Community Forums

Loochy · 11-01-2015, 01:33 PM

Hi, I am new to this forum and new to owing a Class A Motorhome. I just recently replaced my Class C with a 2002 35 ft. Class A Holiday Rambler Vacationer. My Class C was a relatively plain model, no slides or generator, but enjoyed our time with it however we knew it was time to move on to upgrade somewhat.

I have read the manuals on the new unit, and they are somewhat overwelming compared to our previous unit. One of my first questions on this forum is related to the Freedom Combi Inverter/Charger. Can someone tell me whether I can leave the motorhome plugged into a 120v garage outlet and not have to worry about over charging the 4/six v batteries in the coach? I also have one battery for the main engine start and other accessories eg/electic step ect. I live in part of Canada that sees extreme cold winters and I use to take the batteries out of our Class C for the winter as it was simple to do. However this one seems more complicated.

Cat320 · 11-01-2015, 05:31 PM

It depends on your charger. If you have a smart charger, you can leave it plugged in.

Loochy · 11-02-2015, 04:10 PM

Hi. Well I have read about as much as I can on this Inverter/Charger. I haven't read anything about it being a "Smart Inverter/charger" however it appears that it is a 3 stage unit. I assume that would make it Smart so I will go with that. I will monitor and top up the Batteries as needed and in time I'm sure I will get more and more familiar with it.

Thanks for the Info

phays · 11-02-2015, 05:10 PM

How about the model number of the charger? And, do you have a control panel for it in the coach?

Gary RVRoamer · 11-03-2015, 05:56 AM

The Freedom 458 Combi is plenty smart. It's a 3-stage charger as well as a an inverter and has an auto transfer switch as well.

mel s · 11-03-2015, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loochy

Hi, I am new to this forum and new to owing a Class A Motorhome. I just recently replaced my Class C with a 2002 35 ft. Class A Holiday Rambler Vacationer. My Class C was a relatively plain model, no slides or generator, but enjoyed our time with it however we knew it was time to move on to upgrade somewhat.

I have read the manuals on the new unit, and they are somewhat overwelming compared to our previous unit. One of my first questions on this forum is related to the Freedom Combi Inverter/Charger. Can someone tell me whether I can leave the motorhome plugged into a 120v garage outlet and not have to worry about over charging the 4/six v batteries in the coach? I also have one battery for the main engine start and other accessories eg/electic step ect. I live in part of Canada that sees extreme cold winters and I use to take the batteries out of our Class C for the winter as it was simple to do. However this one seems more complicated.

My coach has the Freedom 20 (2000 watt) Combi inverter/charger.
My coach is always plugged in unless we are on the road or boondocking and has been for all of the 14 years I've owned it.
If the adjustable charge settings of the Freedom Combi are set properly for the house batteries in your coach.... your inverter/charger will not overcharge those house batteries.

BTW not all coaches are wired so that the inverter/charger charges the chassis battery, (aka: "the main engine start battery").
Some folks add an accessory charger, (like a Trik-L-Start or Echo Charger), to keep the chassis battery up when connected to shore power.
(However I have found that a add on charger is NOT necessary).

Mel
'96 Safari, 144k miles

Loochy · 11-03-2015, 11:47 AM

Yes I do have a Remote control Box mounted in the wall and the model is 458. From everything I have read and the private conversation I had with Gary I am now comfortable with what I know.

Thanks again Gary and also to the rest of you. I can see myself needing alot of advice as time goes on.