Converter to inverter

[Littlebus25]

Hi All—For the past 15 years we have owned all electric 50 AMP coaches. We now own an Axis 24.1. The question is: Can we change the converter to an inverter? OR can we add two 12 volt batteries with an inverter and keep the two 12 volt batteries with the converter? Does this make sense?

[Judge]

Whether you have 50A or 30A service, you need a Converter to change 110V AC to 12V DC to charge your house batteries and power your 12V appliances (lights, fans, etc.).

You can purchase an Inverter / Charger where the Inverter is capable of charging the house batteries and convert 12V DC over to 110V AC.

I have never come across and Inverter / Converter combination or one unit that can Invert, Convert and Charge.

If your concerned about having enough 12V power, it depends on what you are doing with it when you are not on shore power.

I have four 6V batteries in my Magnitude than can be used by my Inverter and also power my 12V appliances. I do not have them segregated because I want the Converter / Charger connected to both battery banks so they are charging anytime I am on shore power.

What is driving you question? Are you planning to do a lot of boon docking? What do you want to power when you are not on shore power?

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Littlebus25

Hi All—For the past 15 years we have owned all electric 50 AMP coaches. We now own an Axis 24.1. The question is: Can we change the converter to an inverter? OR can we add two 12 volt batteries with an inverter and keep the two 12 volt batteries with the converter? Does this make sense?

You can add an inverter to your existing batteries.
You can add additional batteries.
What are you trying to do with the inverter?

[Littlebus25]

Our reason to consider an inverter is to have the 110 electrical outlets powered when the coach is not plugged into shore power and the generator not running. We all have different needs and wants, and it’s just something we are accustomed to.

[Judge]

Based on your needs, all you need to do is add an Inverter. It is not a difficult task but you need to assess the following to determine the size of the Inverter, additional batteries and possibly solar:

1) What items do you plan to run?
2) How long do you plan to run those items?
3) What are the power requirements for those items?
4) Are you going to run anything that requires True Sine Wave power?
5) How much space do you have for additional batteries?
6) Where can you install the Inverter


Once you answer some of those questions, you can determine the size and type of Inverter you need.

[Bob Denman]

Since they've got the converter/inverter question sorted out: I'll just "Welcome to the Forum"!

[taylorbob1]

Use the search function.
Many of us Vegas/Axis owners have done the popular Inverter mod for the standard outlets which include TVs.

Here’s a good thread on the subject:

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f2...es-8741-2.html


Also, here’s #3 of 3 Videos on the subject...

https://youtu.be/sSb6vC6orzM

[TurnerFam]

most of the larger, especially diesel, coaches, like mine, and the 'all electric' models, don't use any converter - the 12v system simply draws from the batteries while the shore power or generator provides charging to those batteries - essentially accomplishing the same task. The Inverter has an integrated Battery Charger, so therefore the Converter can be removed from the system.

You 'could' replace the converter, but in reality your second option is probably the easiest and most convenient since you already have a converter system in place - you could add the two, or four, 6v GC2 batteries, with a 2,000 watt Inverter, install a sub-panel for the circuits(outlets) you wish the Inverter to power, and be good to go. The inverter should have a 'pass thru' relay to provide the Shore Power to these circuits when you are hooked up, or running the generator, but otherwise the Inverter will be powering them... the inverter would also need to have an integrated Battery Charger, of course.

[taylorbob1]

What TurnerFam said...
Keep it simple.
Add an AIMs Inverter with Auto-Transfer Switch.
Integrate into existing outlet circuit (the Non-GCFI corcuit)

It’s an easy mod and will allow you to do what you want.

Then add a couple of solar panels for extended boon-docking.

Here’s the most current AIMs Inverter on Amazon.
It’s a 2000 watt, which is probably more than you’ll need, but has the integrated Auto Transfer Switch and proper wiring connections.

Then follow the DIY installation in the video previously listed above.

https://www.amazon.com/AIMS-POWER-Pure-Sine-Inverter

[Littlebus25]

Thank you all for your input/ideas. I’m not usually a “forum” guy, but I can see that this is going to change. Appreciate your responses.
Stay safe!