Inverter Replacement

[Michael Hannan]

I have a feeling that I may need to replace my inverter.  Thankfully I have an extended warranty that will cover a new one or repairs, if possible to the Trace inverter that I'm using now.  In a nutshell, The inverter runs flawlessly when using the generator but not so much on shore power.  Now shore power is 30 amp and voltage can be a bit wonky but the other day I checked the voltage in & out when it wasn't working properly.  From the Trace panel, I saw power into was 118 volts while power out was 84 volts.  This is why I suspect that the inverter has a problem.

So I'm wondering what the inverter of choice is for a replacement.  I have looked at the next generation Trace inverters, Xantrex SW3000 and looks like it would be suitable.  I've also read in the forums here that Magnum is another possibility.  I'm open to hearing suggestions, pros & cons of either (or any other brand) from your experiences.
Thanks in advance.
MJ

[David T. Richelderfer]

You may enjoy reading about my experience getting a new inverter/charger installed two years ago.

http://beaveramb.org/forum/index.php/topic,5273.msg39479.html#msg39479

The old inverter was a Xantrex Trace 2500w.  The new one is a Xantrex Freedom 3000w......  I think.  lol

[Gerald Farris]

MJ,
All inverters occasionally fail, but the US built Magnum inverter has a much better reputation in the RV world than Xantrex. If you have to replace your inverter, I would op for a MS2812 Magnum.

Gerald   

[Michael Hannan]

Thanks, David & Gerald.  Pretty sure this one is toast.  Everything shut off at about 4 am today.  12 & 120V systems save for the heat pump which I believe is on a bypass.  I'll call a tech tomorrow and have him bring a Magnum with him just in case.

Thanks again
MJ

[Bill Lampkin]

A bit confused. No need to run an inverter when on shore power or with generator running, in fact, your transfer switch will isolate the inverter from your coach when either the gen or shore power are 'on'. When you ran out of juice at 4am, were you plugged into shore power? If you were not on shore power or running the generator, you may have run your batteries down by using the inverter.

[Michael Hannan]

If I don't have the inverter in the "ON" position whether on shore or generator power, then I lose my 120V power.   

[Steve Huber]

Transfer switch isn't working.
Steve

[Jerry Emert]

If the heat pumps in AC units are working on shore and generator the transfer switch is working (unless you mean the one that is internal in the inverter.) If the batteries are being charged while on shore or generator then that portion of the inverter is working.  If the 120vac is not present except with inverter is on then there is a good possibility that the pass through circuits in the inverter are bad which basically means the inverter has to be replaced unless you can find someone who will open it up and fix it and those people are rare now days.  Just a few thoughts.

[Michael Hannan]

I contacted a local shop that specializes in RV & Marine electrical.  He'll be coming on Friday to check things out with the Trace inverter and bringing a Magnum inverter with him to install if he declares the Trace to be dead.  Thanks to all for your help and advice.

MJ

[David T. Richelderfer]

The warranty company will likely send a technician of their choosing to see that your inverter (or anything else you want to be repaired or replaced under warranty) is really broken.  If the warranty company technician is not able to SEE that it is broken, then the warranty company will not pay to replace it.  Make sure your guy who is coming with the new inverter talks to your warranty company BEFORE anything is removed.

[Michael Hannan]

That's my plan David.  I'll call the warranty people tomorrow to make sure that I do what is requires to get them to pay.

MJ

[Michael Hannan]

Apparently, I need a new Transfer Relay. 

Thanks
MJ

[Michael Hannan]

Well, a new transfer relay & inverter installed set me back $4,900.  Thankfully I have an extended warranty that covered $4,600 of it.