diy solar

diy solar

Travel Trailer battery setup

E

ebmjohnson

New Member
Joined
Feb 12, 2020
Messages
4
I searched the forums but didn't find an answer to what might be an absurd question. I am in the process of purchasing a travel trailer with a 30 amp shore power plug. My idea (mostly because I am too cheap and lack the skills to wire it properly into the fuse panel) was to buy 3 100 ah LiFEPO4 batteries and connect them to a 3000 watt inverter. Then add a 30 amp rv outlet to the inverter (or use a 30 amp to 15 amp converter plug) and plug the travel trailer into the inverter through the 30 amp outlet. I understand that I would need to turn off the converter on the fuse panel but I was planning on being able to run the microwave, tv, and other small appliances this way. I've been searching for guides on this and found one person on youtube who did it this way but the lack of information is making me doubt this method.
Has anyone done this or am I missing something obvious that would make this a bad idea? I am early on in the planning process so I won't be too devastated (or lose any money) if this is shown to be a bad idea so hit me with it!
Thanks!
 
If I understand correct, you want to be able to switch between the shore power and inverter independently? You could just buy a generator transfer switch and fit it between the shore power and distribution board in the trailer. That way you will still be able to utilize the safety of the distribution board.

These switches just combine two inputs into one output which can be switched independently to one another.

I do want to point out that I'm in no way an electrical engineer and I could be wrong.

But still, hope this helps.

Garry
 
It might be easier to just buy an inverter that also has an transfer switch built in. put it in between your 30a shore power input and your distribution box. when you have shore power. it will switch to shore power. when off grid the inverter will switch to battery. As a bonus make it a inverter/charger and then unplug your original RV converter for good . there are many inverters out there that do this. ie: like the AIMS. 3Kw inverter/charger.
 
ebmjohnson said:
I searched the forums but didn't find an answer to what might be an absurd question. I am in the process of purchasing a travel trailer with a 30 amp shore power plug. My idea (mostly because I am too cheap and lack the skills to wire it properly into the fuse panel) was to buy 3 100 ah LiFEPO4 batteries and connect them to a 3000 watt inverter. Then add a 30 amp rv outlet to the inverter (or use a 30 amp to 15 amp converter plug) and plug the travel trailer into the inverter through the 30 amp outlet. I understand that I would need to turn off the converter on the fuse panel but I was planning on being able to run the microwave, tv, and other small appliances this way. I've been searching for guides on this and found one person on youtube who did it this way but the lack of information is making me doubt this method.
Has anyone done this or am I missing something obvious that would make this a bad idea? I am early on in the planning process so I won't be too devastated (or lose any money) if this is shown to be a bad idea so hit me with it!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
We do this for my fathers Trailer it works well just need to make sure you disconnect batteries from house input if you plug shore power into inverter so they are not trying to charge themselves. This works perfect for him as we made no modifications to his beloved trailer other than a battery cut off switch which he had installed already so they wouldnt be live while parked.
 
Who's 150ah would you recommed? I'm looking at various options for 400-500ah for a travel trailer setup as well. Still considering building something with fortune 100ah cells vs Battle Born or something else drop in.
 
I think you may be getting into complicated thinking. Have a look at the Samlex Link in my signature, step back and apply KISS rules.
Best Bang for Buck right now are the Xuba 280AH cells @ $85USD each cell.
  • 4 Pieces$339.16
    Ship to United States by Express Seller's … Lead Time 15 days Shipping time 18-25 days
    $252.40
  • Total $591.56

  • 8 Pieces$678.32
    Ship to United States by Express Seller's …Lead Time 15 days Shipping time 18-25 days
    $415.20
  • Total $1,093.52

Hot Rechargeable 3.2v 280ah Lifepo4 Lithium Battery For 12v 48v 96v Solar System - Buy Lithium Ion Battery,Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery,Lifepo4 Battery Solar Product on Alibaba.com

Hot Rechargeable 3.2v 280ah Lifepo4 Lithium Battery For 12v 48v 96v Solar System , Find Complete Details about Hot Rechargeable 3.2v 280ah Lifepo4 Lithium Battery For 12v 48v 96v Solar System,Lithium Ion Battery,Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery,Lifepo4 Battery Solar from Lithium Ion Batteries...
www.alibaba.com www.alibaba.com

4 Cells in series = 12V/280AH pack. Add one 4S BMS ($75 +/-) and voila.
2 packs in parallel split load, split charging and if one disconnects the other keeps going.

If you camp / go to cold areas (below 0C/32F) then best to get a BMS with Low Temp cutoff.
 
Thanks Steve those sure look promising! Looking forward to seeing some of these builds.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

buckeyestargazer
Question on installing Victron smart shunt + inverter etc
Replies
3
Views
202
chrisski
chrisski
J
24v Travel Trailer System
2
Replies
25
Views
1K
HarryN
H
C
Sol ark 8 blew my travel trailer converter.
2
Replies
22
Views
663
RobertoJJJ
R
E
Need some help with my travel trailer solar system .
Replies
11
Views
508
0truck0
0truck0
Z
All Neutrals head back on bus bar? Question!
Replies
2
Views
198
Zybane
Z
Back
Top