Inverters Outback or Xantrex

[scanzel]

I am in the process of trying to decide which one to go with. I like the setup that Outback power offers but it is getting very pricey with the solar attached. What are the rest of you using and how big are your systems. I am not sure at this point what type of rving we will be doing because I am not retired yet, still 5 years out but would like to make sure I install it now and not have to redo it latter. Thank You. Steve C. 

[Brian Diehl]

I own an early mobile version of the 24v Outback inverter.  I love it!  It is very efficient, even at very low power draws.  The biggest negative to the Outback is the lack of "generator support".  This means when you are plugged into a camp site power pole with marginal power and want to run a bunch of electric goodies you are restricted to either a)  ALL power coming from your batteries, or b) manually managing the loads to keep them below the power available at the pole.  Keep this issue in mind when choosing an inverter and if you plan to spend much time on the pole in state parks (where I usually have marginal power problems here in MN) you may want to get an inverter with "generator support". 

NOTE:  "Generator Support" means that if you need 20amps of AC power and the power pole is only able to give you 15amps the inverter will kick in and supply the difference (20-15=5amps) of power from your battery bank.  This is a great feature for when using appliances/Air Conditioners that might exceed your input power for a few minutes and then go back below the input power so the inverter can go back into charge mode and recharge the power used in the batteries.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Scanzel,

Xantrex RS 3000 sine wave, w/ 150a 3-stage charger, 2 true-legs of 50amp, intellegent keypad w/ display of all parameters,

I love all the monitoring capabilitys it has . 12v amps and volts in and out, both 50a legs in and out, charge state, saftys.

Automatic gen start, and built in 50a transfer switch.

Good luck
Nick-

[TomC]

I have a 12 year old 2500 watt Trace inverter/charger (in '95 it was the best one made).  What I like-three stage battery charging with choice of battery type and temp control; quickness in changing to inverter mode; been 100% reliable.  What I don't like-it is strictly inverter or charger only; modified sine wave (true sine wave wasn't financially reasonable then) that causes the microwave to buzz and some motors to run slower (the bath heater works perfectly while the stove hood vent runs slower-different types of motors); no gen interface.  Xantrex makes a beautiful inverter now with all the features that I'd like.  But I'm one that just doesn't throw out a perfectly running piece of equipment just to have better features when the one you have runs well.  So if and when my present inverter goes south, I'll spend the money for the new upgraded version of the Xantrex that has auto gen start and power pole reinforcing technology.  Believe me when I say that you will use the inverter/charger alot more than you think, and having one that doesn't have the features that you wanted just because you wanted to save a few bucks will eat at you.  Personally-my theory is to wait to buy the right and desired item, rather than to buy the El Cheapo version (especially in the RV stores that are packed with unbelieveably cheap crap that breaks quickly or doesn't perform correctly.  Check out the same item at a Marine supply store) now just to have it-it saves having to buy two of them-first the El Cheapo one, then buying the one you should have bought in the first place. Good Luck, TomC

[gr8njt]

I am in the process of trying to decide which one to go with. I like the setup that Outback power offers but it is getting very pricey with the solar attached. What are the rest of you using and how big are your systems. I am not sure at this point what type of rving we will be doing because I am not retired yet, still 5 years out but would like to make sure I install it now and not have to redo it latter. Thank You. Steve C. 

I was in the same boat as you are as recent as 2 months ago. After a lot of comparison shopping, research and finally deciding that Pure Sine wave is the only way for me, (with all the sine wave sensitive electronic equipment I have), the price difference between manufacturers was going to be the factor that could make it or break it. If you take two wattage-identical inverters like Xantrex & Outback and compare their functions, you'll find out that certain functions in the inverter will significantly bump the price a bit.

Like Brian Diehl said about the lack of "generator support" of his older Outback, Xantrex (eg SW4024) will supply the difference from the battery bank automatically for over amp demand from the grid. Features (bells and whistles) like these add a bit to the price tag, however with the recent prices of Xantrex coming down, the $1900 delivered price of the SW4024 is now in the same price range as the 4KW Outback.

Both are good inverters but I picked the Xantrex SW4024.

[DrivingMissLazy]

Steve, lots of things can happen in five years. I know there has been a lot of changes in the past five years. I would suggest you make this one of your last decisions before you retire.
Richard

[Skykingrob]

Hey Gr8NJT
Where did you find the SW4024 for $1900? I recently got a quote from Dick Wright at $2900. I sure would like to save that $1K if at all possible.

Rob

[scanzel]

To SkyKingRob have you ever checked ebay out some of the solar suppliers right now have them within that price. Go to Google and type in Xantrex inverters and you can also find them that way.

[Gary '79 5C]

SkyKingRob,
Not sure where you are located, however if on the East Coast you might wish to contact Chris at Tekris in Farmingdale NJ. He is a real straight shooter and could hook you up with new & or factory refurbished Xantrex equipment.
I bought a 2000 watt unit about a year ago and it works great, It was a factory refurb.
His Number is 732- 938 - 4996.

Good Luck,
Gary
P.S. What might chance do you fly
I own and operate a C182.

[gr8njt]

Hey Gr8NJT
Where did you find the SW4024 for $1900? I recently got a quote from Dick Wright at $2900. I sure would like to save that $1K if at all possible.

Rob

Just PM'd you the sellers eBay ID I bought from. Brand new. Paid 1849.00 + 79 UPS ground