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Converter Recomendations

I'm looking to upgrade from the original Inverter to a modern Converter Pure Sine wave charger.
I have flooded Batteries (1-8D house - new ~250AH) and 2 paralleled Eng batts (old but work OK).
I want to make sure I can maximize the battery life as well as upgrade to bigger/better batts in the future.
I have an appt with Oregon Motorcoach in Eugene for early next month. They like the Magnum 2800W pure Sine wave MS2812 and mentioned the hybrid version of this. In searching I also found the Victron PMP123021102. It is a little cheaper with a longer warranty, but I have seen some horror stories of getting warranty service. So, my choices seem to be:

Magnum Energy MS2812-G - Inverter Supply

Magnum Energy MSH3012RV - Inverter Supply Hybrid

Victron Energy PMP123021102 - Inverter Supply considerably cheaper and also a hybrid

It seems like a hybrid would give me better options with a 6.5k propane gen and up to 50a in with the fairly limited battery I can carry. The 8D is 165lb and with the Torsilastic suspension, weight is an issue. I can go to more batteries as the tech gets better to keep the weight the same.

IAC, I am looking for pros & cons for the Magnum v. Victron, as well as pros & cons on the Hybrid option.  If anyone LOVES something else, throw it into the mix. :)
MAYBE in the future some solar, but not soon. TIA
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Converter Recomendations

Reply #1 –
I have the 2812 and it works good and I needed help with it and the service was awesome.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Converter Recomendations

Reply #2 –
I am extremely pleased with our Magnum 2812 but if I were purchasing now then I would seriously consider Victron. A large number of people now seem to be using their products and I don't remember reading any negative comments.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Converter Recomendations

Reply #3 –
A Victron Muliplus 300VA pure sine wave inverter/charger is going to cost less and have twice the warranty.  If you are concerned about service the buy it from Bay Marine Supply and use the code remember to get a Forum discount.  In stock now and shipping is $8.99 per order.

Victron Energy MultiPlus 3000VA Pure Sine Inverter/Charger

The Multiplus is a hybrid inverter which means it will pass through shoreline or generator current and invert for extra power at the same time as needed.  But unless you are going to change your 20 amp OEM wiring and circuit breakers to handled 50 amps to the Multiplus and at least 65 amps back to the inverter panel, add a 65 amp circuit breaker box and circuit breaker near the Multiplus, and change the main circuit breaker in the inverter panel, and rewire to bypass the inverter side transfer switch if you have one then none of this will be of any benefit.  The same wiring changes are necessary with a Magnum Hybrid, probably even bigger 120v wiring.

You can just hook it up like the OEM one is, use the existing 12 ga 120v wiring to the Multiplus and 10 ga 120 wiring back to the inverter transfer switch.  Best practice is to connect the Multiplus with 2 2/0 plus and 2 2/0 minus cables.  These are bigger than a 4/0 cable and more flexible and easier to route. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Converter Recomendations

Reply #4 –
I agree with Roger. I've had two Victron multiplus units now and both have been flawless.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Converter Recomendations

Reply #5 –
Installed the magnum2812 to replace my freedom 25 to go pure sine wave. That ensured that my expensive electronics would not be damaged. Easy to instal, program and extremely reliable
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Converter Recomendations

Reply #6 –
Xantrex 3000 is doing a good job for me
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Converter Recomendations

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
You can just hook it up like the OEM one is, use the existing 12 ga 120v wiring to the Multiplus and 10 ga 120 wiring back to the inverter transfer switch.  Best practice is to connect the Multiplus with 2 2/0 plus and 2 2/0 minus cables.  These are bigger than a 4/0 cable and more flexible and easier to route. 
To the best of my recollection, the OEM A/C wiring for our inverter is 6ga. feeding the inverter and 10ga. back to the breaker panel. 10ga. is good for  30 amps, while the Magnum MSH3012M inverter is good for 25 amps continuous or 30 amps for 30 minutes. The MSH3012M (or the MS2812) can pass through 60 amps through its built in transfer switch, but that would require running 6 gage wire back to the breaker panel. That is how I wired my home base park model trailer, though since I mounted the inverter right behind the breaker panel in the trailer, it was EZPZ... not so on our coaches.

As to inverter choice, if I had it to do over again or need to replace it, I would most likely go with the Victron because they're ecosystem is more extensive and better integrated than the Magnum and the company seems to be quite innovative in their approach to product development.
Don
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Converter Recomendations

Reply #8 –
Recently purchased a Victron Multiplus as per Roger's recommendation and am very happy.
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH
 

Re: Converter Recomendations

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Lt403 –
Recently purchased a Victron Multiplus as per Roger's recommendation and am very happy.
Thanks Lt, Semper Fi. '75-'79
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt