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How To Install A Power Inverter In A Camper by CampingForFoodies features a blue DC-AC power adapter hung on a black bulkhead wall in an RV exterior storage compartment with wires, fuses, switches and a red tool box below. Text over the image reads camper power inverter install.
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Easy DIY RV Inverter Installation

This is an easy method to install an RV power inverter using a Simple Installation (this is not a split distribution panel installation).
Active Time15 hours
Total Time15 hours
Yield: 1
Author: Pete
Cost: 500.00

Equipment

  • Screwdriver
  • Drill Needed if holes need to be drilled to run wire through bulkhead etc. This may not be necessary for your installation.
  • Crimping tool
  • Hammer
  • Wire cutters
  • Heat shrink gun

Materials

Inverter Project Supplies Available at https://amzn.to/4bz2mhv (see Note #1)

  • 1 2000 Watt Inverter Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter With Wireless Remote
  • 1 Victron Energy SmartShunt 500 amp Battery Monitor Bluetooth
  • 1 AWG Cable 3/8″ Battery Lugs
  • 4 Gauge 4 AWG Pure Copper Flexible Cable Wire
  • 1 300 Amp Fuse
  • 1 Master Battery Switch Kit
  • 1 90 Degree USA Canada Male Plug
  • 1 15 Amp 125 Volt, PVC Grounding Cord Outlet
  • 1 Power Cord Plug Adapter 15 amp male to 50 amp female
  • 1 package Mounting Cord Fastener Clips
  • 1 package Zipties Will need approx. 15 zipties
  • 1 package Mounting screws Will need approx. 15 mounting screws

Instructions

  • CAUTION: Practice electrical safety tips when handling electrical systems and components. NEVER attach the positive (red) battery terminal until the total install is complete and ready for testing.
  • Diagram a layout for your specific installation based on your camper design. Paying close attention to the following.

Determine where the components will be mounted including:

  • Inverter
  • Battery/Batteries
  • Victron Shunt
  • 300 amp Fuse
  • Battery Disconnect Switch
  • Verify internally-mounted batteries are properly vented per RV manufacturer, make adjustments if necessary.

Determine where the wiring will run including:

  • From Negative Battery Terminal to Input Side of Victron Shunt (see Note #2).
  • From Output Side of Victron Shunt to Negative Terminal on Inverter.
  • From Positive (red) Battery Terminal to 300 amp Fuse.
  • From 300 amp Fuse to Input Terminal of Battery Disconnect Switch.
  • From Output Terminal of Battery Disconnect Switch to Positive (red) Terminal on Inverter.
  • From the 120 volt AC Outlet on Inverter to 30/50 amp shore power adapter (see Note #3).
  • Gather all supplies and tools.
  • Disconnect terminals from all batteries while doing the installation.
  • Mount the components.
  • Crimp terminals on wiring and run wires to connect components according to your diagram.
  • CAUTION: It is a good idea to follow DC electrical wiring best practices wiring convention: red wires carry the positive voltage, and black wires carry the negative voltage (circuit ground).

BEFORE connecting positive (red) battery terminal, do the following:

  • Ensure the 300 amp Fuse is in place.
  • Ensure Battery Disconnect Switch is in the OFF position.
  • Ensure the Inverter Switch is in the OFF position.
  • When all components are installed properly, connect the Positive (red) Battery Terminal to the Positive (red) Post on the Battery.
  • Turn ON the Battery Disconnect Switch.
  • Turn ON the Inverter.
  • The final step is to test for proper operation according to the inverter user manual.

Video

Notes

  1. Your power demands may require equipment of different sizes.
  2. If you have more than one battery in your camper, you only have to connect one battery to your new inverter because the other battery/batteries should be already connected in parallel (from the factory) and therefore will be automatically part of the new system you’re installing. The battery you choose to connect to the inverter should be the one located in the position that is most convenient for the installation.
  3. Some people use a normal extension cord for this connection. We chose to customize our installation because we wanted to eliminate cluttering the space in our basement with a standard extension cord. We also didn’t want to leave the access door open to the basement. Instead, we wanted to run the exact amount of extension cord we needed along the unused top structure of the basement and eliminate excess cord in our storage areas.