solar on the roof, Inverter, Victron Mppt solar controller, Victron battery monitor. Everything is working flawlessly and they are able to run the AC, we just don’t know for how long yet, but he’s estimating on early results about 4-6 hrs.
The technology is getting there, but it doesn’t come cheap at the moment.