Wiring Inverter to Converter
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5171
Printed Date: 12 Jun 2025 at 7:54am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Wiring Inverter to Converter
Posted By: frogpod
Subject: Wiring Inverter to Converter
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 9:35am
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We just got a 2010 rpod 171 and joined this forum. Haven't been out in the pod yet. This forum already saved me a ton of time and headaches.
Last weekend installed the risers obtained from Forest River. The kit is now $150....I mentioned this forum and that people here used to get them for $75. After checking with the "boss"was told they have always been $150 and don't believe anyone ever got them for less....I scraped bottom in my own driveway so I had to get them anyway. While it was up on jack stands I checked the screws holding the tank brackets to the frame. Same issue as others pointed out on this site......only two of three screws were installed in each bracket and one of them on the fresh water tank had sheared off on ours. The bars appeared to be the correct length...no gaps where the brackets connect. Drilled and put a 2.5 inch by 1/4 inch bolt through the center of each bracket all the way trough the frame. do. Someone suggested there should be no structural issues if you drill through the center of the frame....which is absolutely correct. I also installed the missing self tapping screws that the factory neglected to put in.....So there are now three screws and one bolt in each bracket. I NEVER would have thought to check this...THANK YOU. I also read up on axle bearings and repacked them while it was lifted. They look OK, as did the brakes. Planning a trip to the Michigan Upper Peninsula wilderness for Labor Day. Noticed that the TV doesn't work on 12 volt....I have a 750 watt inverter from the antique RV we used to have and plan to install it in the RPOD. I'd like to wire it to the converter so that all of the existing 110 v outlets will work when not plugged in. Any advice on whether and how to do this and if an additional "switch" of breaker is needed would be appreciated. Not essential to do it this way....it just seems like it should be possible and easy to do. ------------- Leo and Tami with Coltrane the Jack Russell Terrier 2010 Rpod 171 2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 9:58am
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Welcome to the group! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 12:52pm
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Welcome. Either the factory staff has selective memory or they've had so much turnover nobody is around that remembers... but I definitely bought mine for $75 + shipping, directly from the factory. I think it was close to $100 all-told. Yes, the televisions that were installed only run from 120 volts. Numerous people here have found that odd. If you want to re-use the AC outlets you'll need to get a transfer switch so you can switch them between the inverter and shore power. The easier - and much cheaper - method is to install a new AC outlet that is dedicated to the inverter. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: frogpod
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 1:46pm
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Thank You TechnTrek....Post Number 5575. I suspect that you have forgotten more stuff about Rpods that the original designers ever knew.
We really will only need one outlet so I'll just mount the inverter on the wall a few feet away from the converter box....very close to the TV and counter where the coffee pot goes. I haven't taken the case off the converter yet but assume I will be aple to attach the 12 V ring terminal leads for the inverter to the same posts where the 12 V lines from the battery attach on the back of the converter. If that doesn't work I'll get a junction connector for the wires. THANKS ------------- Leo and Tami with Coltrane the Jack Russell Terrier 2010 Rpod 171 2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 2:28pm
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Assuming your 750 watt inverter can do a modest surge of 1000 watts, it can draw over 90 amps. Way too big to add to an empty fuse slot on the converter. You'll have to attach directly to the battery connection at the rear of the converter with your own large fuse and a very very short run to the inverter. 1000 watts is pushing the limits of "too big" for a 12 volt system, not that the manufacturers will mention that while they are selling their 1000, 2000 and 3000 watt 12 volt inverters. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 6:07pm
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When I installed our inverter, I connected a 6 outlet surge protected outlet strip directly to the inverter. the surge protection is probably not necessary, but it was best available strip. this gives us multiple places to use and charge our electronics. I hooked the inverter directly to the battery with car starter cables and an inline fuse. In our 173, the inverter is located in the mechanical area about 30 inches from the battery. the strip outlet is mounted on the face of a dinette seat about 10 inches from the inverter. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2014 at 7:31pm
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That reminds me, when you install a dedicated outlet it is safest to make it a GFCI outlet. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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