Do I need an inverter?

[Fred Cook]

The previous owner of my coach took the inverter out and replaced it with a battery charger plugged into the 120 volt outlet in the basement. It works fine but of course there is no 120 AC while traveling down the road. I never drive over 6-7 hours on any given trip and if we do need 120AC while driving I turn on the generator. I was thinking about installing a new inverter but considering what they cost… is there any real advantage of doing that other than just having 120 AC while driving?

[Rick Daniels]

In the seven years I have owned my coach I do not recall ever using inverted 120 VAC.  On one trip when it was blistering hot I ran my generator while driving to run the air conditioners.  On another trip, I ran out of propane so I ran the generator until I got shore power or propane to keep the refrigerator going. I imagine if I boondocked at all, which I don't, I might find a use for it. I do keep a dual bank charger on board and have used it often. 

[Carl Boger]

Need?  maybe not, Want? maybe.  I actually use mine occasionally.  Both of my TV's are 110 volt and a DVR.  Sometimes I don't need heat or AC, and simply want to watch something when not hooked up to shore power overnight.  My hotspot also charges on 110 through a router, and I can run the fridge overnight on the batteries through the inverter and not use propane.

Really I could get by with out one, but I do like having it.  If I add more solar I may upgrade to a pure sign wave one.

[Joel Ashley]

We do use ours like Carl, occasionally while dry camping in a Forest Service spot and running the genset would be annoying to neighbors, after 10pm, or something.  I just got a quote from M&M RV Electronics of $1100+ for a rebuilt Magnum MS 2012.  They have 2.  You might contact them if that’s at all palatable.  https://www.mmrvelectronics.com/

Joel

[Fred Cook]

Thanks for your input. To us, an inverter is not a necessity but I suppose it would be a nice thing to have just in case we find ourselves boon docking somewhere.  We’ll think about it some more.

[Fred Brooks]

    Fred,
Here is another consideration, besides inverting 12 volts into usable 120volts which you may use occasionally, It has a 3 stage battery charger that has a perfect profile for maintaining battery health. It can also equalize your batteries to rejuvenate their original potential. It can also be set for the type of batteries you are trying to maintain. Beavers original engineering was very well thought out and should be considered. Just a thought. Fred

[Joel Ashley]

Also consider that at resale/trade-in time most buyers expect an inverter.  Not having one may reduce the number of potential interested parties, or at least the coach’s value.

Joel

[Fred Cook]

Well I decided to install an inverter/charge. The original unit was a Xantrex 2000W ProSine Inverter/Charger. So, I ordered a Xantrex Freedom XC 2000 True Sine Wave Inverter/Charger - 12VDC - 120VAC - 2000W/80A  Any comments on this particular unit?

[Fred Brooks]

    Fred,
 For your application it has all the features that you will need. It has all the current technology including Lithium in the event you consider that in the future. You will need the monitor panel also. Hope this helps, Fred

[Fred Cook]

Thanks Fred. I got it new at the fantastic price of $650 from Colaw in Missouri. When I heard the price I thought it was used but the guy said it was brand new in the box and that it is being sold as an overstock item. Not sure what that really means but on other sites it sells for $830 to $950. I also received a military discount so, I was very happy with the price. I also ordered the control panel.

[Joel Ashley]

Good job, Fred!  That's considerably less than even the replacement of two boards on my Magnum.  Xantrex for awhile had some issues with their products, making Magnum the preferred brand.  But I understand they've corrected their product problems and for a few years now they've been rebuilding their reputation.

Joel