Trace (Xantrax) 1512 Inverter

[Tincup]

Does anyone have any experience with the Trace (Xantrax) 1512 inverter/charger? I'm looking for good or bad comments. Along these lines, I want to replace my converter with an inverter/charger. Can I just remove the converter and install the inverter/charger at the same place in the circuit? Unfortunately, I don't have a wiring diagram for the rig ('05 Bounder-Gas).

Currently, I use a small 600W inverter for TV/SAT receiver/laptop and a 150W inverter for the SAT modem/router/printer. I want to install one large one to supply AC to all these and get rid of the two small ones. Not interested in running A/C, reefer or microwave.

Thanks,

Tincup

[Tincup]

Does anyone have any experience with the Trace (Xantrax) 1512 inverter/charger? I'm looking for good or bad comments. Along these lines, I want to replace my converter with an inverter/charger. Can I just remove the converter and install the inverter/charger at the same place in the circuit? Unfortunately, I don't have a wiring diagram for the rig ('05 Bounder-Gas).

Currently, I use a small 600W inverter for TV/SAT receiver/laptop and a 150W inverter for the SAT modem/router/printer. I want to install one large one to supply AC to all these and get rid of the two small ones. Not interested in running A/C, reefer or microwave.

Thanks,

Tincup

[MrFixit454]

My Buddy has a new Bounder and he had the dealer install the inverter since we don't have the time these days. They did a pretty good job. I have the 1400 series Trace that I have carried from RV to RV. Going the permantet large installed inverter/charger is the way to go. You will need at least 4 batteries if you don't already have them and the charging rate and quality are just fantastic. Depending on what converter you have, not sure if you can just install it there as the Inverters tedn to be much larger. Usually a sub panel for AC is instlled to run the outlets and Microwave. You need to make sure the refer does not get installed on the inverter circuit as sometimes this is forgotten. I don't think I need to mention the A/C. Inverter needs to be closest to the batteries since heavy cableing is required. It is no quick easy job to do but the rewards when finished are plentiful. If you need more specifics, just ask us or PM me.

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

Just a thought tincup, but since you're upgrading you might want to consider a true sinewave inverter rather then a modified sinewave for future changes in consumer electronics.

When my last satellite receiver went belly up and I purchased a new, in my case, DirecTV receiver my modified sinewave destroyed it. I had a second older receiver so I've been using it. But in time I know I'll need to replace it also and when the time comes I'm going to purchase Xantrex's 400-watt True Sinewave and use it just for the receiver. My existing inverter is also a Xantrex, but it's a 3000-watt and to replace it with their sinewave model would be $1700 or so.

[727Driver]

Tincup:

You CANNOT install the inverter where the converter was/is. The inverter needs to be close to the batteies and either wired to a 120v sub-panel (if you do not want to run everthing from inverter) or wired into the 120v main feed (then you chose what to turn on and what not to based on battery capacity, but not the A/C). In a previous RV I had the Trace 1512 inverter that you refer to and found it to be a very reliable inverter for the 3 years I used it.

Don

[Tincup]

Thanks to everyone for responding and the information. I will be mounting the inverter next to the batteries and wire the output to the 120V main feed, I will not run the reefer or A/C off of it.

Tincup

[727Driver]

Paul:

Don't discount the idea of running the fridge off the inverter (at least while driving). I have been running ours from the inverter while underway and it works great. The alternator is more than enough to replace the amps that the fridge uses from the batteries. Just remember to turn the fridge and the inverter off when you stop.

Once you have the inverter installed are you planning on taking the converter out? It really becomes useless weight with the 3 stage battery charger that is part of the inverter.

Don

[Tincup]

Don,

Good point, I will run it while underway. Currently, I run the fridge on gas while driving.

Yes, I will remove the converter, no point in hauling it around.

Thanks,

Paul