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Xantrex charger/inverter quit working

October 10, 2011, 07:48:35 pm

Brought the coach home last week in preparation for a short trip up to Orange Park, Fl. for a family reunion. Plugged in to shore power at the house, and got a fault light on the remote panel. I knew I had needed to replace the house batteries for ages, but put it off because we never dry camp. So, I decided to replace the batteries, thinking maybe one had completely died. Went to Interstate in Tampa, and bought two Lifeline 8D AGMs. OUCH!! Tried to reset Xantrex for AGMs(previous were gel cell), and it didn't work. Took to Camping World this morning, and a very knowledgeable retired navy technician started troubleshooting it for me. Turns out, the wire nuts connecting the battery leads to the charger (HIDDEN BEHIND A PANEL), had burned out due to high resistance from a poor connection. Cut away the bad ends, re-connected, and "voila!), problem solved. Reset charging settings for AGMs, and I'm off to the races.

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Re: Xantrex charger/inverter quit working

Reply #1 – October 10, 2011, 09:52:20 pm

Steve,

You have to be kidding.  Can't believe wire nuts on those very high amp 12 VDC connections.  You should have at least 2/0 battery cable with quality crimp lugs on each end that can be securely bolted on the short run from house batteries to inverter/charger with at most a very high amp slow burn fuse at the battery end.  NO WAY that a wire nut connection would work there.

Please take a photo of that-- can't believe (I mean I really can't believe) anyone at Foretravel would do that.  Which brings me to "wonder who did something that stupid?"

Brett

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Re: Xantrex charger/inverter quit working

Reply #2 – October 10, 2011, 10:46:55 pm

Steve, you said you got 2 lifelines 8Ds, what did they cost you as I am about to get another 1 to make 4 in the bank for coach and am checking prices
John

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Reply #3 – October 11, 2011, 06:44:48 am

Brett, this isn't the original unit from Foretravel. previous owner had it replaced somewhere. Thanks for the heads up. I will get it replaced.

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Re: Xantrex charger/inverter quit working

Reply #4 – October 11, 2011, 06:46:43 am

John, I paid a little over $500 each for the Lifelines at Interstate battery. I think I paid too much, but I needed them in a hurry.

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Reply #5 – October 11, 2011, 06:52:36 am

Brett, after re-reading my original post, I see where the problem was. I was thinking one thing, and typing another. It was a 110V lead coming in to the inverter/charger that had the wire nut, NOT the actual battery leads. Sorry about the confusion. Senior moment!

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Reply #6 – October 11, 2011, 09:01:39 am

Steve,

Thanks for the update.  At least that is less of a fire hazard than wire nuts on very high amp connections, though wire nuts on any "bouncing down the road" application would not be my preference.

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Reply #7 – October 11, 2011, 08:28:45 pm

Steve, "a little over $500 is one heck of a deal if you really want to know" I have been searching all over and best price I came up with was $650. plus shipping from factory. They are the best battery out there in my view after all the work/ questioning I did early this year. Where was the interstate dealer you got them?/
John

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Reply #8 – October 11, 2011, 09:42:32 pm

Interstate batteries on Busch blvd in Tampa Fl. 1600 E. Busch Blvd, Tampa. 813-932-0108

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