Changing an inverter/charger to be just an inverter

[jxnbbl]

Would like some input/thoughts on this. I bought a Xantrex Freedom XC 2000 instead of a Freedom 2000 (this is an inverter/charger). At the time, there was a lead-time problem for just the inverter and it was basically the same price...what could be so bad about it?

Well there is one major problem, you can't 'turn off' the charger part of this. For most trailer installs this is not necessary since you have a converter to charge the batteries. In my case, I have plenty of solar wattage that does the job. At first I was worried about 3 sources of "recharging"...which does not seem to be a problem.

The problem is that even when it is on float charge/no charge mode every 30 minutes or so (depending on temps) the cooling fan goes on. This is not a problem if it was located in another part of the trailer...but it is under the bed!

I can turn this off, by flipping the 'inverter circuit breaker' - but that is a problem since it shuts down the outlets.

Some were telling me to just change out the converter to the inverter/charger...that won't work due to the battery cable requirements for the inverter portion of the device and the distance to the power cabinet.

I was thinking of doing the following:

1. remove the AC to the inverter/converter bypassing the transfer switch.
2. installing a standalone transfer switch that has two inputs - the AC line from the trailer power and the output of the inverter.
3. in this configuration, to the inverter it is the same as "no AC" and it will only invert if the battery cable disconnect is ON, the power switch is ON and the internal transfer switch senses no AC.

Best part is that it will never go into 'charge mode'.

Any input, thoughts, concerns?

thanks

[jasin1]

i’d take the money for the transfer switch and just buy wire and relocate the inverter/charger to a different location …either where the original converter is and disconnect it just using the new xantrex…or just relocate to a place that you can’t hear it…on boats they have sound enclosures for generators and they sell engine room sound insulation…..maybe you could buy some sound deadening insulation from a marine store and put it on the ceiling above the xantrex.

if you do the mod you mentioned you would likely be the only person that knows exactly how and why it works and future owners may be puzzled


Good luck though

[jxnbbl]

Originally Posted by jasin1

i’d take the money for the transfer switch and just buy wire and relocate the inverter/charger to a different location …either where the original converter is and disconnect it just using the new xantrex…or just relocate to a place that you can’t hear it…on boats they have sound enclosures for generators and they sell engine room sound insulation…..maybe you could buy some sound deadening insulation from a marine store and put it on the ceiling above the xantrex.

if you do the mod you mentioned you would likely be the only person that knows exactly how and why it works and future owners may be puzzled


Good luck though

Believe it or not, the relocate to the converter option is about $500 of cable/parts since I would have to upgrade to 000 + welders cable for battery cables (even the jumpers between the 2 batteries). I'll look boat designed enclosures.

I don't think this idea is any different/more complex than a 'normal' inverter install with an external transfer switch. To put it in perspective it would be like the water pump going on/off every 30 min as it is located in the pass thru too.

I've actually bought nicer/quieter fans to replace the oem fans which will come into play regardless if i do/don't make this mod and live with the circuit being off during the evening.

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by jxnbbl

Believe it or not, the relocate to the converter option is about $500 of cable/parts since I would have to upgrade to 000 + welders cable for battery cables (even the jumpers between the 2 batteries). I'll look boat designed enclosures.

I don't think this idea is any different/more complex than a 'normal' inverter install with an external transfer switch. To put it in perspective it would be like the water pump going on/off every 30 min as it is located in the pass thru too.

I've actually bought nicer/quieter fans to replace the oem fans which will come into play regardless if i do/don't make this mod and live with the circuit being off during the evening.

wow i didn’t think it would cost $500 but than again everything is more expensive these days …well sounds like you got it figured out…i was second guessing myself when i purchased my xantrex freedom x 2000 inverter..thought i should have got the xc but would have run into the same issues i guess that you have.

[flybouy]

Inflation rate is just under 10% but everything I buy is 50% to 100% more. Must be that "new math" they teach these days.