Connecting an Inverter to all caravan outlets

Not my area of expertise but rather than having the GPO’s running permanently off the inverter you could investigate the option of a a master diverter switch that will allow switching to be powered via either your inverter or your 240v lead at a caravan park
Boats have this setup

A quite simple alternative is to run a new series of hard wired power points (differently colored from the originals) from the inverter. A quick job for a qualified sparky.
2 systems, quite independent from each other but usable together if external power is available.
Note that ANY multiple power point system powered from an inverter (or generator) should have RVD protection to offset the potential electrocution risk involved.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

I built a motorhome recently, and after a lot of thought I ended up using a 3000W invertor (was going to get a 2000W, but the price difference was quite low) with an inbuilt battery charger & "UPS" type changeover. The mains power coming in (ie from a caravan park) goes through a main RCBO, then to the invertor input. The invertor output feeds 4 RCBO's in the switchboard - a/c, hws, and 2 GPO circuits.

When we are plugged into mains power, the invertor automatically bypasses input to output, and also charges the batteries. When mains power is disconnected, the invertor automatically powers up and supplies 240V from the batteries. Like a UPS, changeover is very fast.

I have ony managed to "trip" the invertor once - on a cold morning we had the a/c & hws running, and something in the microwave. We fired up the coffee machine & it was too much. Turned everything off and power cycled the invertor and everything worked again.

I am pretty happy with the setup and how it works, just need to think about how much is running at any time. I wanted the a/c & hws running through the invertor, so we could use them (for short periods) when off-grid. We have 2 x 170AH Lion batteries, and 750W of solar. I was initially worried that it would be a problem, but so far all good (except that one time).

Not quite sure I follow - you say for when you are at a caravan - well why not just plug on the parks 240v system into the 240v socket of the van.

Where there is no external power - why not run an extension lead from the inverter to the 240v socket of the van and use the 240v system already built into van with the inverter being plugged into your 12v system that is recharged via solar, the vehicle, genny - whatever.

Have a look at Enerdrive website.

They have a system that would do what you require, power from inverter when free camping & 240v power when in a van park, or at home. Australian made equipment, with good after sales service.

Quality doesn’t come cheap though! Enjoy the new van……….

Bob

Pretty sure Australian Offroad Hybrids have their inverters to all GPO's. Not 100% of the system they use. I think they may have a "switch" system that moves them from shore power to inverter when off grid.

having your 240 GPO "inverted" is a very common practice in new built caravans these days. They normally don't invert the stove or the hot water owing to the current draw.

To be honest the design is the responsibility of the caravan manufacturer and their 240 v sparky. If they need your advice that you have gained from forums then simply put they need to lift their game.

We have a new caravan nearing completion as write this and we specified that the GPO (with the exceptions) be inverted....it was simply a tick box of options offered.

its been around for a number of years and more popular now with Lithium batteries coming of age owing to their weight/ storage ratio

This is my way around the problem:
I have the inverter installed in my Troopy because it has the Lithium battery power to do it, it gets recharged every time I drive it and it is there whether I tow a caravan, a camper trailer or just tent it.

So with our caravan, I simply run the caravan power cord to the Troopy (via an Ampfibian) and can use all the outlets in the caravan - typically for the pod machine and hair dryer in the morning and occasiuonally to recharge our makita batteries and run a toaster.

The simplest way is to have the inverter in your car with batteries seperate to starter but charged by alternator, then simply connecting the van lead to the inverter and switching it on.