Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

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Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

July 06, 2020, 11:03:14 am

Can the Heart 2500 be rebuilt or freshened up by anyone? It does everything I need but know it has a life. I really like the inside panel and hate to lose it. What would you suggest as a simple replacement if it can't be rebuilt or replaced with a like new unit.
Thanks

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #1 – July 06, 2020, 11:10:15 am

Several options let you use the existing cable with much better equipment. Everyone has a favorite so you will get many suggestions. Mine is the Xantrex SW3012.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #2 – July 06, 2020, 11:57:04 am

So this is a direct replacement, same location, just transfer the wires?

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #3 – July 06, 2020, 12:03:25 pm

Post a photo here and I can answer if it looks like a footprint that the SW 3012 fits. Some of the other inverter chargers members are using might be more exact. I had a Xantrex 3000 in the coach when I bought it so don't know about your 2500

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #4 – July 06, 2020, 12:05:28 pm

Try using the excellent Forum SEARCH function - search the term "heart 2500 replacement". Lots of info.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #5 – July 06, 2020, 12:23:54 pm

Lots of choices. Not worth rebuilding anymore. Not capable of the now required by the battery makers of monitoring the battery temps to adjust the charging voltages per the batteries actual temps.

Craneman's Xantrex has the highest charging amps at 150. That exceeds what most battery banks can take.

Your coach is shown with 2 house batteries. You should be able to input around 80-90 amps in my experience.

I notice on Brian Boone's solar group on Facebook that he uses a lot of magnum hybrids. 3000 watts

If you use any of the magnum products their system is very advanced. Can include a sophisticated auto gen start module that can include temps.

The lowest power consumption internally is a Victron unit.

I am not a radical on this but as Mr Fore told me "bob my customers are American and I buy American where I can.

The Magnum is made in the USA as is the Xantrex? And the Outback. Victron is designed in eauope but made in India.

Your freedom 25's inverter remote panels wiring plugs directly into a Magnum replacement control panel.

The Victron was optimized for shorter term lighter loads and its design was modded to reduce its internal draws.

The others seem to be made to handle larger draws in warmer weather for longer times before derating(reducing output power)

Heavier cooling systems. Bigger transformers. That kind of stuff.

I found that the magnum units with their available me-arc panel can integrate your air conditioning system and aquahot systems into the auto start gen networked box.

Most users may not need or want that capability.

We have a cat we leave in the coach and we do dry camp at times. The abilitiy to start the gen and turn on the airs was of interest to us.

My understanding is you will need to run different wiring for the Victron units.

Magnum makes a heavy duty solar controller that can take residential 240 volt panels into it and has high capacity internal cooling fans. Designed for high loads and hot weather.

I read all the brands manuals and the Magnums are capable of being completely adjustable in every aspect of the complete system.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #6 – July 06, 2020, 12:53:39 pm

Super. I'll go with the Magnum ms 2812 when needed. Thanks

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #7 – July 06, 2020, 01:14:53 pm

Do your own homework. Facts are facts.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #8 – July 06, 2020, 01:25:32 pm

I have the same unit. The expansion abilities was of interest to me as things go along.

We may due to health issues go on the road for an extended trip mid year next year.

A automated dual setback HVAC system and fully integrated auto gen start system and a larger solar system should be on by then.

If you are an occasional short term heavier power user and on lower power pedestals the hybrids ability to add inverter power to augment the shore power might be worth the additional expense of the ms 3012 hybrid unit.

If you read the manuals for all of their equipment you may be surprised at the extent of the integration their system offers.

Ms 2812. Me rc or the preferred arc remote panel. Then the me-ags-n networked gen start then the me-pt100 solar controller

I added a blue seas auto combiner for the battery banks. If you skip the running of the third wire to light up the panel the remote panel can be installed where the boost switch was without adding wiring.

You can hear the unit "click" when engaged from the drivers seat.

Plus we have dual battery gauges in the dash.

The Victron can be a less draw unit.

20-25 amp hours a day less? Depending on use of course.

I would add a third battery for sure like Foretravel did in the 97's

Visione had a 97 U320 long ago in their parting out website that seemed to have the upper rack and cabling you might be able to use to mount a third battery in your battery compartment.

You have 220-250 amp hours useable with 2 good 8d's.

The idea that our old coaches can be upgraded to a fully modern coaches standards is interesting.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #9 – July 06, 2020, 03:26:30 pm

When I bought my rig it came with the Magnum MS 2812 in a box which I have installed. I had to do a small modification to rack
that the inverter was in and the controller fit right into the hole that the Freedom controller was in and the telephone type wire
plugged right in. There were other wires from the Freedom that I didn't need. I never checked out other controllers and this one
works great.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #10 – July 06, 2020, 04:24:52 pm

As stated, everyone replaced to their needs.
I replaced my heart with xantrex SW 2012 2000watt inverter charger. Had to mount
Sideways, and xanbus control panel for inside was almost perfect fit. Needed adapters from xantrex to use original FT ribbon phone line.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #11 – July 06, 2020, 04:40:44 pm

In our fifth wheel, we had the 2812 with all the goodies installed and loved it. Great unit with auto gen start as well as we had an 8k gen on board. We have the Xantrex in our coach now and will be upgrading to a hybrid when we go with solar. Looking at the 3012 now! Buy American!

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #12 – July 06, 2020, 05:10:54 pm

I was asked about the details on my post about an integrated HVAC System.

My understanding is that if you change the older Dometics roof airs boards and change the wall mounted thermostat to the newer 10 button design that the HVAC system can be made into a dual setback automatic system.

Heat, cool, and the various sub systems like in our case heat strips and/or aquahot.

Adding the ME-AGS-N allows auto gen start from all the various system demands.

Someone posted that the new Dometic air units had the correct boards in them already.

The various manuals are very detailed but if anyone is interested the extreme integration and customization is amazing.

ME-2812

ME-AGS-N

ME-ARC

ME-BTMS

ME-PT100

The solar controller reports its internal temps also to the ARC panel as does the MS 2812. Plus it's MOSFET's and transformer actual temps versus warning lights.

If you want WiFi reporting to a central website the Magnum has a wireless network setup or a wired to a hub connection.

You can program the dual setback system to look for some systems first and if unavailable the system will go to subsequent devices.

Shoreline fails with the ac on for example it can auto start the gen. Shore power returns it will stop the gen.

Unless the state of charge requests a gen run.

The solar controller is integrated into the system.

For some owners who do not want to know all about these things it can be preset and left alone.

Whatever it needs for temp control and battery charging is automatic.

Plus it can be set to exercise the gen and limit it's exact clock time hours of generation.

It can be set to run the gen an hour or so just prior to a gen quiet time period automatically.

It's SOC voltage required to start the gen is adjustable.

Some brands auto gen starts are not adjustable. Fixed low number.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #13 – July 06, 2020, 06:11:27 pm

I have 4, 6 volt batteries fir the coach

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #14 – July 06, 2020, 08:32:40 pm

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – July 06, 2020, 01:14:53 pm

Do your own homework. Facts are facts.

Roger, Thank you for hanging in here and your continued experienced advice. Your advice to "do your own homework, facts are facts" is so accurate and best states what I'm about to say, in many more words. Your opinion always comes thru true to me, and I've always been able to count on your well thought out advice.

I know all on this forum mean well, and I and some others have strong opinions. Our forum members often let their opinions, experience, needs and budget, over run someone else's posible needs and budget.

I do not know how to get people to do their own homework. I've chosen the path to just post what I've done and why. When I've seen misinformation, in my opinion, I've sometimes brought out a question to whether that is the only option.

I've cautioned forum members to understand half of the advise they get, including information from me, may be wrong for them, because only they know their needs and budget.

It is your $$$, do your research, including posibly measuring your needs, consider these needs and your budget, make your choice. This has worked for me. My recommendations are based on my research, experiences, needs, and budget. These will most likely vary from yours.

That being said, lately I just say little, and may watch how the thread goes. So please, if you are new to this area, read everyone's opinions, realize they are just that, not absolute truth, and please do your own additional research.

I posted this as experiences and recommendations, vary greatly on this forum regarding Xantrex, Magnum, Victron, Aims, Samlex, etc. inverter/chsrgers. However this also applies to tire brands, batteries, service center reputations, suppliers, UL or CE labels, fuel recommendations, additives, polish, wax, cleaners, climates, storage, made in USA, made in Canada, made in Mexico, made in Korea, made in China, etc. Thank goodness, most of us, agree on our favorite rv manufacturer, Foretravel.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #15 – July 06, 2020, 09:29:02 pm

Yes Jack, so true and thanks for reminding us. I am not an invertor expert so I do like opinions on units in and working. I'm calling several of the manufacturers tech numbers tomorrow. FT told me they would replace the heart for my application with the Freedom 458-2010-12 like for like and their remote will plug in my existing phone style cord. Since I need nothing more than this provides, I will probably get this. It's $929.98 to my door for both units with a 3 year warranty. I do have a budget to consider and don't expect adding solar on the roof.
Appreciate everyone's input

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #16 – July 06, 2020, 09:51:23 pm

not Full sine wave. No temp compensation. No parts available.

Yes it's cheaper

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #17 – July 06, 2020, 10:06:37 pm

Quote from: Caflashbob – July 06, 2020, 09:51:23 pm

Not (true) sine wave.
Yes it's cheaper.

Sometimes it is worth it (in the long run) to spend a bit more for better specs...

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #18 – July 06, 2020, 11:01:25 pm

Ok. I stand corrected!! ha ha

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #19 – July 06, 2020, 11:50:54 pm

Quote from: dans96u295ft – July 06, 2020, 09:29:02 pm

......Since I need nothing more than this provides, I will probably get this. It's $929.98 to my door for both units with a 3 year warranty. I do have a budget to consider and don't expect adding solar on the roof.

A quick recommendation if the $930 is your budget. I've purchased three new Xantrex inverters over the past 15 years, never had an issue.

Check this out, $756 with remote, 2 year warranty, 2000 watt, 80 amp charger, Xantrex Freedom XC 2000 True Sine Wave Inverter/Charger
Xantrex Freedom Xc 2000 True Sine Wave Inverter/Charger - 12vdc - 120vac -...

Xantrex Freedom X / Xc Remote Panel W/25' Cable

https://youtu.be/h2Aqa7jqRfQ

I would recommend getting this newer model (just released, June. 15, 2020) for $989, including with the newer bluetooth remote.

Xantrex Freedom Xc Pro 2000 Inverter/Charger - 2000w - 100a - 120v - 12v

Xantrex Freedom X & Xc Remote Panel W/Bluetooth & 25' Network Cable

http://www.xantrex.com/power-products/inverter-chargers/freedom-xcpro.aspx

I definitely would only get a true sine wave inverter, if nothing else your microwave will work better, not buzz, be more efficient when using. The $928.98 to your door is a modified sine wave Inverter.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #20 – July 07, 2020, 08:14:05 am

Pure sine wave is becoming increasingly critical with todays appliances and accessories. A non pure unit has cost me one electric blanket, instantly killed, and one coffee grinder which melted down while unused and unattended. Watching this thread with interest.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #21 – July 07, 2020, 09:49:28 am

Quote from: dans96u295ft – July 06, 2020, 11:03:14 am

Can the Heart 2500 be rebuilt or freshened up by anyone? It does everything I need but know it has a life. I really like the inside panel and hate to lose it. What would you suggest as a simple replacement if it can't be rebuilt or replaced with a like new unit.
Thanks

Yes, the Heart 2500 can likely be rebuilt, but is probably not cost effective. MOT recommended replacing mine with the Xantrex SW3012 and I approved it. I haven't seen it yet, so I don't have any comments. I appreciated Bob's comments about the internal draw of the Victrons. People who have them love them, but they're mostly boondockers and need to sip their batteries. My interest is in rugged performance in hot environments (central Texas and south Louisiana) and the Xantrex seems to fit that bill (we'll see).

The Xantrex doesn't offer the new hybrid option -- boosting your AC power from batteries when you have high loads -- but I don't think I need that.

Several good choices. I would definitely go with pure sine if you're making a change.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #22 – July 07, 2020, 10:04:02 am

Thanks everyone. I have plenty of info now to make an educated purchase. The pure sinewave is now a must for sure

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #23 – July 07, 2020, 10:22:56 am

Quote from: trailertrashrick – July 07, 2020, 09:49:28 am

... internal draw of the Victrons. People who have them love them, but they're mostly boondockers and need to sip their batteries.

I like my Victron equipment (2 inverters, charger, solar charge controller, integrated control and display, all internet connected) and like most who have Victron components we don't consider ourselves boondockers. It takes way more than a Victron Multiplus to be an off grid, off generator visitor to anywhere for a week or 10 days. Being able to is the goal.

Over time you will spend much more on your batteries than you spend on your inverter/charger. Everything you can do to maximize battery life (cycles) is important. 2 extra amps just to be on over say a six year battery life is more than 105,000 amp hr load on the batteries. It is not insignificant.

5 yr warranty on Victron Multiplus, 2 yr warranty on the Xantrex SW3012

Perhaps only the latest version of model 815-3012 Xantrex SW3012 is LiFePO4 (lithium) battery compatible if that might be a consideration down the road. If you expect to own your coach for longer than 2 sets of conventional batteries then it probably should be. Be sure to check the specs for the one you are looking at. The specs for the model 815-3012 sold at Amazon does not list Lithium battery compatibility. The specs for the same model 815-3012 at the Xantrex web site say it is lithium campatible.

There are many good solutions out there, each has benefits, likely none is perfect for everyone. Do your own homework, understand what you want and need, choose wisely for your situation.

Re: Replacing Heart 2500 with what?

Reply #24 – July 07, 2020, 10:32:50 am

The Xantrex will charge LiPo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkgkwCcuLgQ

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