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Topic: Battery/inverter/charger upgrade (Read 733 times) previous topic - next topic

Battery/inverter/charger upgrade

So I've been researching upgrading my original Heart Freedom 20 inverter charger, Xantrex link 2000 inverter controller/ dual battery monitor and batteries. My head is spinning after reading a lot of post on this topic.  Here is what I want:

2 GEL 8D House batteries (done with maintaining standard wet batteries). would also consider AGM (I use 3 red top Optima's with bus bars as start batteries)
2000w inverter/charger Sine capable of equalizing/balance charge
Inverter/charger remote panel to monitor both batteries and balance them
Plug and play (reuse existing battery / monitor cables, etc., fits in same shelf as the original inverter)

We never do any boondocking and the inverter is always off. Have used the inverter once or twice when power went out or going from generator to shore power but that is a short period.

Just need a good reliable system that doesn't cost a fortune. Not going to add solar. Suggestions?
Jody and Juli
1997 U320 40ft. Cummins M11 400hp
Build #5028
Master Mariner Unlimited Tonnage
USNR Lt. Commander (ret)
Texas A&M Maritime (me)
Baylor (wife)

Re: Battery/inverter/charger upgrade

Reply #1 –
Quote from: jelfert –
We never do any boondocking and the inverter is always off. Have used the inverter once or twice when power went out or going from generator to shore power but that is a short period.
Based on the above statement, you don't really need a big pricey combo inverter/charger.  You would probably save some money by purchasing a good quality 4-stage smart converter/charger.

You could always use a small dedicated inverter if you wanted to power a single 110V device (TV or microwave?) when not plugged in to shore power.

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: Battery/inverter/charger upgrade

Reply #2 –
I agree with Chuck in his post above.  We are in the process of upgrading our system and using an IOTA converter and dedicated inverter for the residential fridge. We have never ran the micro, coffee pot, or hot plate off the Freedom 25 so this combo should fit our needs for now.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Battery/inverter/charger upgrade

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Based on the above statement, you don't really need a big pricey combo inverter/charger.  You would probably save some money by purchasing a good quality 4-stage smart converter/charger.

You could always use a small dedicated inverter if you wanted to power a single 110V device (TV or microwave?) when not plugged in to shore power.


So whats a good quality 4 stage smart converter charger?

or waht is a cheaper quality inverter/charger?
Jody and Juli
1997 U320 40ft. Cummins M11 400hp
Build #5028
Master Mariner Unlimited Tonnage
USNR Lt. Commander (ret)
Texas A&M Maritime (me)
Baylor (wife)

Re: Battery/inverter/charger upgrade

Reply #4 –
I'm not Chuck but I went with the IOTA Dls-90 with the correct smart charging module for the battery type.  Going this way you can change out the smart control module in the future if you decide to upgrade to a lifepo4 battery.

There are several inverters out there that are good. Make sure that you get a pure sign wave and look for one with the lowest stand by amp draw.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Battery/inverter/charger upgrade

Reply #5 –
Quote from: jelfert –
So whats a good quality 4 stage smart converter charger?
Depends on who you ask.  Lots of good choices.  Do your own research - it's your coach and your money.  Let yer fingers do the walkin'.

12 Volt Smart Chargers - RV Power Converters - RV Chargers

Power-Converters - Progressive Dynamics

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: Battery/inverter/charger upgrade

Reply #6 –
I replaced my heart freedom with a magnum 2812 and am very happy with, especially that it is a full sine unit.  Easy replacement as well
Peter
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Battery/inverter/charger upgrade

Reply #7 –
What else with the Magnum did you install? Which controller?
Jody and Juli
1997 U320 40ft. Cummins M11 400hp
Build #5028
Master Mariner Unlimited Tonnage
USNR Lt. Commander (ret)
Texas A&M Maritime (me)
Baylor (wife)

Re: Battery/inverter/charger upgrade

Reply #8 –
My usage and system seems very similar to yours.  I replaced my Xantrex 2.5 with a Magnum 2012 which is only 2000W pure sine and has a 100amp smart charger.  My old post describes all the components.  It's been roughly 8 months and we've been very satisfied.  Lots of ways to solve your issue, but this package works well, and as mentioned above it was a straightforward install.  I provided a source for components so you can check their websites for the latest prices. 
New Deka 8G8D House Batteries and New Magnum Inverter/Charger in 2004 36'U295

Mark, Monique & Steven Hachigian
2004 36U295 Build No. 6239
2011 Honda CRV 4WD
2024 Dynamax Isata 5 30fw Xplorer
 

Re: Battery/inverter/charger upgrade

Reply #9 –
I just installed the Xantrex 3000. I would really advise you to go bigger. I called Xantrex and they talked me into the 3000 from the 2000. It doesn't make sense to go smaller and it's not much more money. I'm very happy with mine on my old 1996 U295 36 foot
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.