:help:
My 23 y.o. Xantrex finally passed a few days ago. After a month of use in 106+ heat in Austin, it decided to let go on a nice cool morning under low load. The crackly and black smoke was impressive.
I've read many of the forum entries on this subject but I thought I would check in on current recommendations since some of the best entries are over 10 years old.
My friends at Foretravel are recommending the Xantrex 815-3012 as a replacement. This unit appears to be a large box, that I'm not sure would fit in the same spot, as the wall mount 2500 that just clears the lip of my Joey bed. I'd love to have an easy swap.
I was thinking the 2000 watt version of this might work well enough given that the AMP draw might be the same, and the physical size looks similar. I'm happy with the O.E. Dometic, which is happily still cold running propane currently. As long as I can continue to run my LG Convection Oven and my AC in our Texas summers I've always had enough power.
What are the current thoughts?
A repair guy in Austin is recommending a Victron Multiplus.
Edit: went with a xantrex xc 2000 pro, with Bluetooth panel since I was onsite and it was available nearby. Total cost was $1600 installed and the guy was a very competent self buisness owner that is also a licensed dealer for support.
Mine was replaced with a Xantrex 3000 before we acquired the coach, I replaced it with the Xantrex sw3012. I am happy with it but if I had it to do all over again due to failure, I would go with the Multiplus just because all my other electronics are Victron. It mounts on the wall that has the propane on the other side and sits on the floor to lessen the load of the mounting bolts.
My Zantrex 3000 is good to go after 3 years. Happy so far
I like my Victron Multi 3000.
There might be an easier swap with another brand.
I bought from Bay Marine supply in San Diego, and received great advice from Alan when purchasing all the components of my Victron system. A ForeForum discount was also available.
I might chose a different supplier now. I had hoped that when it came to programming I could have it done by them remotely, This option is mentioned in the Multi manual. This option was not possible from them (through out the Victron publications they always mention having the programming done by a Electrical engineer). Bay Marine told me that I would need to contact an installer for this service. The installer I was given by them would not do it since they did not install it. I found little to no customer support directly from Victron.
I had the Multi, 2 Victron charge controllers, the 700 series voltage gauge, and the Victron Color monitor to program together and marry to 10 house batteries and 6 solar panels. A little help would have been great from them.
My coach came with a Magnum 2812 which I installed and they have great customer service.
I also did a Victron 3000 swap when the Prosine let go., it's a direct swap, so easy. I've had many right with Xantrex, I'm not a fan. If you need a great place to buy with support, Contact AM Solar in Oregon, or Battleborn Battery in Reno, NV. Both places will be a huge help, Battleborn will do all the settings before they ship. Or FB Solar Groups
OSIN, Was the Victron 3000 the Multiplus II you installed? I also have a 2003 U295 also with the Xantrex Prosine 2500. I need House Batteries now and there on sale at Battle Born, also some of there other items are 15% off, Inverters / Chargers as package deals and was thinking about changing out the Xantrex. Did you change the voltage / battery display above the stove? Was your Xantrex the first thing left side in the electrical bay with the Air Compressor and Hydraulic Pump wasn't sure if there was a different arrangement between the 36ft and the 40ft. My unit is a 36ft. Thanks' for the info. Mike
Yes, we swapped the Vic 3000 Multiplus Inverter in the same location drivers side with the Pump/Compressor. We just removed the Xantrex display and put a blank cover on since you can just use the VE Bus Smart Dongle bluetooth and phone to view/turn on-off without all the cable routing. You could purchase the remote display, and mount it in the bay for local control (digital multi control 200). I actually have one, made a sleek hardwood enclosure for it, never installed, t was going into a previous van I built.
As far as Batteries, you can use the Game Changers from Battle Born, I like them and used BB in other rigs, but I'm now a bigger fan of Lithionics Batteries. These are UL Listed and built to an industrial standard. I really like the single 320AH E2107 GTX , and I'm using 3 of the 130AH versions in Winnebago Revel right now, factory had 2 and I added one. Personally I avoid the EBay/Amazon no name lithium Batts. Good luck!
I have not owned a Xantrex, but loving my Victron. An easy swap, you would just have to make some adjustments in the software for the battery chemistry you are using.
Kevin
OSIN, Thank You for the reply! I'll check out the Lithionics 320AH E2107 GTX.
I will have the same usable power as 3 8D Gel Cells, same with BB Game Changers, but you'll need 2 of those, if you boondock, it's worth it