Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum

Hi everyone,
I have just purchased a Cobra 2500/5000 watt power inverter for my 82 FC 35SB
and would like to know if anyone has any suggestions on the installation process
such as best placement, whether to run extention cords from the inverter to
appliances or if it is possible to hard wire into exiting house system?,and any
other advice,safety issues, etc. I prefer not to "RIG" something up and would
like to have CLEAN INSTALLATION.

ANY ADVICE will be greatly appreciated!

also, my coach was formerly known as GYPSY and is custom painted silver with
green and blue accents on sides......does anyone recognize this BIRD? If so ,any
history will be appreciated!

I really do appreciate having this forum and the fine people who make it what
it is ,on MY TEAM!

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE A PART OF IT !!!!

Dr. Bill Sampson
1982 FC35 SB knoxville,tn.

__________________________________________________
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Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

on the FC's did you have to add extra batteries for the inverter
installation? ernie-83pt40


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Bill this is the time to install the inverter charger right. In my
opinion the only place to install the inverter/charger and get the
performance that you deserve from the unit is to install it in the
front passenger side storage bay. This is the only place that it can
be installed and still keep the cables to the batteries short enough
to significantly reduce the voltage drop. I would strongly suggest
you run 2 plastic water tight electrical tubings (buy it at
Homedepot) from the passenger side bin across the front of the frame
and then to the Positive battery stud on the inside of the frame and
the other one for the negative connection to the shunt supplied with
the unit. All of the bluebirds that I have seen have the
inverter/chargers installed in the mid bay on the drivers side which
is absolutely the incorrect place. If you install the unit there the
cable runs to the batteries will be at least 25 feet long and when
called to furnish power for the microwave for instance will drop to
much voltage even with 4/0 cables.

In addition install at least a 10/2 gauge electrical cable between
the inverter/charger and a separate sub panel with 4 circuit
breakers, one for the rear bedroom receptacles, one for the kitchen
receptacles, one for the front receptacles and one for the microwave.
Again Homedepot has the Square D panels which are about 4" X 6" long
and work nicely. You can see how it is installed if you look at my
pictures of the 1982 FC35 I just sold. http://tinyurl.com/lotbd




Tom warner
Vernon Center,NY
1982 FC35 (sold the first day)
1985 PT 40


At 02:58 AM 4/21/2006, you wrote:
>Hi everyone,
> I have just purchased a Cobra 2500/5000 watt power inverter for
> my 82 FC 35SB and would like to know if anyone has any suggestions
> on the installation process such as best placement, whether to run
> extention cords from the inverter to appliances or if it is
> possible to hard wire into exiting house system?,and any other
> advice,safety issues, etc. I prefer not to "RIG" something up and
> would like to have CLEAN INSTALLATION.
>
> ANY ADVICE will be greatly appreciated!
>
> also, my coach was formerly known as GYPSY and is custom painted
> silver with green and blue accents on sides......does anyone
> recognize this BIRD? If so ,any history will be appreciated!
>
> I really do appreciate having this forum and the fine people who
> make it what it is ,on MY TEAM!
>
> THANK YOU ALL FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE A PART OF IT !!!!
>
> Dr. Bill Sampson
> 1982 FC35 SB knoxville,tn.
>
>__________________________________________________
>Do You Yahoo!?
>Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
><http://mail.yahoo.com>http://mail.yahoo.com
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>----------
>YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
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> * Visit your group
> "<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum>WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
> *
> * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> *
>
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odgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> *
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> <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>----------

Although I can appreciate the right-bay installation to keep the
cable length down around 10-12', I have had very good service from
mid-bay installation and about 20' of 4/0 cable. Mine was wired to
run not only the microwave which it did with no problem, but also the
rear A/C unit, and did so with minimal voltage drop.

As far as installation on the 110v/220v side, there are several
methods other than adding a sub-panel, I prefer to run one side of
the existing panel through the inverter's internal 50a transfer
switch for simplicity, and re-balance the breaker panel to only power
inverter-intended circuits. Many ways to install these things, each
better for an individual's taste, needs, and skills, plenty of "right
ways" to do it if you follow basic electrical design guidelines.

- Jeff Miller
in Holland, MI


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner
wrote:
>
> Bill this is the time to install the inverter charger right. In my
> opinion the only place to install the inverter/charger and get the
> performance that you deserve from the unit is to install it in the
> front passenger side storage bay. This is the only place that it
can
> be installed and still keep the cables to the batteries short
enough
> to significantly reduce the voltage drop. I would strongly suggest
> you run 2 plastic water tight electrical tubings (buy it at
> Homedepot) from the passenger side bin across the front of the
frame
> and then to the Positive battery stud on the inside of the frame
and
> the other one for the negative connection to the shunt supplied
with
> the unit. All of the bluebirds that I have seen have the
> inverter/chargers installed in the mid bay on the drivers side
which
> is absolutely the incorrect place. If you install the unit there
the
> cable runs to the batteries will be at least 25 feet long and when
> called to furnish power for the microwave for instance will drop to
> much voltage even with 4/0 cables.
>
> In addition install at least a 10/2 gauge electrical cable between
> the inverter/charger and a separate sub panel with 4 circuit
> breakers, one for the rear bedroom receptacles, one for the kitchen
> receptacles, one for the front receptacles and one for the
microwave.
> Again Homedepot has the Square D panels which are about 4" X 6"
long
> and work nicely. You can see how it is installed if you look at my
> pictures of the 1982 FC35 I just sold. http://tinyurl.com/lotbd
>
>
>
>
> Tom warner
> Vernon Center,NY
> 1982 FC35 (sold the first day)
> 1985 PT 40
>
>
> At 02:58 AM 4/21/2006, you wrote:
> >Hi everyone,
> > I have just purchased a Cobra 2500/5000 watt power inverter for
> > my 82 FC 35SB and would like to know if anyone has any
suggestions
> > on the installation process such as best placement, whether to
run
> > extention cords from the inverter to appliances or if it is
> > possible to hard wire into exiting house system?,and any other
> > advice,safety issues, etc. I prefer not to "RIG" something up and
> > would like to have CLEAN INSTALLATION.
> >
> > ANY ADVICE will be greatly appreciated!
> >
> > also, my coach was formerly known as GYPSY and is custom
painted
> > silver with green and blue accents on sides......does anyone
> > recognize this BIRD? If so ,any history will be appreciated!
> >
> > I really do appreciate having this forum and the fine people
who
> > make it what it is ,on MY TEAM!
> >
> > THANK YOU ALL FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE A PART OF IT !!!!
> >
> > Dr. Bill Sampson
> > 1982 FC35 SB knoxville,tn.
> >
> >__________________________________________________
> >Do You Yahoo!?
> >Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> ><http://mail.yahoo.com>http://mail.yahoo.com
> >
> >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> >----------
> >YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> >
> > * Visit your group
>
> "<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum>WanderlodgeForum"
on the web.
> > *
> > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > *
> > subject=Unsubscribe>WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > *
> > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>Yahoo! Terms of Service.
> >
> >
> >----------
>

Never did. However, my '88 did have the optional six. I didn't dry-camp
much, and when I did I used the genset every morning to heat water and
charge batteries for an hour, so no real need for more batts.

- Jeff Miller
in Holland, MI

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, erniecarpet@... wrote:
>
> on the FC's did you have to add extra batteries for the inverter
> installation? ernie-83pt40
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

>From: "Jeff Miller"
>Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: power inverter installation
>Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2006 14:24:15 -0000
>
>Although I can appreciate the right-bay installation to keep the
>cable length down around 10-12', I have had very good service from
>mid-bay installation and about 20' of 4/0 cable. Mine was wired to
>run not only the microwave which it did with no problem, but also the
>rear A/C unit, and did so with minimal voltage drop.
>
>As far as installation on the 110v/220v side, there are several
>methods other than adding a sub-panel, I prefer to run one side of
>the existing panel through the inverter's internal 50a transfer
>switch for simplicity, and re-balance the breaker panel to only power
>inverter-intended circuits. Many ways to install these things, each
>better for an individual's taste, needs, and skills, plenty of "right
>ways" to do it if you follow basic electrical design guidelines.
>
> - Jeff Miller
>in Holland, MI
>
>
>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner
>wrote:
> >
> > Bill this is the time to install the inverter charger right. In my
> > opinion the only place to install the inverter/charger and get the
> > performance that you deserve from the unit is to install it in the
> > front passenger side storage bay. This is the only place that it
>can
> > be installed and still keep the cables to the batteries short
>enough
> > to significantly reduce the voltage drop. I would strongly suggest
> > you run 2 plastic water tight electrical tubings (buy it at
> > Homedepot) from the passenger side bin across the front of the
>frame
> > and then to the Positive battery stud on the inside of the frame
>and
> > the other one for the negative connection to the shunt supplied
>with
> > the unit. All of the bluebirds that I have seen have the
> > inverter/chargers installed in the mid bay on the drivers side
>which
> > is absolutely the incorrect place. If you install the unit there
>the
> > cable runs to the batteries will be at least 25 feet long and when
> > called to furnish power for the microwave for instance will drop to
> > much voltage even with 4/0 cables.
> >
> > In addition install at least a 10/2 gauge electrical cable between
> > the inverter/charger and a separate sub panel with 4 circuit
> > breakers, one for the rear bedroom receptacles, one for the kitchen
> > receptacles, one for the front receptacles and one for the
>microwave.
> > Again Homedepot has the Square D panels which are about 4" X 6"
>long
> > and work nicely. You can see how it is installed if you look at my
> > pictures of the 1982 FC35 I just sold. http://tinyurl.com/lotbd
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Tom warner
> > Vernon Center,NY
> > 1982 FC35 (sold the first day)
> > 1985 PT 40
> >
> >
> > At 02:58 AM 4/21/2006, you wrote:
> > >Hi everyone,
> > > I have just purchased a Cobra 2500/5000 watt power inverter for
> > > my 82 FC 35SB and would like to know if anyone has any
>suggestions
> > > on the installation process such as best placement, whether to
>run
> > > extention cords from the inverter to appliances or if it is
> > > possible to hard wire into exiting house system?,and any other
> > > advice,safety issues, etc. I prefer not to "RIG" something up and
> > > would like to have CLEAN INSTALLATION.
> > >
> > > ANY ADVICE will be greatly appreciated!
> > >
> > > also, my coach was formerly known as GYPSY and is custom
>painted
> > > silver with green and blue accents on sides......does anyone
> > > recognize this BIRD? If so ,any history will be appreciated!
> > >
> > > I really do appreciate having this forum and the fine people
>who
> > > make it what it is ,on MY TEAM!
> > >
> > > THANK YOU ALL FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE A PART OF IT !!!!
> > >
> > > Dr. Bill Sampson
> > > 1982 FC35 SB knoxville,tn.
> > >
> > >__________________________________________________
> > >Do You Yahoo!?
> > >Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> > ><http://mail.yahoo.com>http://mail.yahoo.com
> > >
> > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >----------
> > >YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> > >
> > > * Visit your group
> >
> > "<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum>WanderlodgeForum"
>on the web.
> > > *
> > > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > *
> > > >subject=Unsubscribe>WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > > *
> > > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> > > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>Yahoo! Terms of Service.
> > >
> > >
> > >----------
> >
>
>
>
>
>

Jeff,
I agree with the 20' of 4/0 cable.

Looking at the Ancor Marine Wire size chart...

If you had a round trip of 40' of 4/0 wire pulling an Inverter that is
supporting a 12.5amp load(1 roof A/C unit)you would experience a 1.8%
voltage drop.

So if your batteries with no load read 12.7 volts, the new load would
cause a voltage drop down to 12.5 volts due to wire resistance. By
comparison, if the round trip of 4/0 were to be only say 12', the 12.7
volts would be reduced to 12.6 volts.

Both of these examples will work just fine.

Put your inverter where its best for it and for you, keep the 4/0 down
to 50'. if your inverter is 92% efficient and is rated high enough to
pull a 25amp/110volt load, the resistance in the wire will cause a
4.8% reduction in voltage, or 12.7volts will be down to 12.1volts.

Of course how long the batterys can susatin this big load depends on
the battery bank.

If you wanna run the microwave, and it takes 15amps of 110volts, your
resistance in the 4/0 will cause a 2.9% reduction in voltage. Or 12.7
volts would be reduced to 12.3volts.

This is all based on having a sufficient supply of amps at 12.7volts
and that where ever the power is coming from, it can maintain
12.7volts.

Check out the wire chart I sent to the files called "Wire Size Chart",
it will help you figure out what size wire you need for your projects.
Keep in mind, the chart is for the bigger AWG wire sizes instead of
the SAE wire sizes.

Brother Dan has 40 or 50 feet of 4/0 powering his inverter, mounted in
the mid compartment on the pass side. He runs front a/c while cruising.

Werks grate with a 320 amp alternator supplying the juice ;~}

Jay Darst
85PT40
Springfield, IL where I use 4/0 for all battery connections except
from the alt to battery's which is 1/0. All werks grate!





--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Miller"
wrote:
I have had very good service from
> mid-bay installation and about 20' of 4/0 cable. Mine was wired to
> run the rear A/C unit, and did so with minimal voltage drop.
> - Jeff Miller
> in Holland, MI
>