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Old 10-23-2013, 02:25 PM   #1
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Inverter & transfer switch installation

Is anyone aware of any REAL EASY and SIMPLE to understand, step-by-step instructions for retrofitting an inverter and transfer switch into a 19' Escape? My goal is to have it supply AC to all factory outlets but to say I am electrically challenged would be an understatement. I have the solar panel and a single 12V battery and now want to boondock a little (and am now regretting not having it installed during the build). Conversely, is this something I should let a professional handle?
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Old 10-23-2013, 02:42 PM   #2
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If it was me, I'd take it back to Escape and let Reace do it.
Tumwater isn't too far from Chillawack.
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Old 10-23-2013, 05:48 PM   #3
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That was my first thought too. If anyone does it other than me, it'll be Reace. (And right now, I'm thinking there is a 95% chance that he'll get the job.)
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Old 10-23-2013, 05:55 PM   #4
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You may want to consider a larger battery bank depending on the wattage output of the inverter and the wattage requirements of the devices that you are going to power with the inverter.
http://www.mdspower.com/inverters/ba...sizing_faq.pdf
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Old 10-23-2013, 06:00 PM   #5
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Thanks, Jubal. I did give that some thought and since (at least at this point) right now I'm thinking of only running a TV/BluRay player and a small stereo, I doubt that I'd overtax the 12V (as long as the sun shines on the panel!). Also not planning more than two or three days out at a time. Appreciate your reply!
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Old 10-23-2013, 06:18 PM   #6
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If you are only using 2-3 120v items, why not just get a plug in style inverter $ vs rewiring the entire trailer which means $$$. What ever the draw is of the largest get an inverter that will equal that. Here is one that is less than $50 Amazon.com: BESTEK Dual 110V AC outlets and Dual USB 3.1A 300w power inverter car dc 12v to 110v ac inverter dc adapter laptop charger notebook adapter dc charger ac adapter usb charger MRI3011BU: Car Electronics
you plug it into a 12v out and plug your stereo or blu ray into it.
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Old 10-23-2013, 06:31 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
If you are only using 2-3 120v items, why not just get a plug in style inverter $ vs rewiring the entire trailer which means $$$. What ever the draw is of the largest get an inverter that will equal that. Here is one that is less than $50 Amazon.com: BESTEK Dual 110V AC outlets and Dual USB 3.1A 300w power inverter car dc 12v to 110v ac inverter dc adapter laptop charger notebook adapter dc charger ac adapter usb charger MRI3011BU: Car Electronics
you plug it into a 12v out and plug your stereo or blu ray into it.
This is the simplest method. I use a similar item for charging my tablet and phone. My television has a 12V input (power supply) so I just bought a 12V cable and plug the TV directly into my 12V outlet.

Edited: Although these inverters do make some (fan) noise so might not be desirable for playing music.
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Old 10-23-2013, 07:15 PM   #8
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With the exception of AC and the electric water heater, pretty much every electrical device used in our 19' runs off 12v DC. We don't bring any plug in AC devices with us either. For our circumstances we would have no need for an inverter.
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Old 10-23-2013, 07:41 PM   #9
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I am like Dave, other than I have no A/C, but have no need at all for 120V at all. I get by just great with only 12V power. Should I be hooked up, I can then run the water heater, or the small kettle or heater I do have stowed away. Keeps the batteries charged too.

I have carried a 300W inverter I had when I bought my 19 in the spring of '09, and have not used it yet. I first brought it to power my laptop if I wanted, but have since pretty much stopped bringing even the laptop, it never got used.
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Old 10-23-2013, 07:51 PM   #10
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I used to use my small inverter for charging things, now I picked up 12v chargers for everything and never need the inverter anymore.
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Old 10-23-2013, 09:30 PM   #11
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I'm kinda on the other side of the spectrum and use my 2,500 watt inverter while boon-docking for my blender (margaritas anywhere, anytime) my electric griddle, electric toaster (although I'm really likin barbequed toast these days), running all my awning lights anywhere, anytime, charging my laptop on 120VAC, and the deep fryer and hot tub...but not too often...
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Old 10-25-2013, 03:18 PM   #12
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Thanks everyone for your valuable feedback. Didn't realize it would be a total rewiring job; that gave me a reason to think twice (or more). Glad to see there are options where I can take this one step at a time and not spend so much all at once. Think I'll take the incremental approach before I go go overboard. Appreciate you all (and this forum!).
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