Inverter help

[PNW Fireguy]

I am fortunate enough to reside nearby several local companies involved in the inverter or solar peripherals industries. However it is not a common practice for companies to point out any challenges they may be facing with their production and/or QA of their products. I am looking to purchase a 3000 watt pure sine wave inverter as a part of a solar install for our 3440RL. I have narrowed my choices down to three hybrids Victron's Quattro 3000VA 12v model, Xantrex SW3012 and Magnum's MSH3012. I have been hearing some negative regarding what I guess I would characterize as undesired results of acquisitions and production relocations. I am looking for feedback from anyone with experience with either of these models or general satisfaction or dissatisfaction with like recent purchases from either of the manufacturers. I am just hoping to make a smart purchase one time. Thanks in advance.

[DQDick]

I have a Xantrex 4,000 watt model and the only real problem with them is that if you damage it (our case) or it has an issue you have to replace the whole thing. No replacement modules are available and the codes it throws don't mean anything to anyone even their authorized dealers.

[mjammersc]

I have a Magnum 2812 (not a hybrid) that I installed this spring. It is a great inverter/charger and a very substantial piece of hardware that I'm happy with so far. I've never owned Xantrax but during some work field testing at a customer location, they had them and we went through 2 of them in a week for unknown reasons.

[Drifty1]

I have the Magnum 3012 Hybrid in our trailer. I spent quite a bit of time looking for the best unit for our solar install and this one works great. I like that it will load share if needed when I am hooked up to a 20 amp shore power. We have not had any issues with it.

[PNW Fireguy]

Thanks guys for your input. Larry how long ago did you purchase your Magnum? From what I can find both of the US manufacturer's models were well reviewed products. From the chatter I have read online it appears they both are having QC issues as relocating production from Everett and Arlington. That is my concern that I will spend more time down then camping. In addition with one of those US manufacturers there are no replaceable parts it's a case of shipping the unit back to the manufacturer.

[rdklein2]

I also have the non-hybrid Magnum 3012 (factory reconditioned) have had no problems to date, using it every day. Purchased March of this year. Where is Magnum relocating their factory to?

[PNW Fireguy]

Magnum was sold sometime ago and their assembly/manufacturing has been moved to Mexico.

[PNW Fireguy]

Thanks for the feedback. Circumstances presented themselves in a way that was hard to pass up. I have so far gone with a Magnum msh-3012 hybrid pure sine wave inverter, BMK, AGS-N and ME-ARC50 along with a Midnite Solar Classic 150 MPPT. All are headquartered in my back yard which was added bonus. Now left with deciding on solar panels and batteries.

[rames14]

We have a 2000 watt Xantrex and have not had any issues with the unit. It is the inverter/charger. It has been installed almost a year and a half.

[PNW Fireguy]

Ron I gave a lot of serious consideration to Xantrex's current hybrid pure sine wave model the sw3012. I ultimately decided to go with the hybrid offering from Victron when a once in a lifetime opportunity to get my hands on the the Magnum hybrid presented itself. The opportunity was too good to pass up.

[TLightning]

quote:Originally posted by mjammersc

I have a Magnum 2812 (not a hybrid) that I installed this spring. It is a great inverter/charger and a very substantial piece of hardware that I'm happy with so far. I've never owned Xantrax but during some work field testing at a customer location, they had them and we went through 2 of them in a week for unknown reasons.

We had a 2812 in a motor home, worked fine for years. They also have an excellent tech support line.

Somebody mentioned moving to Mexico...the help line is still in Everett, WA.

[rames14]

PNW Fireguy, I would have gone with Magnum but our dealer was used to Xantrex. And, they messed up the pricing. Got the inverter charger, control panel, sub panel and install for $2k. I had them wire the main floor and the Travl'r satellite dish. I want to be able to watch TV at night and morning and brew a pot of coffee without the generator disturbing neighbors.

[PNW Fireguy]

Ron, you peaked my curiosity a bit with your last response. While I do not have the same model coach as you I have a similar generator. I just put in an Onan generator in the front compartment. Everyone I know is recommending I do not put the inverter in the front compartment where I had originally intended but rather on the opposite side of the compartment wall in the basement. Which brings me too my question, I am deciding on battery replacements for the two OEM 12V batteries supplied with the coach. I know that I have ample weight carrying capacity, the added weight in the truck will not be an issue either. However the remaining floor space in the front compartment post generator install is very limited. What are you using for batteries? I looked at L16's (I would like to get free from the cord a bit) but I can't see fitting 6 of them in the space leftover.

[Drifty1]

quote:Originally posted by PNW Fireguy

Thanks guys for your input. Larry how long ago did you purchase your Magnum? From what I can find both of the US manufacturer's models were well reviewed products. From the chatter I have read online it appears they both are having QC issues as relocating production from Everett and Arlington. That is my concern that I will spend more time down then camping. In addition with one of those US manufacturers there are no replaceable parts it's a case of shipping the unit back to the manufacturer.

I have had mine running for 18 months with no problems. I have it running all the time but I put the charging side in standby as I have 1300 watts of solar to do my charging. The hybrid side is very handy when plugged into a 20 shore power. I love this unit and for $1,900 I do not think you can get anything better. Contact Bay Marine for pricing..

[PNW Fireguy]

Thanks for the input Ron. The Magnum pricing has changed a bit over time and it a bit higher than what you were able to get it for. I got mine for considerable less. It was a once in a lifetime situation. I too am installing solar. The last items on my list are batteries and panels. I am a little concerned that I will not be able to fit enough batteries in my front compartment now that my available real estate has been reduced by the installation of a generator.

[Lenny K]

[quote The last items on my list are batteries and panels. I am a little concerned that I will not be able to fit enough batteries in my front compartment now that my available real estate has been reduced by the installation of a generator.
[/quote]

You can always go with 4 vice 6 batteries. I have been using 4 x 6 volt batteries for the last 9 years and have ample capacity. We spend almost 5 months every year in Quartzsite and very seldom use our Honda generator. We watch satellite tv every night for 5 hours and use the electric coffee pot and toaster every morning. Last year we used the generator twice for a total of 4 1/2 hours.

[PNW Fireguy]

Thanks Lenny that is an option. I just figured I would throw it out there and see is maybe someone has already been down the road I am on. Thanks again.

[rames14]

Our dealer mounted ours in the basement on the floor opposite door side. This way, you keep the cable run to the batteries short. We are running (4) Interstate golf cart 6v batteries. We also added a Bogart meter inside the electronic cabinet inside the coach. I have two Honda 2000's in the bed of the truck.

[Kimo]

I use the Xantrex 2000 pro watt inverter linked to 4 6 volt golf cart batteries. They are charged with Renogy Eclipse 100 watt solar panels and a 40 watt Commander controller. I went with the Eclipse panels because they are smaller and about 3% more efficient then standard mono panels. It was mostly a room issue for me. More panels in a smaller area.