batteries / inverter

[George Frudakis]

I and getting 6 new AMG batteries and called Magium to get the setting. My 3-year-old inverter is ME 2012.  The service tech at magnum told me to get a new Ms2812 that will work better because it is a sine wave. Well, the batteries will cost me 1500 and the inverter 1500. My thought to get the batteries first and use the old inverter then next month get the new inverter. Suggestions, please.

[David T. Richelderfer]

You thought of this idea after the call to Magnum?  I suggest you call them again.

[Fred Brooks]

   George,
  I would agree with the technician if your going to keep in step with the current technology and use the coach frequently. Todays electronics can decipher between a pure sine wave and a "modified sine wave".
  I would take inventory of how you would actually use the new inverter in the future. Do you dry camp frequently? Do you intend to install a residential refrigerator? Do you want your coach to have all the resources your house has? If the answer is yes, I would install the batteries first, reset your ME02012 to AGM-2 charge profile and replace the inverter/charger later on. However there are thousands of folks still using modified sine wave inverters out there and they work just fine if you are a casual recreational vehicle user and enjoy the destination and journey getting there. Hope this helps, Fred

[George Frudakis]

Yes, this helps confirms my thoughts. Thanks for the help. Teck informed me to change my inverter to AM1. I getting paperwork on how to and what section to change the Me2012 to then when I do get the MS2812 what to set it to. Thanks, George









ms2812

[Fred Brooks]

    George,
Not really sure which AGM batteries you are going with. If Interstate or Trojan, and your Magnum remote is an RC-50 then you have to get into the "set up" and scroll thru to "battery type" and select AGM-2 and push the knob to "select". Hope this helps, Fred

[George Frudakis]

I have looked at the lifeline batteries. I will look at trojan. Interstate costs more than lifeline, and lifeline in stronger batteries. I priced them from an interstate supplier.

[Joel Ashley]

I trust Scott at Magnum,, but your ME2012 is only 3 yrs. old?  Our 2006 OEM MS2012 inverter has an OEM ME2012 Remote control version 1.2  over the entry door.  I did not need to upgrade anything unless I opted for lithium, and then get a $350 v.4 Remote, not a new inverter.  My 4 Fullriver AGMS required just setting the existing Remote for AGM2.  AGM1 was for gel batteries.   

Are you sure you gave Magnum the correct model numbers... they can be confused.

Joel

[George Frudakis]

Joel-I agree with you on the setting and going to get lifeline gel batteries. I will set my inverter to AM-2. As for the inverter, I going to use it for a while and see how it work. Then, if I see I need more power I'll change. I am looking for the best price on them. The best price, I found for all 6 is 1850.00 with free shipping. Going to do better than that.

[Fred Brooks]

  Hi Guys,
 Just to clarify this conversation for all involved and are considering reconfiguring their original RC-50 remote to another TYPE of batteries, Please read what the owners manual for the remote states. Lifeline batteries and other AGM batteries have different settings. If you still have questions, please call Magnum if that is the manufacturer of your Inverter/Charger.
  Hope this helps, Fred

[Fred Brooks]

  I resized the screenshot (pgn) down a little smaller so it is easier to read.

[George Frudakis]

Thanks, Fred for the download.

[Joel Ashley]

I didn’t know Magnum still offered modified sine wave units.  I didn’t fully grasp that in George’s post, and in coaches like our Beavers with today’s appliances and electronic devices, he probably should’ve put in an MS (pure sine wave) model 3 years ago. 

The Fullriver AGMs I got locally were $284 @ after core exchange, but that was because they didn’t have US Battery units at that regular price.  Fullrivers MSRP is almost $400.
https://www.battsys.com/dc224-6-fullriver-6v-224ah-gc2-sealed-lead-acid-agm-battery?___store=battsys

Joel

[George Frudakis]

Has anyone heard of Centennial Batteries AMG. (277 each) Better cold crank and 224AH

[Joel Ashley]

Yes, several have recommended Centennial,  including Battery Systems where I got the Fullrivers.  But I liked more what I'd read about the Fullriver manufacturing, reputation,  and they were mentioned first by Jeff at Bend RV Repair.  Centennials are a less expensive Chinese product by US Battery, but then I discovered the US Battery ones are made in China also. Go figure. But compare warranties and build technologies.

We have to be careful in ordering lithiums or AGMs, because some are more lightly constructed for sedentary residential solar use.  Our rigs need builds that can hack rough duty on roads, and temperature extremes, and may cost more because of the heavier material use.

Joel

[George Frudakis]

I get into the spect now and they seem to have a higher cranking power at lower temps. The am hours  4 more and the size is a little narrow but taller.  The big reason I am considering them is they are available. I will keep the form informed.
As Always thanks Joel