Since we find ourselves boondocking quite often, we decided it would be nice to have the availability of some 120 volt power without running the generator for things like the computer and watching a little television. My biggest probelm was that of finding somewhere to mount the inverter and related hardware in our little 26' Class A that was close to the house batteries (which are in the center of the engine compartment right behind the grill) and still have it inside and reasonably out of sight.
I noticed that there was quite a bit of space between the side wall and the drivers seat and plenty of room on that side under the dash for the inverter to be mounted horizontally. I decided to frame in a false wall in the area about 4" deep to mount the transfer switch, small circuit breaker box, a new outlet, and a junction box, then mount the inverter unenclosed forward of that.
My first challenge was finding something to pass the 1 gauge welding cable battery leads through the firewall. I drilled two 1-3/8" holes and picked up two pvc 1-1/4 x 1" slip bushings to slide through the holes. I filed a little notch on two opposite sides of the flange to enable the use of two screws with washers to hold them in place. I had to slightly increase the ridged opening on the opposite end so that 1" x 1/2" grommets would fit the ridge that the pipe normally seats against. That will seal the opening and still allow me to disassemble if I need to. I replaced the carpet over the bushings, slit it, and pulled the cables through.
Here's a wiring diagram, and some pics of the progress. I decided to cap off the top of my wall with an oak tray and cup holders. Still have some staining and clear coat to go. I'll post some finish pics at the end.
