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Topic: Who has a Xantrex 3012?  (Read 2021 times) previous topic - next topic

Who has a Xantrex 3012?

Hi everyone,

I need to replace my original inverter/charger - a Heart 25.

I'm ready to order a Xantrex SW 3012, with remote panel and Auto Gen Start.

If any of you have the SW 3012, please tell me what you think about it.  If you have any tips or advice about the installation that would be great too.  A photo of it mounted in your bay would be FANTASTIC!!!  ^.^d

Also, how many breakers (and what size) do you have in your main breaker box for the inverter.  After reading the install manual a couple of times, it seems to require 2 30 amp breakers.  Based on my reading it needs two Legs of 120 and a netural.  But I've been wrong plently of times before.

Also, it seems this upgrade can be done using the original 4 wire RJ11 phone wire with this handy little adapter:
Amazon.com: The Amazing Quality Xantrex Telephone to Network Cable Adapter:...
So I shouldn't have to replace the original cable between the Inverter and control panel?

I know some of the Xantrex Prosine products were problematic, but I would really like to keep this thread about the SW 3012 which I think began production around 2012.

Thanks!!!
Douglas

I'm going to tag a few people I think might have the SW 3012:
@ltg  @gordon cole  @craneman  @brrving  @ChuSmith  @dwest

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Douglas and Amanda
1997 40' U320 "Brawley"
2007 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer
Motorcade #17266 Escapee #113692

Re: Who has a Xantrex 3012?

Reply #1 –
Yep. I have had the 3012 since Oct 2013. No issues so far (I'm knocking on wood). I replaced the Xantrex that came with the coach so it was a straight swap. And yes the same original communications cable worked fine. Mine is connected into the Silverleaf system. It runs my microwave and residential fridge via inverter mode with no issues along with TVs and many of the outlets.

The coach is not at my house so I can't get any pictures currently. I'll try the next time over there.
Previous coach - 2007 Phenix 45'

Re: Who has a Xantrex 3012?

Reply #2 –
The 3012 is still working fine since I installed it. As a matter of fact we are up at the Twins out of Bridgeport right now and it was charging at 150 amps when I started the generator this morning. My only source of internet is from my Mobley hanging in my brothers motorhome 100' away. He seems to be able to hit an AT&T tower every now and then. Now is one of the "thens"
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Who has a Xantrex 3012?

Reply #3 –
Exceeding the one fifth capacity charge rate that Foretravel set when new is something I did not want to test or exceed.

So I used a 2812 with its 125 amp max that matches the original 130 amp heart freedom 25.

Actual charge rate at the inverter is around 110 amps at 60% SOC in bulk charging.

The actual charge at the battery on the battery gauge is less.

I was looking for the longest battery life at the cost of some possible longer charge times.

My alternator is also set lower at 13.6 volts at the batteries.

If you have fresh lifeline AGM's which are 250 amp hour rated versus our MK gels rated at 225-230 then you may be able to use the extra amp input.

Or have four 8g8d's

Bulged countless battery's thirty years ago with the primitive chargers then available so I am very cautious about damaging several thousand of dollars worth of batteries.

So slightly slower charge rate design to match the 1/5th C(capacity) general rule. Same as the alternators input.

The isolator elimination seems to have raised the actual charge rate to the batteries.

If the isolator has heat fins to dissipate heat that seems to have needed more input power to result in the same actual charge rate at the batteries themselves.

My guru mentioned that the batteries will only accept so much input anyway.

The pro link gauge shows what the batteries are actually taking and it's less than the chargers output which is less than the nominal 125 amp max rating.

My comments are based on my own setup.

I suppose older or maybe even newer batteries could accept more or less amps in.

Possible worn batteries will try to take more amps in to hit the chargers limits.

In other words a higher amp  input might be required to charge worn batteries as fast as possible.

Maybe I am backwards and the experts here can surely help me.

Versus worn batteries accept less power in bulk or acceptance charging? Help?

My experience is that they take more input amps to charge not less so the 3012 might be able to use its 150 amps due to the batteries actual condition?

"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: Who has a Xantrex 3012?

Reply #4 –
I have 3, 2 year old Lifeline 8D's and 750 amp hr. capacity. The 150 amp bulk charge lasts less than 5 minutes before throttling back. Down to 100 amps. after about 30 minutes. Charging until getting down to 50 to 60 amps then shutting off the generator. This works fine for us.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Who has a Xantrex 3012?

Reply #5 –
My 3012 will deliver 115 amps into 3 new 8d gel cells for less than 10 min at  60% SOC before tapering off to lower charge rates. Good idea to use the xantrex battery temp sensor as well, as it will lower the charge voltage as the batteries get warmer.
With modern 3 stage chargers, very hard to damage batteries unless you have a faulty battery.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Who has a Xantrex 3012?

Reply #6 –
Great info.  Only way any of us can verify our installations and results is others results.

The charge results match my 2812

Actually the charge rate is the same.  Both have 125ADC

the 110 output is the difference at 2800 versus 3000

Ten percent more $
"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: Who has a Xantrex 3012?

Reply #7 –
Just replaced freedom 20 with 3012 did not use auto gen module. Did use existing wiring (with adapters)and provided temp sensor. New power is much cleaner and much more info available at remote. Can dictate charge parameters at remote very customizable. I am happy with it. Did have to slightly modify inverter and existing rack but not a big deal.
1996 U270

Re: Who has a Xantrex 3012?

Reply #8 –
I've had a SW2012 for about 5 years and find it be fine as a basic no frills inverter/charger.  Having said that, I would buy a Victron unit if I were to do it again.  The Victron inverters offer so many more options and upgradability for only a little bit more money. 
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: Who has a Xantrex 3012?

Reply #9 –
The 3012 is also a hybrid.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Who has a Xantrex 3012?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: craneman –
The 3012 is also a hybrid.
I believe it is a hybrid only when used for generator support with the optional xanbus automatic generator support module. I called Xantrex and asked if it could be modified to use with a low amperage ac shore power source, [eg starting an air conditioner with only 15 amp service] and they said it could not.
I do believe the Magnum and Victron hybrid inverters will do a battery inverter assist for 15 amp shore power service.
If you know a way to make the sw 3012 a real hybrid, would appreciate that info.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.
 

Re: Who has a Xantrex 3012?

Reply #11 –
It appears you are right Jim. I only noticed the word hybrid in my manual and never checked to see what it was referring ro
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean