A long drive can get pretty dull, especially when you have nothing to do except being stuck in one spot for more than an hour on end. In this situation, you often wish to fast forward the time and immediately arrive at the destination. But if you have something entertaining inside your RV, such as having Netflix and chill, and freshen the day with cold drinks, it would surely ease the boredom inside. Would this be possible? Of course!
Most RV owners install an inverter to give power to the appliances inside the RV. They make sure that any unprecedented power interruption wouldn’t destroy every outdoor bonding activity. If you don’t have an inverter yet, you still have time to purchase one. To help you with the process, here are the steps on how to install inverters for RV.
What Are The Things You Need To Prepare?
It is essential first to prepare all the needed types of equipment before the installation starts. Here are the things you need to prepare:
- Inverter user manual
- Wire cutters
- Electric cables
- Electrical tape
- Zip ties
- A toolset (sockets, wrench, screwdrivers, scissors, etc.)
- Your chosen inverter
What Are The Types Of Inverters?
Before you decide to buy and install a new inverter for your RV, you must also know what its types are for you to have an opportunity to pick the best one. So here are the three factors you may choose from:
Modified Sine Wave
The modified sine wave type of inverter became popular in the marketplace because of its lesser price. However, it does not affect its capacity to provide power to most electronic devices you want to put in your RV. The only disadvantage of this type is that it consumes a lot of energy, unlike the sine wave converters.
Square Wave
Compared to the modified and sine wave inverters, the square wave converter has a lesser price. This type still operates according to what it is, but it is only limited to universal motors. Also, the square wave is not yet famous in the marketplace.
Sine Wave
This type of inverter is the most common one. However, it is still the best inverter considering that it comes with the most vital power and is quite advanced. Also, the sine wave inverter works with almost every appliance. Undoubtedly, most people want to purchase one, but its high price is the only thing that backs them off.
How To Install Inverters For RV?
In installing an RV inverter, it is pretty inevitable to undergo complexities. One of the complicated parts is when you link the inverter to the electrical system in your RV. But before you install it, you should ensure that there would be no shore or generator power that connects to the inverter output. To help you, here are the steps for installing your new RV inverter:
STEP 1: FIND THE BEST SPOT TO INSTALL THE INVERTER
Before the installation starts, you need to find the best spot to secure your inverter. To give you a tip, you must put your new inverter in places where it is not prone to accidents, near the heat source, an area where liquids are constantly flowing, and even below the foot level. Instead, you have to place it in an area where it has enough air circulation, and you should avoid it in a place where it is prone to flame. However, if you already have an existing inverter and only want to change it with a new one, replace it where the other one was.
STEP 2: SECURE THE INVERTER IN PLACE
After you decide on the perfect place, it’s time to secure the inverter in place. You have to keep this in mind considering that the electrical components housed in inverters are typically sensitive and should not suffer from any concussion. More so, as you may have noticed that some manufacturers gave you a device with pre-drilled holes. This way would help you secure the inverter, and it won’t fall or be shaky as you tend to move it around.
STEP 3: DO THE WIRING OF YOUR NEW INVERTER
In step 3, it’s time to do the wiring for your new inverter for it to provide power to your appliances. To make this a success, you need to first wire your unit directly to the battery. However, you have to remember that this battery is not the one that is responsible for running your vehicle engine; it is the battery that connects to the central system.
Also, to have more ideas, it is best to consult your user manual and turn the page on the suitable cable sizes and circuit protection for the wiring usages. You will need to prepare a 4-gauge electric cable and 150-amp circuit breaker or fuse for a 1000 Watts inverter. Above all, in connecting wires to your inverter, you have to be mindful while doing it to avoid complications in the long run.
STEP 4: GROUND YOUR INVERTER
Lastly, this step is quite simple to do. Like any other RV owners, they want to ground their inverter. For them not to confuse how to do it, this way is as simple as connecting the 12V ground cable to a particular bolt, which drives your vehicle chassis rail and any other best ground connection. However, before doing this, you must note that the cable you use for the ground should be the same as the cable you use to supply power.
Conclusion
If you are a new RVer and have no idea how to install an inverter to your RV, this guide will surely help you finish the installation process. But, if you want to know more about how to do it, you may find a step-by-step procedure on youtube. You have to remember also that you need to consider the user manual as your primary guide aside from these methods. Above all, RV installation is the first step towards making your on-road life more convenient and comfortable.