Question for inverter experts, another? added.

[scanzel]

If you had a choice between a Xantrex SW4024 MC2, Magnum MS4024 or an Outback VFX 3524 what would you choose and why.  There's a Xantrex SW 4024MC2 on ebay for sale. I contacted the person and he says it is brand new and is 2002 dated, he states that after 2004 they are made in China, true or false. Opinions, should I go for it, seems to be a good price for it. Also what about neutral/ground switching? My understanding is that it does not do it and that an additional relay will be needed for that.

[Jerry Liebler]

Absolutely hands down the SW4024!    It is the only one that allows you to select a shore cord size and then if your load exceeds that setting it will supply power from the house battery.  This means you can start things like air conditioners when connected to a small shore outlet by a long extension cord.  Also it has a full 60 amps of automatic transfer and surge capability and a built in generator autostart system.   I have the 12 volt cousin in the SW2512 MC2, it has the same software but has lower capability both continuous and surge.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120

[Brian Diehl]

I own an early model Outback FX2024.  It has one and only one advantage.  It is extremely efficient.  Look up the efficiency charts at very low and heavy loads and you will see what I mean.  However, if I had to do it over I would have bought the SW series inverter knowing how I use the coach now.  The ability to supplement the shore cord is an advantage that really can't be overstated.

[Devin & Amy]

Brian said:
The ability to supplement the shore cord is an advantage that really can't be overstated.

Jerry said:
It is the only one that allows you to select a shore cord size and then if your load exceeds that setting it will supply power from the house battery.

This was the key for me as well.
The real question here is "How are YOU going to use your coach?"
if you ever need to hook up to a 30 amp in the summer and try to run both a/c's you will need supplemental power.
if you want to park in a friend's backyard and run an extension cord you will need supplemental power.

HTH
Devin

[Jerry32]

Yes I chose the SW4024+ as we;; since it will do all of the above and be a transfer sw for the line cord and generator. For RV use I think it is the one Jerry

[Dreamscape]

I noticed they are all 24V. Any good 12V models out there?

Paul

[Devin & Amy]

Paul,

The only one I know of in the Xantrex SW series is the 2512-- 2500 watt-- 12 volt
If there are others  in a larger size out there I am ignorant of them.
Devin

[H3Jim]

24  volts is definetly a good way to go, especially at the higher power ratings.  Go 24 volt is you can, if practical in your coach.

I have a 24 volt bus sytem, so it worked well, as I also tied in the bus alternator to charge the house bats.  You can also use smaller wire to do 24 volts.

[NewbeeMC9]

Not an expert but have a SW4024,  dunno about the otherones
-Dont forget that it has an automatically controlled 3 stage battery charger.(Temperatue compensated )
-And you can stack them to make extra juice.
-can make it monitor and observe quiet hours. will start genny and charge right before quiet hours
-made originally to sell power back to the grid.
-economical compared to buying the separate parts and there controlled automatically not manually
-automatically will syncronize genny, shorepower, inverter power.  no need to turn everything off and back on
-takes up less space than all the parts seperate
-u may not use it all but your options later wil be more
- has search mode that i use when parked only comes on for a load so really cuts losses,  i leave the fridge on

just to name a few

[Dreamscape]

I have a 12 v coach, 12 v house batts, what is the purpose to use a 24 v inverter? Am I missing something? This is one area I am not familiar with.

Thanks,

Paul

[NewbeeMC9]

I have a 12 v coach, 12 v house batts, what is the purpose to use a 24 v inverter? Am I missing something? This is one area I am not familiar with.

Thanks,

Paul

my small opinion-  prolly not worth switching to 24 volt,  my bus is 24volt and the inverter was there when i bought it. 

there are 12v SW series  I believe the 2512 is 2500watt 12v dc.  believe it does all the same stuff

IHTH

[scanzel]

Thanks for all the replies, I am staying mostly 24 volts as the bus is 24v. I just want to make the best possible choice on the inverter. I am looking at 24v marine refrigertors and freezers and other 24v items, even plan on reusing some of the original 24v lighting etc. Some of my stuff will be 12v, Proheat heating, radio etc.

[edroelle]

If you buy a large inverter like an SW4024, why wouldn't you utilize it and purchase less expensive 110 volt refrigerator and freezer?

Ed Roelle
Flint, MI

[H3Jim]

Ed,

My criteria has  been efficiency, not $.  I boondock a lot, or if in a campground, many times I never hook up - it gives great flexibility in parking.  The inverter is there when I need it, but when I don't, I can turn it off and save power overnight.  I leave my refrigerator (24 v) running all the time, the inverter off.  With solar power I never fall below 90% charge unless I'm staying in it and watch tv or listen to the stereo at night. 

The solar power is a little pricey, but a great resource and totally quiet.

Paul,
24 volt is more efficient, and you can use smaller wires.  In my case, since the bus is also 24 volt, I was able to tie them together while the bus engine is running.  If you already have a 12 volt system (and its working like you want it), and the bus is 12 volt, I'm not sure it would be worth it to change it all out.

[Dreamscape]

Thanks Ed, I think I will stick with the 12 v. Everything works great. Just trying to do some research before deciding which way to go.

I'll keep watching this thread, sorry if I hijacked it Scanzel.

Paul