Inverter Time

[frontman]

I will be starting the wiring in my bus soon and I'm having a tough time deciding on an inverter, any suggestions?
I will need it to run two tvs, microwave, fridge, maybe some other small electronics.

[cody]

If you can go with pure sine wave, your electronics prefer it, also the larger the better, anywhere from 2000 watts upwards is a good thing most of the time, also a 3 stage charger built into it is great, along with a remote panel so you can monitor it and make adjustments from time to time, like if you add batteries or change battery types.

[TomC]

Call Dick Wright at Wrico International and talk to him about inverters.  He has a Magnum 2800 watt pure sine wave inverter that he likes.  Remember- if your bus is 12v, then your 120vac appliances will require 10 times the amperage from your batteries to run (10amps @ 120vac= 100amps @ 12vdc).  If your bus is 24v, then your 120vac appliances will require 5 times the amperage from your batteries to run (10amps @ 120vac = 50amps @ 24vdc).  Good Luck, TomC

[cody]

I bought the magnum 2800 too, it's not installed yet but the reports are glowing on it, seems to be a good inverter.

[wayne]

I bought my magnum 4000 watt from Dick @ wrico. They are very knowledgeable and will give you the info to determine what you need.

[luvrbus]

 http://www.donrowe.com has the best prices on the Magnum inverters and they are very knowledgeable about inverters and with no hided cost .
You having a 12 volt system 2800 is about the average watts you are going to get without stacking.
The problem I am having selecting a new inverter as I have 2 stacked 2500w traces MFS now is the power the pure sine use for their operation most take 10% the 2800w is more like a 2500w.  
I want a inverter with load sharing but have been unable to find a unit.
Xantrex made 1 but it is no longer being manufactured that is the problem with those folks you never know from day to day about parts or service.  

good luck

[MattC]

In regards to the Xanterex SW Trace units (http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/43/p/124/pt/4/product.asp)  

I spoke to tech support at some length concerning an in production replacement unit.  The gent said the XW series a direct replacement performance wise, however it is not Cost Guard certified.  I assured him that I could steer clear of pesky Coast Guard involvement.  =)

This tech support fellow (states side) is serious a fan of the Trace line and lamented their passing.  He went on to state that he'd not hesitate to purchase one as they had lots of parts to support them for some time.  He said they were on e-bay quite regularly.

My Two Cents worth.

[bruceknee]

There is a refurb 2800 12v with remote panel that was used for 2 or 3 months and then swapped out with a sw4000 that was to good of a deal to pass up. The owner wants $600.
i have no personal interests in this, just helping move it along to a good home.

[frontman]

Sounds like I will be giving Dick a call. 
Thanks!

[luvrbus]

I would buy a American made inverter I am not a big fan of the China made electronics like some of Xantrex models are now.   good luck

[cody]

I haven't hooked my 2800 in yet cause I still need the remote unit for it, when i can swing the remote unit for it, I'll have a much better report on how it is doing but i have high expectations for it based on what others tell me about the unit.

[frontman]

I just found a used Dimensions 2000w PURE SINE INVERTER.  They are made in MN.  I can get it for $800 and that includes the wire.  It looks like the 2400w sell for about $2300 and this one sold for around $2000.  It looks like a good deal, has anyone heard anything good or bad about the Airpax Dimensions brand?

[pvcces]

HI, Cliff.

Load sharing is pretty common, AFAIK. I think that you must mean generator supplementing. That was a Trace specialty. Their SW and PS lines were both power supplementing designs, IIRC.

If you went with Heart, you have to have a remote to access all of the features.

For what it's worth.

Tom Caffrey

[cody]

Does the demension inverter have a built in charger or ATS? (Automatic Transfer Switch)