Replacing original Inverter/Chargers in 2000 LXI

[luckyron1]

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

[brad barton]

Don't know about shunts. Ralph and others could surely shed some light on that.

I had 2 Heart/Xantrex inverters in our unit. I believe they handled separate battery banks- house and engine. But if one went out, linking the batteries allowed you to get by with one inverter-charger at least temporarily. We had to do that on our final trip to deliver the coach in CA.I wish I knew what made the sine-wave inverters better than others, but I've heard they produce a cleaner or purer electricity that's better on batteries and especially AC appliances.

Brad formerly 2000 LXi.

"bbartonwx@hotmail.com"
http://www.bradsweather.com

---

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: luckyron1@...
Date: Sat, 8 May 2010 15:12:54 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Replacing original Inverter/Chargers in 2000 LXI

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

---

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[luckyron1]

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@yahoogroups.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
>

[g_man1146]

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@yahoogroups.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@yahoogroups.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
> >
>

[Robert Johannesen]

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
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 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

[i] [/i]

[luckyron1]

Finally got the new inverter/chargers installed. As it turned out, the original
Trace inverter/chargers were not stacked, and BB had put in the two in order to
handle the surge in the unlikely event that you wanted to run one of the air
conditioners on them. We now have two 3000 watt Xantrex Freedom 3000s, along
with the optional, configurable, remote control panels, aka SCPs. The mobile
tech, Stagecoach RV Service, a seasoned, former Prevost tech (at a dealership
in Lakeland, FL), did the job and this is the 2nd time around with him. I would
recommend him to anyone. He put it up on a leased lift, 5 hrs later the
inverters are in and working. The wiring and cables are all new and properly
strung along the frame rails. The footprint of the inverters is the same but
the wiring terminals are on the right side instead of the left like the old
Trace inverters, and as they are impinged on the surrounding cage, so gone is
the cage and the storage shelf above. Gone also are the original remotes (RC7s)
above the pilot's seat. That void has been professionally covered with another
black substance similar to the original lexan? The new remotes and wiring are
enclosed in a matching, cherry wood frame & chase which is on the wall between
the refrig and the dinette window, directly above the inverters, instead of the
neck craning opposite side of the coach as had been done by BB. As they are,
the original remote wires are harmless and remain in the ceiling until some
future remodeling project facilitates their removal. The units are simple to
program and it's nice not to have to micromanage the AGM charging anymore. All
the same, just for the fun of it, I will probably deep cycle them 20 to 40 per
cent now and then in order to prevent the battery 'setting' that some others
have mentioned.

Thanks for the input,

2000 LXI in Aransas Pass

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.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@yahoogroups.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
> >
>

[Fred Hulse]

Ron

If you would sell the RC7 remotes,I would be interested

Fred & Jeanne Hulse
Morristown,Arizona
97 WLWB41