Thinking about installing an inverter

[docj]

Originally Posted by John How

We'll I don't mean to put all inverter/chargers down and am just trying to wisely spend my money so as to only do it once. Actually I have heard positive things about Magnum stuff. Not sure I need 2800 watts but I am considering their 15kw inverter. Have you had trouble with any appliances running on your inverter? Are the charge parameters user programmable at all?
When you say it turns off, does it continue to monitor the battery charge and turn on again if required?
Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated.

All our appliances run fine off of this inverter, which is not surprising since it is rated as pure sine wave. The only appliance than had had issues with our previous MSW inverter was our induction burner, anyway.

I think the charge parameters on the Magnum are somewhat programmable, but I haven't seen any reason to fool with them.

Yes, when the Magnum goes to "0 amps" it continues to monitor the battery and you can see the display go back to charging mode after the batter drops to a pre-determined level.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by John How

We'll I don't mean to put all inverter/chargers down and am just trying to wisely spend my money so as to only do it once.
Not sure I need 2800 watts but I am considering their 15kw inverter. Have you had trouble with any appliances running on your inverter?
Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated.

John
My over the range 17 year old GE microwave, does not "sound right" running on power from my 17 year old Freedom 20, (2000watt), inverter, and never did....
We use the microwave ONLY if/when we have shore power or if we run the genset, for fear of damaging one or other.
Newer models of either may play well together.
Mel
'96 Safari

[John How]

Mel, I am not planning on using either the micro or the frig on inverter. Those and the AC can wait for plugin or genset.
I'm looking at the Magnum mm 15k inverter/charger now. We'll probably take a couple trips before we do much of anything to it.

[John How]

This coach has 2 6volt lifeline AGM batteries, is there a way to fond out how old they are, like a date code or something?

[kellylipp]

Yes. There will be a tag or stamp on the top of the battery with a code. You will need to find the manufacturer's documentation to decipher the code (perhaps) if it isn't simply a date.

[John How]

Originally Posted by kellylipp

Yes. There will be a tag or stamp on the top of the battery with a code. You will need to find the manufacturer's documentation to decipher the code (perhaps) if it isn't simply a date.

I was afraid of that, the tops of these batteries are clean as a whistle. The labeling is towards the frame so I can barely see it. Guess I'll have to pull one out and look. I can make out the brand but that's all.

[kellylipp]

And if you can, while you are at it, verify all of the batteries are from the same date. Ideally you replace all batteries at once so they perform basically the same without one dragging down the rest.

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by John How

On my Daybreak, I have a PD 9160 converter with a charge wizard, I have not had it long enough to know if it works well or not but have read that it is about average for stock systems. Anyway the point is I would like to create some silent AC for watching a few hours of TV in the evening and a silent cup of coffee in the morning and charging the digital net devices and phones. if I need the micro, I can stand the generator for a few minutes.
In looking at my MH setup it is not ideal. The AC shore power comes in at the rear end of the MH and this the location of the converter and the distribution panel. The batteries are located at the coach steps at least 20' away and the BCC is just forward of the left front wheel. Is it common for these components to be spread out in so many area of the coach?
I would like to ad an inverter and what I read is that it should be as close as possible to the batteries while being isolated from them as well. My batteries are in a tray that is attached to the right frame rail,they are not enclosed in a compartment but open to the ground underneath.
I have been looking at the magnum 600 watt unit. I'm sure this is a pretty common mod so please share your insight and experience.

Well ... you could do the coffee this way too:

ROADPRO RPSC-783 - RoadPro Coffee Maker, 12volt RPSC-783 - RV Plus

[mel s]

Originally Posted by bruceisla

Well ... you could do the coffee this way too:

ROADPRO RPSC-783 - RoadPro Coffee Maker, 12volt RPSC-783 - RV Plus

Why is it that so many RVers insist upon wasting battery voltage to make coffee?
Doesn't coffee made on the LP range/cook top taste as good??
Mel
'96 Safari

[terry735001]

keep in mind MD low cost inverter is like running your car on bad gas yes it well run but for how long

get a good SW inverter

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by terry735001

keep in mind MD low cost inverter is like running your car on bad gas yes it well run but for how long

get a good SW inverter

My coach has many many hours over many years of operating microwave, sat receiver, televisions, and everything else in the coach on a non-sine wave inverter...

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by mel stuplich

Why is it that so many RVers insist upon wasting battery voltage to make coffee?
Doesn't coffee made on the LP range/cook top taste as good??
Mel
'96 Safari

Assuming you have an LP cooktop and LP onboard, yes ... it tastes fine. If you have solar and a controller, using 12vdc isn't a waste. Coffee on a LP outdoor grill or campfire also tastes good. Personally, I'd rather have a glass of orange juice. Different stokes ......

[camaraderie]

Originally Posted by John How

This coach has 2 6volt lifeline AGM batteries, is there a way to fond out how old they are, like a date code or something?

Once you find the date codes then call Lifeline Warranty Dept. @ (800) 527-3224 since there is a 5 year prorated warranty on them and they use the date codes in absence of a receipt.

Also...FYI...your pair of lifelines are the equivalent of a single 12V deep cycle AGM battery with 225 amp hours. You NEED a charger of at LEAST 20% off this amount or 45amps or you risk damaging this BRAND of AGM's. If you plan to add another set then you need a 90amp charger. More is better...there is virtually no limit on charging amps to lifelines in practical terms but the lower limit must be observed or battery life will be shortened.

Note to others...this is NOT true for other AGM's. Lifelines have their own unique parameters. For standard deep cycle AGM's I would not go less than 15% of reserve amps in charging and I would limit charging amps to 40-50% of rated reserve unless you have mfr. specs suggesting otherwise.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by terry735001

keep in mind MD low cost inverter is like running your car on bad gas yes it well run but for how long
get a good SW inverter

terry735001
What does MD represent when the subject is inverters?

When describing inverters, I know that SW means "Sine Wave"...
PSW means "Pure Sine Wave", (aka: TSW, "True Wine wave").....
and that MSW, means "Modified Sine Wave".

As I understand 12VDC to 120VAC inverters, they ALL produce either "modified sine wave" OR "pure/true sine wave" 120VAC.... (and that municipal/power company power 120VAC is also "pure sine wave").

Most RV inverters are MSW inverters, (which are fine/okay for powering most 120VAC items).
However, PSW inverters produce "cleaner" 120AC, (which is better for powering digital electronic devices).

I have never heard of a "MD inverter".

Mel
'96 Safari,
2 MSW inverters, (one 2000 watt, one 300 watt).