Question about installing a 1000 Watt inverter.

Borske · 07-16-2017, 11:41 AM

I own a 2008 Melbourne 29D. I would like to install a 1000 Watt inverter for a upcoming trip. I am wondering if it would be ok to run the inverter off of the engine battery or should I install it to run off the house batteries? We wont be doing any dry camping, the power is for while we are traveling. I would like to run a gaming system for my son. The inverter doesn't have to be a permanent install. I can remove it after the trip.

memphis02 · 07-16-2017, 12:33 PM

It would seem easier to install on the house battery, in my opinion, but from a practicality standpoint, the chassis battery/system will have no problems with it. Recommend 4ga or larger power wire. Don't forget an inline fuse as close to your battery as possible.

Grumpy · 07-16-2017, 01:04 PM

Why can't you just plug into the TV outlet with a 3 way adapter. Or run the geny and then you can also run the roof air.

Here's the link to over ride the TV lockout.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f5...-on-11021.html

Borske · 07-20-2017, 11:10 AM

I have the wire cut but I don't have power to my outlets in the entertainment center unless the motorhome is plugged in or generator running.
I must be missing something.

Grumpy · 07-20-2017, 11:27 AM

Did you turn on the factory inverter?

Borske · 07-20-2017, 04:01 PM

Thanks grumpy. I'm going to say no because I have no idea where that is. I'll do some Google detective work.

Grumpy · 07-20-2017, 04:25 PM

The switch should say XANTREX and be in your control center.

Borske · 07-20-2017, 06:46 PM

Thanks Grumpy for all your help. I'm wondering if my motorhome is not equipped with a inverter. There is no mention of XANTREX in the command center, or inside the "entertainment center".

Grumpy · 07-20-2017, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Borske

Thanks Grumpy for all your help. I'm wondering if my motorhome is not equipped with a inverter. There is no mention of XANTREX in the command center, or inside the "entertainment center".

You could send JAYCO your vin # and they should know.

Borske · 07-20-2017, 07:12 PM

Thank You I will try that.

Borske · 07-21-2017, 01:54 PM

As I feared. No inverter in my coach so I will be adding a 1000watt for our trip .

Grumpy · 07-21-2017, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Borske

As I feared. No inverter in my coach so I will be adding a 1000watt for our trip .

Weird for a motorhome.

Pfflyer · 07-21-2017, 04:09 PM

2016 Melbourne doesn't have one either. In my conversion van I use a 600w inverter that can be powered by the chassis or coach battery via a battery selector switch. There is a battery isolator that cuts power if the switch is on chassis and I turn the ignition off. Best of both worlds.

Pfflyer · 07-21-2017, 04:50 PM

The reason I wired it that way in the conversion van was to keep the batteries separate and to properly charge the house battery via a multistage charger. This was to avoid combining batteries of different age and size. I was able to power a 7 stage charger with the inverter while driving. In a full blown conversion most systems are already set up with batteries connected while driving. Why not connect to whichever battery would be easier because while you are driving the house is being charged any way unless your Melbourne is different.

Borske · 07-21-2017, 07:27 PM

I'm disappointed my motorhome doesn't have a inverter but I will install 1000 watt to the engine battery since it is easier for me to run that wire. I don't plan on leaving it connected after this trip. We usually don't require the power but this trip will be a long drive so I want to make it a little easier on my boy.
Thanks everyone for helping out with this issue.

Borske · 08-02-2017, 08:08 AM

I am having second thoughts about running the inverter off my engine battery.
If I run the inverter off the house batteries is there anything "special" I need to do or can I run the inverter as I am driving and not worry about the batteries charging etc?
I had to go to a 750watt inverter instead of the 1000 I had (it quit working) but that is still more than enough power for what I need while driving. If I need more I can run the generator.
Thanks!

memphis02 · 08-02-2017, 10:00 AM

About the only benefits of running off the house would be ease of mounting and possibly protection from depleting the starting battery due to the isolating diode, should you forget to turn it off while the engine is off. Irregardless of where you connect, the same charging system will be supplying current, though.

Can't recommend enough that you add a fuse (probably 60A-80A for your 750w inverter) placed as close to the battery as possible (18" or less) and use heavy-gauge wiring with as short of a run as possible for ground to the frame.

Seann45 · 08-02-2017, 10:45 AM

Hey Weyburn(Borske) welcome to the group..

Borske · 08-02-2017, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

Hey Weyburn(Borske) welcome to the group..

Thank-you! Lots of helpful people here.

Borske · 08-02-2017, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memphis02

About the only benefits of running off the house would be ease of mounting and possibly protection from depleting the starting battery due to the isolating diode, should you forget to turn it off while the engine is off. Irregardless of where you connect, the same charging system will be supplying current, though.

Can't recommend enough that you add a fuse (probably 60A-80A for your 750w inverter) placed as close to the battery as possible (18" or less) and use heavy-gauge wiring with as short of a run as possible for ground to the frame.

Thanks for the reply. It is ease of install why I'm looking at the house batteries.
I do have a 80 watt inline fuse to use as well. Thanks!

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