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olsbergma · 09-27-2020, 09:48 AM

Hi, NEWB question: i want to change the 400w inverter in the cabinet over driver on 98 DSDP with a Xantrex Freedom 438 inverter/charger. With all that is in the electrical bay (BIRD, etc), any advice and wiring diagrams would help. I have Xantrex's install diagrams but they are specific to what I am doing here.

Thanks

twinboat · 09-27-2020, 10:08 AM

If you want more inverter powered outlets, your going to need to do some extensive rewiring in the main breaker panel.

That and the new unit will need new heavy battery cables, preferably close to the batteries. Once installed, you can remove the old converter/charger.

cavie · 09-27-2020, 10:18 AM

Not a DIY project.

Skip426 · 09-27-2020, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olsbergma

Hi, NEWB question: i want to change the 400w inverter in the cabinet over driver on 98 DSDP with a Xantrex Freedom 438 inverter/charger. With all that is in the electrical bay (BIRD, etc), any advice and wiring diagrams would help. I have Xantrex's install diagrams but they are specific to what I am doing here.

Thanks

OK, with your description of the 400 watt inverter location , things were changed dramatically between 98 & 99.
In 99 the converter/ charger is in the power cord bay and the 400 watt inverter for the AV cabinet and two other plugs in the passenger seat area is in the compartment behind the passenger side dual wheels . It was probably moved from the AV cabinet due to the heat it produces.
I'll have to pull up the specs on the 438 , but at first though , if your wanting to power anything other than the AV components , you could be looking at a major rewiring of the whole coach.
I'll be back .

Skip426 · 09-27-2020, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cavie

Not a DIY project.

OK ; I'm not 100% sure what your trying to achieve with the 438 , but after 40+ years in automotive repair and acting as contractor on my own new house ,I would be reluctant to start on this type of conversion on my coach .
The factory install of the optional large 2000 watt inverter charger , included a 120 volt sub distribution panel to support all the inverted 120 volt circuits . Different wiring of the 12 volt supply cables , probably to the compartment behind the pass side dual wheels , 120 volt supply to that compartment , and 120 volt to the sub panel , then from the sub panel to the inverted outlets .

Please tell us what your trying to achieve . Because I'm thinking you may be looking at dropping sections of ceiling, and opening up walls to accomplish it.

olsbergma · 09-27-2020, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

OK ; I'm not 100% sure what your trying to achieve with the 438 , but after 40+ years in automotive repair and acting as contractor on my own new house ,I would be reluctant to start on this type of conversion on my coach .
The factory install of the optional large 2000 watt inverter charger , included a 120 volt sub distribution panel to support all the inverted 120 volt circuits . Different wiring of the 12 volt supply cables , probably to the compartment behind the pass side dual wheels , 120 volt supply to that compartment , and 120 volt to the sub panel , then from the sub panel to the inverted outlets .

Please tell us what your trying to achieve . Because I'm thinking you may be looking at dropping sections of ceiling, and opening up walls to accomplish it.

Thanks, I have no issues with wiring but I was given the Xantrex and wanted to get to the ability to provide power to the outlets. I was thinking along the lines of the equivalent of the backup generator concept for a home.. generator type panel to get the electricity to the same outlets. This is for the 98 Dutch Star to replace the 400 watt inverter for a/v only. Given the size of the 438, i will have to put it on the passenger side in front of the batteries since the current electrical bay is on the driver side.