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Inverter Upgrade

I'm getting ready to replace the original Freedom 2500 with a Magnum 2812. The installation instructions call for a battery bank disconnect switch to the inverter. The OEM installation does not have a switch. Any ideas why FT would not install a switch and are they installing them in the newer coaches?
The selected media item is not currently available.Bob & Faith Rozek
1997 U320 40'
Xtreme Remodel
2010 Scion XD

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #1 –
I installed the 2812 with out the battery disconnect with the assistance from Magnum.  I do not believe that FT uses this inverter/converter.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #2 –
How do you like it? Have you run the micro/convection oven on the inverter?
The selected media item is not currently available.Bob & Faith Rozek
1997 U320 40'
Xtreme Remodel
2010 Scion XD

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #3 –
We have helped in a Magnum 2812 installation, and did not use a disconnect switch. But did reuse the high amperage fuse on the house battery cable. Not aware of any Foretravel coach that has a disconnect on the big cable between the house battery bank and the inverter/charger. And wonder why they specify a switch. I would think that if charger is turned on without a battery connected, it may be damaged, but probably they are designed to handle a fuse suddenly open with high current passing.

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #4 –
What is the disconnect switch at the entrance to our 1999 U320?

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #5 –
I upgraded the cables to 4/0 and will change the fuse to 400 amp.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bob & Faith Rozek
1997 U320 40'
Xtreme Remodel
2010 Scion XD

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Paul Smith –
What is the disconnect switch at the entrance to our 1999 U320?

best, paul

Paul,

It is NOT between house battery bank and inverter.  It is between house battery bank and house 12 VDC fuse panel(s).
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: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #7 –
Thanks, Brett!

What DC is safely to work on when the disconnect switch disconnects DC?

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #8 –
Bob - We like the 2812.  I was recommended to us by a fellow FoFum member.  We also installed the ARC remote as we wish to include solar in the future.  The unit handles the micro/convection but really eats up the juice.  We turn on the generator when not plugged in so as to not work the batteries so hard.  We might not be doing this correctly but it is what we do.

I installed my self with the help of a FoFum member and Magnum.  Wasn't too hard once I got my head around it.  At some point we will bypass the ATS under the bed as the Magnum has one built-in.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Paul Smith –
Thanks, Brett!

What DC is safely to work on when the disconnect switch disconnects DC?

best, paul

Paul,

Generally, all but a few 12 VDC circuits (things that run on 12 VDC) are controlled by the "salesman switch" near the door.  There are and should be exceptions such as refrigerator, propane detector, etc.

They were basically developed so you could leave on lights and turn all of them off with a single switch.

Turn the switch to off and just see what still works in your coach.
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: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #10 –
Scott & Carol- We only use the inverter while on the road. It will be more convenient  than running the generator for warming up lunch. I've been through the installation manual and it looks fairly simple. I was told by Magnum that the ME-RC50 (controller) will utilize the existing cable to the old Heart Interface Link 2000. Is that what you found?
The Freedom 2500 is still working after 17 years, but the cooling fan bearings are headed south.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bob & Faith Rozek
1997 U320 40'
Xtreme Remodel
2010 Scion XD

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #11 –
Bob - We used the existing Prosine cable between the new Magnum and the ARC-50.  After we installed the unit I called Magnum and verified install b/4 I attached power.  They were very helpful.  I also talked to a very knowledgeable FoFum member after it was running.  He walked me through setup and kind explained how this thing works.  I must admit it is still somewhat a mystery.  Magic.  It's funny how different folks think.  For me it is natural to start the genset when using the microwave.  Don't know why.  Probably ignorance.  :D

Good lock.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #12 –
RE: "it is natural to start the genset when using the microwave"

It is completely logical to run the microwave on the generator. Two reasons:
1) Microwave draws about 1,500 watts and if inverters, like other
 electronics, are happier not running near max ratings, a 2,000 watt inverter may be pushed to power a microwave and a few other things at the same time. Which can mean even with engine running, and alternator avoiding battery depletion, inverter may still be near a limit.

2) High wattage appliances like microwaves deplete batteries, that only have
 to be recharged by running the generator. We plug our high amp devices, like heaters, hair dryers, microwave, etc into outlets that are never powered by inverter, to prevent battery drain if we inadvertently loose shore power.

We moved our microwave Romex cable and 20-amp breaker from inverter breaker panel to main breaker panel. This change keeps the high amperage from even running through the microwave transfer relay and also prevents running microwave on inverter.

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #13 –
I try not to run the generator for less time than it would take to bring it up to operating temperature. We typically stop along the highway for a lunch break so a 2800 watt inverter drawing from a fully charged house battery bank for fifteen minutes should never be a problem.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bob & Faith Rozek
1997 U320 40'
Xtreme Remodel
2010 Scion XD

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #14 –
I agree with Bob. The reason Fortravel [and many other sob's] installed a large inverter
and battery bank was for the very purpose of running large, short term loads like the
microwave or a coffee pot, without running the generator. If it was only for running the
tv and accessories, they could have put in a smaller battery bank and inverter.
After running my coffee pot for 5 min., I notice my battery voltage has only dropped
.2 to .3 volts. the main engine alternator will bring this up to snuff in 30 minutes of driving.

Less wear and tear on the generator, and using the inverter as designed.

Jcus


Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #15 –
We too use our 3000 watt inverter for the microwave and coffee maker early n the morning to prevent waking our fellow campers with the sound of the generator. It is particularly appropriate while here at Quartzsite. 
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Inverter Upgrade

Reply #16 –
 Ditto on the inverter. If we were in quartzsite now the batteries would be full 100% of time no matter what we did.
John H
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.