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Topic: Freedom 25 replacement? (Read 1090 times) previous topic - next topic

Freedom 25 replacement?

When I replace this unit. What is the hot setup for replacement. I used a 9460 with a remote genie on my Bounder
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #1 –
Much of that answer depends on what you want it to be able to do.

If just be a smart charger, there are a lot less expensive options.

And if you want the inverter option, what do you plan to run on it? 
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #2 –
Just a replacement for the 25 with same features. Hopefully this 25 will last a few more years
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #3 –
Sort of running on borrowed time here.  When inverter/chargers go they are done.  Maybe doing it on your time frame when you have time to get what you want, do it right.  Then you aren't stuck some place where choices, time and tools are not in your favor.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #4 –
When I replaced my freedom 25 a couple years ago, I bought a Magnum MS2812.  I did have to modify the metal frame hanger since the magnum was a couple inches wider than the old inverter.

1998 U320 40'
2005 GMC Yukon
MC# 17609

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #5 –

You ask, "what is the hot setup"?  This should depend on your current needs, future needs, and budget.  Half of what you hear from others and me may be wrong, because it is based on our experience, needs, and budget.  Your experience, needs, and budget will be different. Do your research, spend your money, and enjoy.

It sounds like you had one of these, Progressive  Dynamics  PD9260C, in your Bounder, as did I in a Bounder I owned.  Also one was in my current FT U295, installed by the previous owner, probaby because the charger had gone out. I fixed the installed Freedom 25 charger, not working, with a hard reset and then soon after replaced it with the Xantrex SW2000 to primarily gain pure sine wave current, and a more modern charger. Also the previous owner may have thought the PD9260C to be a better charger, for most it is. I've since replaced it and the Freedom 25 with a Xantrex SW2000 as below.
PD9260C - 60 Amp RV Converter/Charger - Progressive Dynamics

This is the unit I now have, a SW2000.  I chose it because I thought I only needed a 100 amp charger and I did not have to upgrade the factory 110v wiring to a larger awg size.  With hindsight, I wish I chose the SW3000 with 150 amp charger and two 30 amp legs instead of one 30 amp leg in the SW2000, for the slight price increase.
Xantrex 815-2012 Freedom SW Series 2000 Watt Inverter/Charger Amazon.com: Xantrex 815-2012 Freedom SW Series 2000 Watt Inverter/Charger:...

This is the unit I wish I'd purchased because it has a 150 amp charger most importantly  to me, and two 30 amp legs instead of one 30 amp leg.  At present, I'd have to compare it carefully with the Victron Multiplus 3000 and their other available units thru Bay Marine in San Diego.
Xantrex 815-3012 Freedom SW Series 3000 Watt Inverter/Charger 3000 Amazon.com: Xantrex 815-3012 Freedom SW Series 3000 Watt Inverter/Charger:... 

This is in my opinion the least expensive, quality, with most needed features for the $$$ unit, that I would use to replace your Freedom 25. It is a Xantrex XC2000, for only approximately $650.
Xantrex Freedom XC 2000 817-2080  Power Inverter Amazon.com: Xantrex Freedom XC 2000 817-2080 Power Inverter: Automotive

Here are pictures of a forum members installation of the above inexpensive Xantrex XC2000.

See reply #109 from The Soft Bolders, in their thread "Preventative maintenance and possible battery upgrade"
Preventative maintenance and possible battery upgrade

Many forum members have had excellent results with Victron and Magnum units which you can research here on the forum. This is the only place I would buy a Victron or Magnum unit from due to their excellent reputation, support, and Victron's distribution  channel making you depend on your dealer for first line support.
Victron MultiPlus 24 Volt / 3000 VA / 120 Amp Pure Sine Wave Inverter/Charger

Victron and Magnum are excellent manufacturers. There is much good information on these manufacturers here on the forum.

Good luck with your upgrade.

Do your research, remember it is your money, only you know your budget and needs. 

My experience has been that this is one area it does not pay to cut corners,  and make fast decisions. 





As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Jack L –

Many forum members have had excellent results with Victron units which you can research here on the forum. This is the only place I would buy a Victron unit from due to their excellent reputation, support, and Victron's distribution  channel making you depend on your dealer for first line support.
Victron MultiPlus 24 Volt / 3000 VA / 120 Amp Pure Sine Wave Inverter/Charger

Another excellent manufacturer is Magnum.  There is much good information on this manufacturer here on the forum.

And I would add that Bay Marine carries both Victron and Magnum, and their support team is active on this forum.  They have an ad in the Commercial Listings board.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #7 –
Got my MS2812 from them,was also the best price.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #8 –
My rig came with a MS2812 in the box and installing it all I did was widen the bottom of the steel cage the Freedom was in and
then it slid in.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #9 –
Great info. One more question, What happens with the remote panel in the coach if I switch to a new one? I like having it.
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #10 –
Most new inverters can be controlled by a inside remote panel.  Some come standard - some are extra cost...depends on brand and model.

You probably will not be able to reuse the original panel that came in your coach, but the new control panel might fit in the same location.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #11 –
Victron inverter/chargers have a 5 yr warranty.  There is a simple remote control panel and a more sophisticated color display panel that will integrate and control all of your future Victron equipment.  We like ours.  And the Multiplus 3000VA has the slightly higher power ratings compared to the Magnum MS 2812 and is several hundred bucks cheaper.  Be sure to compare all of the options and choose for yourself.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #12 –
If your gen has a preheat circuit the Magnum unit with an optional ME-ARC remote panel and a ME-AGSN gen start box can furnish the correct signal to preheat and start your gen. 

Plus it can start your gen based on battery voltage AND temperature.  Like if you had pets in the coach.

Seems not to be your use but almost  all the new coaches have auto gen start and full wave output inverters and temp controlled battery management.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #13 –
Bob's add ons are more than $500. The Victron comes with gen start capability built in.  The basic control panel is about $130.  A Victron Battery monitor BMV702 with temp monitor is under $200 and will also start your generator. About $30 more if you want it to connect to your phone  And they all come with a five year warranty.

Lots of choices and opinions out there.  Do your homework.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #14 –
Just an observation, now that many have posted what they feel is best for THEIR application:

Let's get the OP's thinking on what HIS needs are.

As an example, he may or may not be interested in auto-genset start.  May not need or even have a battery bank that would make a 3000 watt inverter a reasonable choice.  ETC.

We need to understand that not everyone has or should have the same needs when it comes to inverter/chargers.

Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #15 –
I like your advice Brett.
All answers here assume that a person needs/wants an combined inverter/charger, while I do not.
I have two separate units, a 1800 watt pure sign inverter and a 55 amp dual voltage converter. I have two separate units because I charge batteries daily with solar (1400 watts) and seldom with the generator which has only run 180 hours in 10 years. I have a 1800 watt inverter rather than a 3000 watt inverter because it requires maximum 185 amps, while a 3000 watt can require over 300 amps which in turn requires larger wiring. An 1800 watt inverter will run any single appliance and often two or more appliances, however, it does require careful monitoring of power requirements.
I also have two separate units so that I can simultaneously use both units. For example, when connected to 15amp shore power on a rainy day, I will power most appliances, including the converter, from shore power, while powering the microwave from the inverter and charging batteries with the converter (no solar power during rain). I live in Canada during summer months where most  campgrounds only offer 15 amp service, a few offer 30 amp, and 50amp service is rare.
Note that a dual voltage converter will float batteries at low voltage or bulk/float batteries at high voltage but will not bulk as fast as a charger, and can overcharge if left for long periods of time.
My solution may not work for most folks, but gives items to consider.

Wyatt
96 U320 40 WTFE, build 4943
84 Toyota Supra towd
2015 Jeep Wrangler towd
Victoria, BC, Canada
 

Re: Freedom 25 replacement?

Reply #16 –
Quote from: dans96u295ft –
Great info. One more question, What happens with the remote panel in the coach if I switch to a new one? I like having it.
I used the magnum remote and it just fit were the freedom remote was and I used some of the wiring from the freedom. The magnum
didn't need it all. I don't know too much about the remote yet but it works with the solar Magnum Solar controller and solar panels
that came with the rig, that I will install when I have time.

 
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport