Inverter Installation Help

StephenH, as I read this Sage is not trying to run the air conditioner (a/c) or microwave.

That being said, Sage, even without those loads you will draw down those batteries fast if you try to run things like coffee makers. Why not heat you coffee water on the stove and use a French press or single cup filter? None of the other loads you mentioned require AC power. I installed a couple of 12v charge ports and use a dual voltage tv, 12v fans, and usb for the phones. Most laptops have 12v options as well. Or just use a little 100-200 watt inverter for that.

If you do proceed with the larger inverter, I would not try to use the existing outlets with the inverter unless you never want to use them from a grid connection ever again. To have both would require a transfer switch and also require you to separate the a/c and microwave circuits (and don’t forget the water heater element) which cannot be run from the inverter. . Way too complicated. I would just either install a new outlet from the inverter or rewire an existing outlet so it’s connected to the inverter and disconnected from grid power. Re gfci’s there were a lot of changes in that area in the latest electric code cycle and I’m not up to speed on them, but barring that you shouldn’t need them if the receptacle in not in the kitchen or bath areas. You should place the inverter in a well ventilated but weather protected area close to the batteries, and yes you should install a circuit breaker or fuse at the battery + terminal. A 700 watt inverter will demand around 75 amps peak and cbs/fuses should be oversized by 25% to prevent nuisance trips so you will need a 100A fuse and 2 gauge wire.

“ 2. Is wiring the inverter directly to my converter inside the rig a safe and somewhat straight forward process to hook up to AC directly? It would be great to just use the existing outlets inside. I know i would have to turn off the converter if i use the inverter so my batteries don't try charging themselves. Is there a diagram somewhere showing exactly how to do this? What additional wiring would I need to go to the AC fuse? WHERE IS THE CORRECT PLACEMENT FOR THE WIRES? Do I need another precautionary item like a breaker or fuse protector? I'm just scared I'm going to fry my system or the inverter. I can return my 700w inverter if there is a better product for the job. Just hitting a dead end on finding detailed instructions on how to do this but it would be ideal to use what I've already got.‘

I use empty tea bags something like below and fill them with my preferred coffee, works great and nothing to clean up afterwards, so it saves water boondocking. 

I did exactly that, picked off 12V  at the stereo to run the dc fans, dual voltage TV, and usb phone charge ports. You will use more power via an inverter so keep it as small as possible, but it should be OK. Or just get a dual voltage TV and sell the one that came with the trailer on Craigslist.