u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Topic: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems (Read 819 times) previous topic - next topic

u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

June 27, 2016, 06:58:12 pm

Aged out OR other problems...

Sitting with good 50A power... setting on couch..keeping cool ..then buzzzzz... hmm smell...what the heck? Noise and smell under me

Symptoms:
Micro-off
110v light off over table
Hmmmm so checked pedistal.. 118v both legs, inside 110v on monitor..

Actions
turned pedstal off, inside breaker off...then back on..
everything back to normal

Both ACS never went off.. so I'm thinking inverter side

No other issues.. drove home

Now on good 110v 20A cord that I've used for many months

Symptoms..
house battery down to 11.2v when I I plugged into 110, jumped up to 14, 15.5, 16.2....so I disconnected at the remote.. battery settled to 13.2v

HOTTTT so tried to start generator... click, click... no go
Checked engine battery.. 12.6.. house 13.2v.. what

Turned everything off at breakers.. unplugged from 110v....
turned on solar.. charging .... 13.4v on house battery

QUESTIONS
Is there a reset for INVERTER..other than pushing on mounted case?
could the inter connect between gen set and somewhere be bad?

Kick the freedom? Then what.. type etc

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #1 – June 27, 2016, 07:13:08 pm

One day, years ago in a campground our Freedom 25 lost its freedom and burnt out. Freedom 20 & 25 are modified sine wave inverters, so there are advantages of replacing them even if they work ok, so when damaged, for sure replace it with a true sine-wave inverter/charger and live happily ever after.

Popular choice is Magnum MS2012 or MS2812 and there are others.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #2 – June 27, 2016, 08:59:13 pm

I replaced my OEM 1500 watt modified sine inverter last year, it wouldn't run the Keurig - that wouldn't do...!

I went with the Aims 4000 watt sine inverter-charger, these are produced by a small company in Reno, NV for the RV, emergency and military markets. It has multiple battery selections, and 3 stage smart charging. In comparison to other RV inverter-chargers, the price is attractive, the current Amazon price is $882. It has run flawlessly since I installed it.

AIMS 4000 watt Inverter-Charger

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #3 – June 27, 2016, 09:06:15 pm

John,

If you DO decide to upgrade your inverter, I second Barry's nomination of Magnum MS2812. We have that model, and it's performance has been flawless. 50 amp goes straight through when we are hooked up to shore power. If shore power fails, or I disconnect it on purpose, the transition to inverter is automatic and instantaneous. The "smart" battery charger is also excellent, and can be programmed for any type cells. There is a add-on module for auto generator start, if you desire that function. Magnum may cost a bit more than some other brands, but I feel it is worth every penny we spent.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #4 – June 27, 2016, 09:28:15 pm

Ok.. guess it's kuput... BUT will that solve the gen set issue? OR is that now seperate?

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #5 – June 27, 2016, 10:01:51 pm

Quote from: fouroureye – June 27, 2016, 09:28:15 pm

Ok.. guess it's kuput... BUT will that solve the gen set issue? OR is that now seperate?

Separate issue, check voltage at the generator starter would be a start.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #6 – June 28, 2016, 03:12:41 pm

Anyone ever not put an inverter back in...
Are our coaches setup just for the type freedom....?
...help...

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #7 – June 28, 2016, 03:18:46 pm

Quote from: fouroureye – June 28, 2016, 03:12:41 pm

Anyone ever not put an inverter back in...
Are our coaches setup just for the type freedom....?
...help...

Indeed you can use any inverter want:

Modern inverter/chargers do have built in ATS's (called pass through feature by most). If you look at one that does not, you will need an external extra ATS.

Most also include a built in/automatic smart charger-- again something you want, though you could buy a stand alone inverter and then add a stand alone smart charger (not my recommendation, however).

The only other issue is if you increase the amp rating of the inverter, insure that the inline fuse from battery AND the wiring are capable of the higher capacity.

Lastly, I like to see an inverter/charger installed low in a basement compartment where it can allow for the heat to rise. Do not put it in a restricted compartment where it can't breath.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #8 – June 28, 2016, 03:32:42 pm

Brett,

So ATS Automatic transfer switch.??
Im looking at a 2000w AIMS... suggested.. vs the additional $600 for the magum.. for occasional use
mine is a ceiling mount now

Does the solar hook into the inverter ATS?

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #9 – June 28, 2016, 03:38:38 pm

No, solar is 12 VDC-- better to connect solar panels to smart controller (aka voltage regulator) and then to house battery bank.

Yes, you will need either an inverter with built in ATS or add an external one. It needs to be set up so that generator or shore power are primary and inverter is secondary. Said another way, if generator is on or you are plugged into shore power, THAT is what you want to use to power 120 VAC things, NOT the inverter.

Not familiar with the AMS. Built in smart charger? Built in ATS? If not, you will eat a lot of that $600 difference and have a more complicated system.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #10 – June 28, 2016, 03:39:50 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – June 28, 2016, 03:18:46 pm

Lastly, I like to see an inverter/charger installed low in a basement compartment where it can allow for the heat to rise.

As is ours; the newer ones are very quiet, compared to the AS "uni-volt". I seldom hear the charger at night, but am considering some more insulation above. Picky, picky.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #11 – June 28, 2016, 03:45:41 pm

I have with old inverter a led readout for v, a, in&out and ah
Will that work with a new system or do I need to order it

Mounted in main bay..

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #12 – June 28, 2016, 04:06:52 pm

Quote from: fouroureye – June 28, 2016, 03:45:41 pm

I have with old inverter a led readout for v, a, in&out and ah
Will that work with a new system or do I need to order it

Mounted in main bay..

Depends on system you buy-- ask them. My suspect is that the old remote will not work.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #13 – June 28, 2016, 04:08:55 pm

Quote from: fouroureye – June 28, 2016, 03:45:41 pm

I have with old inverter a led readout for v, a, in&out and ah
Will that work with a new system or do I need to order it

John,

Most new inverters have a matching remote control panel. These are either included as standard equipment in price of inverter, or are available as a extra cost option. It is possible your old readout could be adapted to a newer inverter, but most likely it will have to be replaced. There are many customizable parameters available in new inverters - these are usually accessed through the remote panel. When looking at any inverter that includes a battery charger, be sure that the charger will accommodate the type of batteries (flooded, AGM, GEL, etc.) installed in your coach.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #14 – June 28, 2016, 04:35:52 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – June 28, 2016, 03:38:38 pm

Not familiar with the AMS. Built in smart charger? Built in ATS? If not, you will eat a lot of that $600 difference and have a more complicated system.

The AIMS inverter/chargers have a built in 40 amp transfer switch, 3 stage smart charger and connectors for remote panel, battery temp sensor and auto gen start.

Here is the AIMS manual with all the specs and wiring diagrams:

AIMS Inverter-Charger Manual

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #15 – June 28, 2016, 05:49:34 pm

Peter..?

Looking at the 3000w since no 2500

Will change out the main breaker- brett, Thanks

What's the difference between these 2.. from AMIS

3000 Watt Pure Sine Inverter Charger

3000 Watt Pure Sine Inverter Charger - UL

Other than the logo and footprint

Do you have the remote readout?

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #16 – June 28, 2016, 06:05:33 pm

Quote from: fouroureye – June 28, 2016, 05:49:34 pm

What's the difference between these 2.. from AMIS

3000 Watt Pure Sine Inverter Charger

3000 Watt Pure Sine Inverter Charger - UL

Other than the logo and footprint

-UL are their UL-listed inverter-chargers. Means they have been through UL testing for safety standards and meet the standards. Doesn't mean non-UL is unsafe, but they haven't been tested/listed Specific Guidelines and Rules - UL

Looking at the specs, non-UL appears to be >88% nominal efficiency while UL is >92%

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #17 – June 28, 2016, 06:19:09 pm

Quote from: fouroureye – June 28, 2016, 05:49:34 pm

What's the difference between these 2.. from AMIS

3000 Watt Pure Sine Inverter Charger

3000 Watt Pure Sine Inverter Charger - UL

Other than the logo and footprint

Do you have the remote readout?

John:

I looked at the 2 inverters, I can't say for sure what all the differences are, Michelle/Steve has a good point on the UL listing. I would call AIMS and tell them you are installing in a RV and see what they recommend.

Yes I have the remote panel, you need to run the wire to the inverter. It is a RJ45 type of connector.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #18 – June 28, 2016, 10:06:48 pm

Peter, I have an rj45 in my heart inverter now... think it will be plug and play?

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #19 – June 28, 2016, 10:33:08 pm

No, I'm sure you will need the AIMS remote panel to work with the AIMS inverter.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #20 – June 28, 2016, 11:43:31 pm

Brett, you said to not put the unit in a bay where it cannot breathe.

In our coach it is on the wall of a bay. The only venting it might have is an automatic fan that is temp controlled to come on at 90 degrees and, i guess, hope, that provides the ventilation.

Think that ok? I gather it was built by FOT that way and not modified.

The fan in the pro sine charger/inverter now comes on fairly often and has gotten more noisy though not squealing. Kinda concerns me as it seems a noise level that I do not recall so I may be heading to a new inverter.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #21 – June 29, 2016, 06:49:17 am

The fan in my Heart 2500 became more noisy over time. I took it off and matched it on Amazon. Dead quiet again.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #22 – June 29, 2016, 07:22:20 am

Peter... gonna order it...BUT think I can use the same wire?

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #23 – June 29, 2016, 08:03:28 am

It looks like the specs for the Freedom 25 and the AIMS 3000 are similar, so the wiring should be ok.

Re: u280, freedom 25 inverter-Aged out OR other problems

Reply #24 – June 29, 2016, 08:25:26 am

Mike,

Placement of an inverter is not a "go or no go" proposition. But, the cooler the location, the better it is. That is why I don't like to see them ceiling mounted. Always helps to take advantage of physics: heat rises.

Have also inspected coaches where they cram the bay around the inverter so full of stuff that they have to overheat if working hard in hot conditions.

Affiliate Notice