Community Forums

Mnmueller28 · 05-05-2012, 04:05 PM

Ok.. My Xantrex inverter was taken out of the RV before I purchased. There is still however a Xantex remote switch inside the RV near the door. So I am trying to figure out if this thing was factory installed or aftermarket? I cannot figure out how it powers the dedicated circuit for the receptacles. There is no romex wiring running from the compartment where the inverter was located. Just the ground, the negative, and positive battery leads.... I have looked everywhere!

Wanabee FTer · 05-05-2012, 05:17 PM

It sounds like it was aftermarket and probably installed by the previous owner. It's easy to install an inverter near the battery compartment, then run an extension cord into the RV to run the TV, DVD, etc.

It probably was never wired up to run the entire RV's 120v system.

The remote switch would allow to shut off the inverter from inside the coach after done using it, so it would not run down the batteries.

Just a theory since you see no way it was wired into the coach.

Mnmueller28 · 05-05-2012, 06:42 PM

I could do that, but then if I'm running my generator to power my roof air while traveling, do I just leave it plugged into the extension cord (inverter) or unplug it and plug it into the receptacle so it is powered by the generator?

Wanabee FTer · 05-05-2012, 07:59 PM

You could do it either way. It may be more convenient to keep the inverter on while driving and dry camping, or If you plan on mostly being plugged in at an RV site, it may be easier to use the genset and leave the TV plugged into a 120v outlet.

The front TV is probably wired to a special 120v outlet that will not supply power while underway. There may be some legalities in some states concerning bypassing this system.

If you install the inverter in this fashion, avoid the temptation to go overly big with the inverter. The larger the inverter, the more parasitic draw will be required just to turn it on.

Calculate how many amps/watts you need to use while dry camping.
I installed a 600 watt Xantrex Prowatt pure sine wave inverter. I could have gone up a size to the 1000 watt unit, (both have a <.6 amp no load current draw) but I really don't need it. I am limited to a 375 ah battery bank and don't want to accidentally run it too low. When I use the a/c, microwave, toaster, or coffee pot I fire up the genny.

Gary RVRoamer · 05-06-2012, 02:25 PM

When you are running the generator for the a/c, there is no reason to have anything powered by the inverter - the generator is powering everything.

Fred and Bonnie · 05-06-2012, 05:16 PM

More info would be helpfull. Our '05 the inverter and converter are a combination unit. If the unit is missing we cannot charge our house batteries. Is the "Remote Switch" simply an "On/Off" unit? If so it's a factory install. The remove unit communicated with the inverter via a "Telephone" type cable.

fred

RTN · 06-01-2012, 05:01 AM

Hi Fred and Bonnie,

We just purchased an 04 Sea Breeze 8321 and there is an inverter switch by the door. Do you know what is powered with the inverter switch turned on? I checked all the outlets with just the house batteries and the inverter on and none seemed to be getting powered. I know I need to read the owner's manual and the tons of other paperwork that cam with it, just haven't had time yet.

Thanks!

Ron & Tina

Dacotah · 06-03-2012, 06:42 AM

Xantrex inverters with a remote control panel are a combo of inverter and battery charger. They are available up to 3000 watts, but most from the era of your coach were 2000 watts.These units are still available and could work with your remote. Since yours is missing, what is charging your batteries? Also, most of these have two outputs that are fused at 15 or 20 amps and are only used for specific items such as microwave, TV's and a few outlets. The system automatically switches from line supply to inverter when the supply power is cut off. DACOTAH

Fred and Bonnie · 06-03-2012, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RTN

Hi Fred and Bonnie,

We just purchased an 04 Sea Breeze 8321 and there is an inverter switch by the door. Do you know what is powered with the inverter switch turned on? I checked all the outlets with just the house batteries and the inverter on and none seemed to be getting powered. I know I need to read the owner's manual and the tons of other paperwork that cam with it, just haven't had time yet.

Thanks!

Ron & Tina

Ron depending on the inverter size different outlets will be powered. Our unit has a 1,000W unit and only the front entertainment items and rear TV are powered. We have 2 house batteries. On units with the 2,000W inverter, four batteries are installed just in front of the entry door and most all of the 120V outlets are live.

Any info on how your coach batteries are charged? Some type of charger must have replaced the Xantrex unit?

fred

RTN · 06-05-2012, 08:21 PM

Thanks Fred,

I found the owner's manual and I guess only the front TV is powered by the inverter. The batteries are charged by a converter/charger when ac power is available.

I have another question about our 04 Sea Breeze. Since we bought it used we do not know if some of the noises we hear are normal or indications of a problem. For example, when the engine is running, I hear a hissing sound under the rear part of the coach, like air leaking out of a pressurized system. everything seems to be working fine, but the noise sounds like a leak. And when I'm driving at low speed I hear a noise that sounds a lot like a power steering pump low on fluid, but our fluid level is fine. Does any of that sound normal to you?

Thanks!

Ron & Tina

Fred and Bonnie · 06-05-2012, 09:13 PM

Ron, I presume you have a Workhorse Chassis, if so, it's the fuel pump, quite normal.

The noise up front is the powersteering system that powers the Hydro Boost(?) braking system, also normal. The same system has an electric pump which you will hear when the engine isn't running and you apply the service brakes.

fred