New trailer, now for solar

[ApexAZ]

So we should be picking up our new Fuel Toyhauler on Saturday and we need to install a solar panel kit with inverter.

I have about a zillion questions regarding solar, but my most pressing question is in regards to AC inverter and DC converter.

I have to use a CPAP machine at night and my particular model doesn't seem to support AC Inverter supplied power. I plan to call them tomorrow to confirm and find out why, but based on their battery use instructions, they say a DC-to-DC converter is needed and AC Inverter is not recommended.

We also want to install a solar system with an AC inverter, which sounds like it may not be compatible with my sleep machine.

So my question is this: could I connect a single battery to both an AC Inverter and simultaneously run a 12v connection to an outlet in the bedroom to be used specifically for my CPAP, or will this cause issues having two different types of power coming off the same battery?

I'm sorry if this is better suited for the other electricity forums. I wasn't sure which to post to, since it involves both

 

[Oregon_Camper]

No problem running 12v to inverter and your CPAP. You can run a dedicated 12v line to bedroom or find an existing one. Depending on the amp draw you might have to pull larger (but the number are actually smaller for thicker wire) gauge wire.

Here is an example of my system, that could give you an idea of what do to

 

[Bogie]

If your CPAP will operate on 12 volts, that's definitely the way you want to go.

All inverters draw a certain amount of current even in the idle state. Mine for example draws 4 amps at idle. So if you were operating with an inverter, you would be drawing the amount of current (Amps) need for the CPAP plus the overhead for the inverter. If you can connect your CPAP directly to the 12 volt supply, you will use less amp hours and draw your batteries down less while using the CPAP.

 

[ApexAZ]

No problem running 12v to inverter and your CPAP. You can run a dedicated 12v line to bedroom or find an existing one. Depending on the amp draw you might have to pull larger (but the number are actually smaller for thicker wire) gauge wire.

Here is an example of my system, that could give you an idea of what do to

View attachment 66116

Excellent, thank you. Is that all Victron equipment? There doesn't really seem to be many dealers here in Phoenix. Is Renogy sufficient?

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Excellent, thank you. Is that all Victron equipment? There doesn't really seem to be many dealers here in Phoenix. Is Renogy sufficient?

I had a Renogy MPPT controller and replaced with Victron after 1 year. You can always find Victron products on Amazon.

 

[ApexAZ]

I had a Renogy MPPT controller and replaced with Victron after 1 year. You can always find Victron products on Amazon.

Did you DIY all of it? It's a bit intimidating.

Also, why do you have the multiplus if you are running 2 separate controllers? I thought the controllers were for charging the batteries, so I'm not sure why that might be needed in the inverter?

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Did you DIY all of it? It's a bit intimidating.

Also, why do you have the multiplus if you are running 2 separate controllers? I thought the controllers were for charging the batteries, so I'm not sure why that might be needed in the inverter?

Yep, I installed everything. The MultiPlus is a "converter" (creates 12v to RV and battery bank from AC) and "inverter" (create AC power from battery bank). The 2x MPPT controllers are only to power the battery bank from solar.

 

[SLO]

I run my cpap off my Magnum MS2812 inverter when dry camping. It supplies the same 120v power as when you’re plugged in. Just need to make sure your inverter is pure sine wave.


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[ApexAZ]

I run my cpap off my Magnum MS2812 inverter when dry camping. It supplies the same 120v power as when you’re plugged in. Just need to make sure your inverter is pure sine wave.


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You know, it's interesting, because my in-law's had a 5th wheel with a pure sine inverter and I ran my cpap off of it with no problems. This was without realizing it wasn't recommended by Resmed. But after doing some research recently, for whatever reason, they do not recommend using it on an inverter with my specific machine, especially with the humidifier. Some of their models are listed as being compatible for inverter AC power, but mine is not. They have all sorts of warnings about causing damage or personal injury by doing so. I called them and she basically said it can damage the machine and possibly start a fire.

I guess to be safe, rather than sorry, I'll just get the DC converter cord and have them install a 12v plug in the bedroom. It's easy enough I suppose.

 

[SLO]

You know, it's interesting, because my in-law's had a 5th wheel with a pure sine inverter and I ran my cpap off of it with no problems. This was without realizing it wasn't recommended by Resmed. But after doing some research recently, for whatever reason, they do not recommend using it on an inverter with my specific machine, especially with the humidifier. Some of their models are listed as being compatible for inverter AC power, but mine is not. They have all sorts of warnings about causing damage or personal injury by doing so. I called them and she basically said it can damage the machine and possibly start a fire.

I guess to be safe, rather than sorry, I'll just get the DC converter cord and have them install a 12v plug in the bedroom. It's easy enough I suppose.

We’ll I’ll have to check on mine now. My understanding is pure sine wave inverter is the same as your home power. At home you have a converter to convert from AC to DC. If you use that same converter in your RV your still converting AC, through your inverter, to DC.


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[ApexAZ]

We’ll I’ll have to check on mine now. My understanding is pure sine wave inverter is the same as your home power. At home you have a converter to convert from AC to DC. If you use that same converter in your RV your still converting AC, through your inverter, to DC.


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Yeah, I really don't get it and she wasn't super technical to be able to explain in detail why that is; only that it's not recommended. Perhaps they are worried about less reliable modified, or low power inverters or something? But then on the other hand, they specifically talk about how inverters need to be pure sine wave and at least 300w with peak of 500w for use in the models that support it. Like I said, I used mine on an inverter and it seemed fine.

Nonetheless, it's not a big deal having a 12v plug installed.

Not sure if you use Resmed, but the info is here:

https://document.resmed.com/documents/articles/198103_battery-guide_glo_eng.pdf

The warning is on page 5.

 

[SLO]

Yeah, I really don't get it and she wasn't super technical to be able to explain in detail why that is; only that it's not recommended. Perhaps they are worried about less reliable modified, or low power inverters or something? But then on the other hand, they specifically talk about how inverters need to be pure sine wave and at least 300w with peak of 500w for use in the models that support it. Like I said, I used mine on an inverter and it seemed fine.

Nonetheless, it's not a big deal having a 12v plug installed.

Not sure if you use Resmed, but the info is here:

https://document.resmed.com/documents/articles/198103_battery-guide_glo_eng.pdf

The warning is on page 5.

So my Resmed, AirSense 10 AutoSet, is not listed as approved on the document you linked. On mine if I used 12v dc direct from the battery, I’d need a dc to dc converter because my Resmed needs 24v dc. I already have the ac to dc converter that came with the cpap. The Magnum has enough watts, 2800w. I’ve used it this way for several years, because I didn’t know about Resmeds restrictions. I’ll continue to use the ac to dc inverter as I have it set up. One note, I don’t use the humidifier which would draw more amps.


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[ApexAZ]

I imagine if you have been using it for years with no issue, no need to be alarmed at this point.

 

[dbeckman]

Is it possible/difficult to tie into existing AC wiring from inverter/battery pack? My wife and I have a 2019 Bighorn Traveler 39MB, and I am considering a solar build with inverter charger. The only part I am getting hung up on my mind is "tying" into wiring system or having to install new wiring AC appliances, TV, microwave, etc...

 

[Oregon_Camper]

I don't have a built in generator, so this is my setup. If you have a generator, you'd need to add an additional transfer switch before the Inverter.

From a factory build, you'd disconnect the main line that connects to your distribution panel and connect that to the EMS. Then wired from EMS to Inverter (which is also a "transfer switch") and then the output of the Inverter run back to distribution panel.

** Note...with this setup, you will be able to run 1 AC unit, but not both at the same time. All plugs in the RV will be hot, so just use common sense to stay within the 3000w limit. Meaning, don't fire up AC unit, blow dry your hair and make coffee all at the same time

 

[wadventure]

I don't have a built in generator, so this is my setup. If you have a generator, you'd need to add an additional transfer switch before the Inverter.

From a factory build, you'd disconnect the main line that connects to your distribution panel and connect that to the EMS. Then wired from EMS to Inverter (which is also a "transfer switch") and then the output of the Inverter run back to distribution panel.

** Note...with this setup, you will be able to run 1 AC unit, but not both at the same time. All plugs in the RV will be hot, so just use common sense to stay within the 3000w limit. Meaning, don't fire up AC unit, blow dry your hair and make coffee all at the same time
View attachment 66665

Hey, @Oregon_Camper , what software do you use to draw your picture here?

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Hey, @Oregon_Camper , what software do you use to draw your picture here?

PowerPoint

 

[Routemaster]

I have a question. Are any of you guys not concerned about the extra weight of solar panels on the roof weight being transferred to the wall, which is held up on the outriggers, for which Lipperts came down lifted my wall up, and added extra outriggers? Or am I missing something?
Den.