Replacing original Inverter/Chargers in 2000 LXI

[jack vandenberg]

Holland MH just reinstalled the #1 inverter  in my coach.  They sent it back to be rebuilt.  It cost about $1500 with in/out labor.  The other one was replaced and paid for by BB when it was still under warranty.   That is 2 in 5 years.  I'm sure the bad inverters caused my AGM batteries to fail in less than 3 years.   Ruffled Feathers AKA  jvdb

On Fri, Nov 12, 2010 at 12:44 PM, Robert Johannesen <"packratfxr@yahoo.com"> wrote:

 

I agree with Rich - time to call the factory Tech Reps at Trace. One of them probably is very familiar with the BlueBird applications and may provide you with a schematic and troubleshooting steps.  I've always had good luck, especially if the customer service rep will let you talk to the engineer who designed the system.

---

From: g_man1146 <"gman1146@optonline.net">
To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"

Sent: Fri, November 12, 2010 10:26:55 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Replacing original Inverter/Chargers in 2000 LXI

 

FRom what I was told by Blue Bird, the two inverters in the 43 LXi were NOT "stacked". That is to say the outputs were not combined in any way. Each provided a separate 3000 watt output. The charging capacity was, however, combined so you have both charging the battery bank. Since you can run an air conditioner from the inverters while traveling, in addition to all other 120V uses, a large load of more than 3000W can be drawn and the two inverters are necessary to accomodate that load.


Seemes strange to me that both inverters would go down at the same time. Further troubleshooting may be necessary. Have you spoken with the folks at Trace/Xantrex?

Rich D. '06 M450 (former '99LXi43/'90WLWB PT40) CT


--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "luckyron1" wrote:
>
>

>
> Well....
> Procrastination has it's price. Murphy strikes again, etc. Of course I did nothing about replacing the inverters this spring and now here we are back in San Antonio. At least we are hooked up to shore power. They don't call me luckyron for nothing! It does now appear that the original (10+ yrs old) Trace Inverters have finally went down. This morning we noticed that the RC7 Remote Control Panels were no longer lit up. I checked for 12 vt power and could not get anything 12 vt to come on. I discovered that the dash coach battery gauge says 0 vts., but the new coach AGM batteries (analog meter) test at 13.2 vts. The dash engine battery gauge says 12.8vts and they indeed test at 12.8 vts. In fooling around with the Trace inverters I find that they will not switch back on, and, I see a red lite on the Traces' when I leave the charger breakers on, despite the fact that the inverter switches are turned off. So I'm continuing
with the same tests but it's looking to me like they are down for good, at last. Now I am faced with the same dillemma that I had last spring: Read on and feel free to advise. Thanks.
>
> I have just installed 6 new AGM batteries. I have the original Trace 3000 watt inverter/chargers and they seem to be working OK, but, the way I see it, the failure of the 10 yr. old Trace units is probably just around the corner. The Trace units are (I think) standard BB installation, stacked, with RC7 remotes above the pilots seat. I'm looking at the latest and greatest Xantrax unit: The Freedom 3000 watt, comparing the technical specifications, operations manuals, installation instructions, to the Trace originals in the Bird Box. Am somewhat confused, possibly having a brain fart. I hate to ask stupid questions but here I go.

> >
> > Why did BB go with 2 stacked inverter/chargers when it appears that just one would be capable of
handling 6 4D batteries? Backup?
> >
> > If I need two, why? And will they be "plug and play" or will I have to hire someone to do it? Will one of them have to be configured as a shunt like the original Trace units? And exactly what is a shunt?

>
> Thanks guys
> 2000 LXI in sunny San Antonio
> >
>
>
> --- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "luckyron1" wrote:

> >
> > I have just installed 6 new AGM batteries. I have the original Trace 3000 watt inverter/chargers and they seem to be working OK, but, the way I see it, the failure of the 10 yr. old Trace units is probably just around the corner. The Trace units are (I think) standard BB installation, stacked, with RC7 remotes above the pilots seat. I'm looking at the
latest and greatest Xantrax unit: The Freedom 3000 watt, comparing the technical specifications, operations manuals, installation instructions, to the Trace originals in the Bird Box. Am somewhat confused, possibly having a brain fart. I hate to ask stupid questions but here I go.

> >
> > Why did BB go with 2 stacked inverter/chargers when it appears that just one would be capable of handling 6 4D batteries? Backup?
> >
> > If I need two, why? And will they be "plug and play" or will I have to hire someone to do it? Will one of them have to be configured as a shunt like the original Trace units? And exactly what is a shunt?

> >
> > 2000 LXI cooling off in MN
> >
>

--
Jack and Ila VanDenBerg
Po box 219
Glenn, Mi. 49416

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