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Old 08-17-2020, 12:05 PM   #10
TurnerFam
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
While you jumped head-long into 'something' you admit you know very little about, it's not uncommon that many RVrs, especially new to the different power systems, have some learning and experience to get under their belt before they really 'understand' the way that all the systems integrate to make a more 'seemless' experience - though most of us who have done it still have times when you really have to put on your 'thinking' hat in order to try to resolve an issue.

you have:
120v power systems - Shore Power, onboard Generator, and the Inverter, all providing power thru the Breaker Panel(at least most of the time, as some Inverters power some devices/appliances 'directly' from it's output and not to the Breaker Panel)

12v power systems - Converter(if you have one, and I think you do), and the House Batteries, both providing power thru the Fuse Panel

Alternator - which can provide power to charge your House Batteries, while driving

Solar - which can help to charge/trickle charge your House Batteries while parked and in the Sun, but, of course, only during the 'daylight' sun hours.


Few folks new to RVing understand that 'solar' typically does NOT power anything 'directly'... such as the fridge, air conditioner, water heater, outlets, microwave - nothing - but mostly ONLY to help recharge the House Batteries. This 'can' help offset the need for Shore Power or Generator run time, IF you have a sizeable Battery bank and an Inverter connected to those items/appliances you want to have 'off-grid' power.

'How' the Inverter is wired to provide power is also a difference in many coaches, as they can all be wired differently, depending on how the FACTORY does it, or how a DEALER does it, or how a DIY RV OWNER does it.
Larger 'whole house' Inverter coaches typically have all the outlets run thru a 'sub-panel', which is powered by the INVERTER, but also has power when on Shore Or Generator since the Inverter has a 'built in' Transfer Switch, allowing 120v Shore or Generator power to 'pass thru' to the sub-panel and to those outlets. Almost never are anything else powered by the Inverter - certainly not the air conditioner(s), water heating, etc., only 'outlets', which DOES provide for the microwave and fridge and computers and tvs and satellite receivers and dvd players and, well, anything 'plugged in' to an outlet. This can also serve you well when it comes to table-top fans to help cool things off, but it does NOT serve you well when it comes to electric space heaters in the winter months - they take WAY too much amperage - INVERTER do not like that, or, more specifically, BATTERIES do not like that.

If you have someone 'adding' an inverter to your existing coach, chances are they are either providing a small amount of 120v power to specific items, such as the fridge and one outlet, or they are also installing a 'sub-panel' of breakers to serve more or all of the outlets in the coach. It sounds like you are simply getting the 'easier' add-on Inverter for only a few specific items.
Can you still use the inverter for other items? Yes, but you then have to get creative - plugging in an extension cord to reach those other TVs or items you wish to plug in when the Inverter is your only power source.
__________________
the Turners...
two Campers, two Electric cars
former diesel pusher traveler
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