Switching from Xantrex to Victron Inverter/Charger

[RV Wanderers]

Has anyone successfully (or otherwise) swapped from the Xantrex 815-3012 Inverter/Charger to the Victron MultiPlus?

I have a ‘17 Entegra Insignia (non Vega Touch) and have only found 1 thread in the Newmar section concerning this kinda of swap.

Any advice/help would be amazing.

Thank you in advance!

[SouthTX]

Originally Posted by RV Wanderers

Has anyone successfully (or otherwise) swapped from the Xantrex 815-3012 Inverter/Charger to the Victron MultiPlus?

I have a ‘17 Entegra Insignia (non Vega Touch) and have only found 1 thread in the Newmar section concerning this kinda of swap.

Any advice/help would be amazing.

Thank you in advance!

I swapped a Magnum inverter/charger for the Victron multiplus. It was essentially a drop-in replacement - all the connections were in the right places. (note that my inverter is located between the frame rails above the midship mounted batteries). The Victron features and software are great, although the learning curve is a little steep. I also added a Victron shunt, Cerbo (communications hub), and the touch panel (which isn't really necessary). It is fantastic to be able to monitor and control my batteries via BT or wifi.



Be aware that you will be relying on the seller for tech support so factor that in when comparing purchase options.

[chopity]

Browsing around ive seen Current Connected listed as a place people recommend with great customer service. I eventually want a multiplus as well and will likely buy from them. current connected

[MacDaddy1111]

I did

Had to run bigger copper to breaker panel

Have 1600 watts solar and 800 lithium

Love it!

[RV Wanderers]

So what components did you guys need to purchase and maybe more importantly where did you mount the Multiplus? Also how did you route the Victron Touch GX inside the motorhome?

I am looking at upgrading my house batteries at the same time from the 2 x L16 AGM at 400AH (200AH usable) to 2 x 12v400AH (800AH usable) at the same time.

We aren’t looking for solar at this time, but really interested in the Victron Power Assist for when we are at older RV parks where the power is less than desirable.

From what I am seeing, I will need:

- Lithium batteries
- Lithium battery isolation manager
- Victron Shunt
- Victron Multiplus II
- Victron Cerbo GX
- Victron Touch GX

If anyone could post details of their set up and pictures (worth a thousand words) would be amazing.

Thank you in advance!

[SouthTX]

Originally Posted by RV Wanderers

So what components did you guys need to purchase and maybe more importantly where did you mount the Multiplus? Also how did you route the Victron Touch GX inside the motorhome?

I am looking at upgrading my house batteries at the same time from the 2 x L16 AGM at 400AH (200AH usable) to 2 x 12v400AH (800AH usable) at the same time.

We aren’t looking for solar at this time, but really interested in the Victron Power Assist for when we are at older RV parks where the power is less than desirable.

From what I am seeing, I will need:

- Lithium batteries
- Lithium battery isolation manager
- Victron Shunt
- Victron Multiplus II
- Victron Cerbo GX
- Victron Touch GX

If anyone could post details of their set up and pictures (worth a thousand words) would be amazing.

Thank you in advance!

First, I should say that all the "experts" told me that I needed the Multiplus II rather than the straight Multiplus because I had a 50 amp (2 leg) connection. From just looking at the inverter schematic that's what you would think, but that's not how my coach is wired. I have a single 30amp breaker for the inverter in the overhead panel and the Multiplus is what I needed and what I installed. The II is quite a bit larger (although not much more expensive) and would have been tough to fit. YMMV. Mine is mounted between the frame rails in exactly the same position as the Magnum was and required no additional wiring.

You'll love the Li batteries and the Li time brand is very attractive. I had one of them in a prior RV and was impressed by their service and, in practice, can't tell any difference from the "high priced spread" installed in my current Aspire. They have a variety of discounts available and can beat the price on Amazon.

Your equipment list is basically what I have and am very happy with - with the exception of the II, which I didn't need and you may not. There is a Cerbo-S which omits a feature I didn't need and priced a few bucks less. I find that the Touch 50 I installed really isn't needed as I can do everything from my phone. I used an extension HDMI cord and ran the wires above the AH bay and up through the cabinet.

One more thing you'll want is the USB interface (MX??) for programming. There are two versions USB-A and USB-C depending on what you want to connect - laptop or phone. I've never taken my laptop to the bay as I can do everything I need to do with my phone.


FWIW, in my installation I no longer have access to the switch and lights on the front of the Multiplus. However, with the Cerbo I can control and program everything from my phone (and don't have to lay on my back in the basement).


If your existing battery cables would fit the new batteries, the only additional thing you'll need are two short cables to put the shunt inline in the neg cable and a fuse in the positive. Be sure to get welding cable. Amazon has some 4/0 kits with bulk wire, terminals and shrink. If I was wiring one from scratch, I'd also wire a battery switch. Get a 1/2/both switch in case you ever need to balance the batteries (I never have had to). Of course, you'll need a couple more cables and buss bars for that.

Despite rumors to the contrary, Lithium batteries may actually be pretty much drop-in conversions. Or, you may take advantage of the opportunity to add some whistles and bells (like a battery switch and shunt). Either way, you'll love both the Li batteries and the Victron equipment.


As mentioned previously, you'll get tech support from your Victron equipment vendor and they can help you tweak your list. I used InvertersRus and they preprogrammed the inverter for my installation.


Please keep us in the loop and let us know how it goes.

[RV Wanderers]

Thanks for all of the information/help. I greatly appreciate it.

Any other suggestions/things to watch out for?

[RV Wanderers]

Originally Posted by SouthTX

First, I should say that all the "experts" told me that I needed the Multiplus II rather than the straight Multiplus because I had a 50 amp (2 leg) connection. From just looking at the inverter schematic that's what you would think, but that's not how my coach is wired. I have a single 30amp breaker for the inverter in the overhead panel and the Multiplus is what I needed and what I installed. The II is quite a bit larger (although not much more expensive) and would have been tough to fit. YMMV. Mine is mounted between the frame rails in exactly the same position as the Magnum was and required no additional wiring.

You'll love the Li batteries and the Li time brand is very attractive. I had one of them in a prior RV and was impressed by their service and, in practice, can't tell any difference from the "high priced spread" installed in my current Aspire. They have a variety of discounts available and can beat the price on Amazon.

Your equipment list is basically what I have and am very happy with - with the exception of the II, which I didn't need and you may not. There is a Cerbo-S which omits a feature I didn't need and priced a few bucks less. I find that the Touch 50 I installed really isn't needed as I can do everything from my phone. I used an extension HDMI cord and ran the wires above the AH bay and up through the cabinet.

One more thing you'll want is the USB interface (MX??) for programming. There are two versions USB-A and USB-C depending on what you want to connect - laptop or phone. I've never taken my laptop to the bay as I can do everything I need to do with my phone.


FWIW, in my installation I no longer have access to the switch and lights on the front of the Multiplus. However, with the Cerbo I can control and program everything from my phone (and don't have to lay on my back in the basement).


If your existing battery cables would fit the new batteries, the only additional thing you'll need are two short cables to put the shunt inline in the neg cable and a fuse in the positive. Be sure to get welding cable. Amazon has some 4/0 kits with bulk wire, terminals and shrink. If I was wiring one from scratch, I'd also wire a battery switch. Get a 1/2/both switch in case you ever need to balance the batteries (I never have had to). Of course, you'll need a couple more cables and buss bars for that.

Despite rumors to the contrary, Lithium batteries may actually be pretty much drop-in conversions. Or, you may take advantage of the opportunity to add some whistles and bells (like a battery switch and shunt). Either way, you'll love both the Li batteries and the Victron equipment.


As mentioned previously, you'll get tech support from your Victron equipment vendor and they can help you tweak your list. I used InvertersRus and they preprogrammed the inverter for my installation.


Please keep us in the loop and let us know how it goes.

Did you mount the Victron in the same location (in between rails) as the Xantrex was located? Any chance you could post or send me some pics (visual person….LOL).

[Taildragger]

I currently have a defective Xantrex PRO XM 1800 Inverter that I want to replace. Should be a Simple DIY project. I have read other reviews and am lead to believe the Xantrex label is known for a history of high failure rates. Those with the experience recommend moving to alternative brands. With Vistron being mentioned most oftwn.

At first, I wrote to XAntrex Support with a question about suitability issues to consider when replacing with their brand. The company advertising alludes to model variations offered to accommodate connection types. No response!

Victron doesn't reply to my questions directly. Instead, they forward my correspondence to licensed dealers who reply with offers to engineer solutions. All expecting exorbitant consulting fees.

I don't need a wiring diagram designed. I merely want to discard the defective Xantrex and plug in a replacement. The wiring exists.

Where do those wanting replacement parts go. Local RV Dealerships have unrecognizable labels on their shelves.

[SouthTX]

Originally Posted by RV Wanderers

Did you mount the Victron in the same location (in between rails) as the Xantrex was located? Any chance you could post or send me some pics (visual person….LOL).

I replaced a Magnum with a Victron so my installation may be different from yours. Mine was and is mounted between the rails above the battery compartment which is forward of the tanks. The Magnum was bolted to two cross pieces which spanned the rails. The Victron is actually mounted to the top of the battery compartment in essentially the same position.

[SouthTX]

Originally Posted by Taildragger

I currently have a defective Xantrex PRO XM 1800 Inverter that I want to replace. Should be a Simple DIY project. I have read other reviews and am lead to believe the Xantrex label is known for a history of high failure rates. Those with the experience recommend moving to alternative brands. With Vistron being mentioned most oftwn.

At first, I wrote to XAntrex Support with a question about suitability issues to consider when replacing with their brand. The company advertising alludes to model variations offered to accommodate connection types. No response!

Victron doesn't reply to my questions directly. Instead, they forward my correspondence to licensed dealers who reply with offers to engineer solutions. All expecting exorbitant consulting fees.

I don't need a wiring diagram designed. I merely want to discard the defective Xantrex and plug in a replacement. The wiring exists.

Where do those wanting replacement parts go. Local RV Dealerships have unrecognizable labels on their shelves.

Victron works a little different from other manufacturers in that they have authorized dealers (many of which are more interested in installs than equipment sales). Tech support comes from these authorized dealers.



I'd suggest you call one of the big internet dealers. Generally, if you ask a sales person a question they can't answer they will send you to their tech people.



The Victron website victronenergy.com has lots of information including manuals that will give you all the dimensions, etc. Be aware that the Victron equipment can be a little overwhelming at first with LOTS of options and multiple pieces of equipment that will do the same job.



It can be like drinking from a fire hose, but, in my case, I found it to be worth the effort as I love the Victron equipment. I used InvertersRus and found them very helpful.

[Taildragger]

The Victron website victronenergy.com has lots of information including manuals that will give you all the dimensions, etc. Be aware that the Victron equipment can be a little overwhelming at first with LOTS of options and multiple pieces of equipment that will do the same job.

Thanks for the lead. As you said, their website is directed at those who want information details about their product line.

[Dapperdann]

I'm currently in the process of installing a Victron MultiPlus 2 in my 1997 Country Coach, replacing the old Freedom 20 inverter. However, I'm facing an issue where the outlets that were powered by the old inverter are not receiving power. The Victron seems to be supplying power to all the breakers in the panel. I'm wondering if there's a need to combine the wires that were originally connected to the old inverter. Any guidance or advice on resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated."

[SouthTX]

I have no idea how your coach is wired so I may be way off base, but I replaced my single Magnum inverter with a Multiplus (not II). Tech support at the place I bought it insisted that I had two 50 amp legs coming into the RV so I needed the II because the Multiplus II schematic showed two legs coming in. I probably would have taken his advice except that the II would not fit in the space of the old inverter. After I tracked down how the RV was wired I realized that tech support was right except that he didn't understand how my RV was wired and I didn't need the II.
I don't know if any of this makes sense, but I suggest you check how your RV is wired. Spend a little time sorting out what breakers are on what leg and what leg the Multiplus connects to and I think you'll find your answer.