Replace inverter

[Monacowindor]

Has anyone replaced trace rv2012 with xantrex sw3012? 2003 Monaco windsor

[shootist]

Did a rv2500 to 3012

[vito.a]

I replaced our Trace inverter, but not with a Xantrex. Xantrex is now made offshore. Both parts and support are difficult. I installed a Magnum pure sine wave inverter with a new Magnum remote.
Some folks are installing Victron inverters and reporting great performance.

[windsorbill]

Originally Posted by Monacowindor

Has anyone replaced trace rv2012 with xantrex sw3012? 2003 Monaco windsor

Personally, I would put a Magnum PSW in.

I had a magnum MSW and it was flawless, except it was too old and would not be compatible with Lithium per several retailers and the manufacture. I also wanted to upgrade to a PSW inverter.

During Covid, the Magnum PSW's were backordered 12 weeks or more, even with the manufacture. So I changed out to a Victron. Not a plug and play (actually quite involved) installation but the features are pretty impressive.

[Monacowindor]

This maybe similar. Getting ready to do install not sure what to do with green 4/0 currently on trace rv2012?

[Monacowindor]

Yeah I did contemplate that option but decided on xantrex sw3012 with limited electrical knowledge this maybe an easier transition.

[shootist]

Originally Posted by Monacowindor

This maybe similar. Getting ready to do install not sure what to do with green 4/0 currently on trace rv2012?

The green was off a shunt internally to measure amperage. Not on the new style. Run a 4/0 ground to the frame lug or a ground back to the batteries, however yours is wired. Mine has a ground post welded to the frame next to the inverter.

[shootist]

Originally Posted by Monacowindor

Yeah I did contemplate that option but decided on xantrex sw3012 with limited electrical knowledge this maybe an easier transition.

You won’t be sorry, lots of failures being posted on the magnums here too. They’re just newer.

[Iceclimber]

True sine wave, for that price I'd look hard at other options. I have a personal bias against Xantrex products, every one I have every owned (inherited actually) has failed. That unit looks suspiciously like the modified wave box updated to "True" wave which I feel is not as good as a pure wave unit. The AIMS 3000 is substantially less money. Whatever you choose consider your remote panel.

[Monacowindor]

Originally Posted by shootist

The green was off a shunt internally to measure amperage. Not on the new style. Run a 4/0 ground to the frame lug or a ground back to the batteries, however yours is wired. Mine has a ground post welded to the frame next to the inverter.

I've also seen 4/0 ground get connected straight to negative post on 3012 wondering if this may pose some problems? Trace did have a separate copper ground mounted on the inverter via a smaller lug. Anyhow thanks for the insights this puts me a few steps closer to tackling this on tomorrow.

[shootist]

Originally Posted by Monacowindor

I've also seen 4/0 ground get connected straight to negative post on 3012 wondering if this may pose some problems? Trace did have a separate copper ground mounted on the inverter via a smaller lug. Anyhow thanks for the insights this puts me a few steps closer to tackling this on tomorrow.

You need a positive and a negative. The small body ground is for a 120 fault or short. Also if your negative cable goes straight to battery negative make sure you also have a 4/0 cable from battery negative to your frame, the now unused green cable can be used for that if you choose and it’s long enough. No it won’t cause problems, it has to be there. Inverter negative, battery negative and frame have to all be connected together. Better to not call it a ground. You’ll confuse the two.

[Sinyyl]

I see many people mentioned battery cable, you definitely need a 4/0 gauge calbe for 12v side.
But also make sure you have enough size 120V cable. My 2000 Windsor has 10awg wire goes into my old rv2012 inverter, that's fine. If in any case you have 12 awg wire, that will not be enough.

In addition, I highly recommend Victron Multiplus 3000/12 for you.
I have 2x Multiplus 3000/24v. Works great for 240v setup.

[Monacowindor]

Originally Posted by shootist

You need a positive and a negative. The small body ground is for a 120 fault or short. Also if your negative cable goes straight to battery negative make sure you also have a 4/0 cable from battery negative to your frame, the now unused green cable can be used for that if you choose and it’s long enough. No it won’t cause problems, it has to be there. Inverter negative, battery negative and frame have to all be connected together. Better to not call it a ground. You’ll confuse the two.

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

[Ludo]

You might also check the Victron quattro, it has two separate ac inputs for shore and Generator, so it doesn't need external hardware. And these are available in 3/5/8/10 and 15kw.