Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum

Hi All
Getting close to have the inverter installed.I'm thinking of a MANGUM
MS 2012 and using D&R Family RV in Glendale AZ for the install. Any
comments or experience welcomed.
Mario 1985 FC 35 Still in Leucadia

Mario it is doubtful if D&R can do the install correctly. Every
install that I have seen done by an RV place will install the new
unit in place of the old chargers and that will not give you the use
of the inverter portion. In additoin because of the long distances
between the chargers and the batteries you will need much larger
battery cables, 4/0 both cables. In order to successfully install
the unit you need to install a sub panel in the closet next to the
main power panel and transfer the loads to the inverter such as the
microwave, and wall receptacles. In addition I would buy a
refurbished Heart Freedom 458-12 which is almost 1/2 the cost of the
Magnum unit and very reliable. I have had the 2500 watt unit
installed for over 4 years and its fantastic. I would install the
4568-25 which has a 130 amp charger and 2500 watt inverter.
http://www.partsonsale.com/heartfreedomrefurb.html

tom warner
vernon center,ny
1985 PT 40

At 01:08 AM 5/25/2007, you wrote:

>Hi All
>Getting close to have the inverter installed.I'm thinking of a MANGUM
>MS 2012 and using D&R Family RV in Glendale AZ for the install. Any
>comments or experience welcomed.
> Mario 1985 FC 35 Still in Leucadia

Mario, wonder if you can isolate appliances from running on the
inverted 110. like keep the e-water heater off the inverter and the
engine heat and keep the new battery chargers from running off the
inverter (circular draw). I dont know how the other battery use system
worked. I charge one of those portable battery car jumpstart packs on
inverted 110 just in case I cant start the genset after using up the
bats. Wish I had one of the auto genny start systems (like DonB). It
seems as those auto starts will pay for themselves with extending
battery life.

GregoryO'Connor
94ptRomolandCa

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mariopatti1"
wrote:
>
> Hi All
> Getting close to have the inverter installed.I'm thinking of a MANGUM
> MS 2012 and using D&R Family RV in Glendale AZ for the install. Any
> comments or experience welcomed.
> Mario 1985 FC 35 Still in Leucadia
>

Mario, Since you are using the MC/Visa tool out of the toolbox for the
install, Ask the tech/sales man to assure you that the inverter or
chargers wont toast the engine alts! dont even know if they can cause a
problem,

Greg

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mariopatti1"
wrote:
>
> Hi All
> Getting close to have the inverter installed.I'm thinking of a MANGUM
> MS 2012 and using D&R Family RV in Glendale AZ for the install. Any
> comments or experience welcomed.
> Mario 1985 FC 35 Still in Leucadia
>

Want to save a little more on a refurbed Freedom 458, look here:

http://www.sunelec.com/Distributors_/Tra...eartrefurb

Michael Brundridge
1992 WB40
Georgetown, TX

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner
wrote:
>
> Mario it is doubtful if D&R can do the install correctly. Every
> install that I have seen done by an RV place will install the new
> unit in place of the old chargers and that will not give you the
use
> of the inverter portion. In additoin because of the long distances
> between the chargers and the batteries you will need much larger
> battery cables, 4/0 both cables. In order to successfully install
> the unit you need to install a sub panel in the closet next to the
> main power panel and transfer the loads to the inverter such as the
> microwave, and wall receptacles. In addition I would buy a
> refurbished Heart Freedom 458-12 which is almost 1/2 the cost of
the
> Magnum unit and very reliable. I have had the 2500 watt unit
> installed for over 4 years and its fantastic. I would install the
> 4568-25 which has a 130 amp charger and 2500 watt inverter.
> http://www.partsonsale.com/heartfreedomrefurb.html
>
> tom warner
> vernon center,ny
> 1985 PT 40
>
> At 01:08 AM 5/25/2007, you wrote:
>
> >Hi All
> >Getting close to have the inverter installed.I'm thinking of a
MANGUM
> >MS 2012 and using D&R Family RV in Glendale AZ for the install. Any
> >comments or experience welcomed.
> > Mario 1985 FC 35 Still in Leucadia
>

Gregory,
I know my coach an 86 PT40 is a good bit older than yours but I had the same
problem of draining main engine batteries and draining the generator battery
also. I replaced the diode that is to stop the electrical back flow from the
generator battery. I also found a blown 30 amp circuit breaker and replaced it.
All is well for now.
Howard Truitt
Camilla, Ga.
86 PT40



>
> From: "Gregory OConnor"
> Date: 2007/05/25 Fri AM 08:50:35 EDT
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: inverter / charger
>
> Mario, wonder if you can isolate appliances from running on the
> inverted 110. like keep the e-water heater off the inverter and the
> engine heat and keep the new battery chargers from running off the
> inverter (circular draw). I dont know how the other battery use system
> worked. I charge one of those portable battery car jumpstart packs on
> inverted 110 just in case I cant start the genset after using up the
> bats. Wish I had one of the auto genny start systems (like DonB). It
> seems as those auto starts will pay for themselves with extending
> battery life.
>
> GregoryO'Connor
> 94ptRomolandCa
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mariopatti1"
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi All
> > Getting close to have the inverter installed.I'm thinking of a MANGUM
> > MS 2012 and using D&R Family RV in Glendale AZ for the install. Any
> > comments or experience welcomed.
> > Mario 1985 FC 35 Still in Leucadia
> >
>
>
>
>

--Greg Thanks for the suggestion for the water heater.The unit
includes a battery charger.Mangum MS 2012.That tool is my toolbox!!
Mario 1985FC35 in Leucadia

- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gregory OConnor"
wrote:
>
> Mario, Since you are using the MC/Visa tool out of the toolbox for
the
> install, Ask the tech/sales man to assure you that the inverter
or
> chargers wont toast the engine alts! dont even know if they can
cause a
> problem,
>
> Greg
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mariopatti1"
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi All
> > Getting close to have the inverter installed.I'm thinking of a
MANGUM
> > MS 2012 and using D&R Family RV in Glendale AZ for the install.
Any
> > comments or experience welcomed.
> > Mario 1985 FC 35 Still in
Leucadia
> >
>

Howard, It seems that the rigs that have seperate engine batts , keep
that bank longer than house batt bank.I think the house bats get used
up because they are depleted past 12 v often. the auto genny/starts
will keep the house batbank closer to 12 and I think help keep the
batteries longer.

Motorcoaches go through alts on their engines and I wondered if
current going to the bateries from the house 110 chargers harms the
alts??. Are the alt to battery path diode protected??? if the diode
fails will it fail making two way contact or stop any flow???

GregoryO'Connor
94ptRomolandCa

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, wrote:
>
>
> Gregory,
> I know my coach an 86 PT40 is a good bit older than yours but I had
the same problem of draining main engine batteries and draining the
generator battery also. I replaced the diode that is to stop the
electrical back flow from the generator battery. I also found a blown
30 amp circuit breaker and replaced it.
> All is well for now.
> Howard Truitt
> Camilla, Ga.
> 86 PT40
>
>
>
> >
> > From: "Gregory OConnor"
> > Date: 2007/05/25 Fri AM 08:50:35 EDT
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: inverter / charger
> >
> > Mario, wonder if you can isolate appliances from running on the
> > inverted 110. like keep the e-water heater off the inverter and
the
> > engine heat and keep the new battery chargers from running off
the
> > inverter (circular draw). I dont know how the other battery use
system
> > worked. I charge one of those portable battery car jumpstart
packs on
> > inverted 110 just in case I cant start the genset after using up
the
> > bats. Wish I had one of the auto genny start systems (like
DonB). It
> > seems as those auto starts will pay for themselves with
extending
> > battery life.
> >
> > GregoryO'Connor
> > 94ptRomolandCa
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mariopatti1"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi All
> > > Getting close to have the inverter installed.I'm thinking of a
MANGUM
> > > MS 2012 and using D&R Family RV in Glendale AZ for the install.
Any
> > > comments or experience welcomed.
> > > Mario 1985 FC 35 Still in
Leucadia
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

Greg the house batteries are "used up" as you put it and I assume
that means have to be replaced because very few coach owners
understand how to properly size their charger/inverter and connecting
cables and wiring and to properly care for and manage their
batteries. They discharge below 12V simply because few coach owners
have an accurate way of monitoring their condition from inside the
coach and in real time. As you note one way to keep the batteries
from discharging below 12V is to install an automatic generator start
but in my opinion that does not help with monitoring the condition
etc of the batteries, alternator and generator outputs.

I for instance have installed new batteries in my 1985 PT 40 (six
6VDC deep cycle Interstate batteries) simply because the former owner
installed 6 red top Optima 12VDC batteries as house batteries. They
were the wrong kind (red tops are for starting not deep cycle) and
only 55AH each which is not adequate for this coach. Also installed
all new 4/0 battery cables and to and from the charger. Also new 10
gauge cables from the main power panel to the charger and from the
new subpanel to the inverter. I also installed a new subpanel for
the inverter and switched all of the inside receptacles and the
microwave and electric curtains over to the subpanel. Also installed
a link 2000 which will monitor the batteries and their condition, the
alternator voltage and current, the generator voltage and
current, and will show the hours for the batteries to get to any
voltage I set it for which is 12.3V for mine. With the Link 1000/2000
I can monitor the current draw of every device inside the coach that
operates from 12VDC, monitor the condition of the batteries etc. To
me this is a powerful device as it gives me confidence whether
boondocking, on the road, or at a RV Park plugged into shore power as
to the condition of everything in the coach.

The charger or alternator will also charge the battery efficiently if
the original circuits are kept in good repair and checked so that we
are assured they work properly. I have helped several others
troubleshoot their generator charging circuits and I am told they now work.

If you do a lot of boondocking then you should calculate your 12VDC
loads so you can install the best battery bank , charger/inverter to
efficiently handle it. A good source for that is

http://www.phrannie.org/battery.html
http://www.phrannie.org/invert.html

You can use the OEM battery chargers but they are very inefficient,
overcharge your batteries causing them to fail prematurely and really
should be replaced. I strongly recommend the Xantrex Freedom 458
series charger/inverters with the Link 1000 or 2000 controls. I would
buy a refurbished unit if they are available.
As for your comment of "current going to the batteries from the house
110 chargers" that is only possible if you do not separate the power
to the charger from the power from the inverter. That is resolved by
installing a subpanel that has the circuits for the microwave,
electric curtains and inside receptacles in my case and powering the
charger from its original breaker in the main power panel. These are
some of the issues we are going to discuss at the June 8-10 rally
here in Vernon,NY along with working on some of the coaches in attendance.

tom warner
vernon center,ny
1985 PT 40

At 12:54 AM 5/26/2007, you wrote:
>Howard, It seems that the rigs that have seperate engine batts , keep
>that bank longer than house batt bank.I think the house bats get used
>up because they are depleted past 12 v often. the auto genny/starts
>will keep the house batbank closer to 12 and I think help keep the
>batteries longer.
>
>Motorcoaches go through alts on their engines and I wondered if
>current going to the bateries from the house 110 chargers harms the
>alts??. Are the alt to battery path diode protected??? if the diode
>fails will it fail making two way contact or stop any flow???
>
>GregoryO'Connor
>94ptRomolandCa
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, wrote:
> >
> >
> > Gregory,
> > I know my coach an 86 PT40 is a good bit older than yours but I had
>the same problem of draining main engine batteries and draining the
>generator battery also. I replaced the diode that is to stop the
>electrical back flow from the generator battery. I also found a blown
>30 amp circuit breaker and replaced it.
> > All is well for now.
> > Howard Truitt
> > Camilla, Ga.
> > 86 PT40
> >
> >
> >
> > >
> > > From: "Gregory OConnor"
> > > Date: 2007/05/25 Fri AM 08:50:35 EDT
> > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: inverter / charger
> > >
> > > Mario, wonder if you can isolate appliances from running on the
> > > inverted 110. like keep the e-water heater off the inverter and
>the
> > > engine heat and keep the new battery chargers from running off
>the
> > > inverter (circular draw). I dont know how the other battery use
>system
> > > worked. I charge one of those portable battery car jumpstart
>packs on
> > > inverted 110 just in case I cant start the genset after using up
>the
> > > bats. Wish I had one of the auto genny start systems (like
>DonB). It
> > > seems as those auto starts will pay for themselves with
>extending
> > > battery life.
> > >
> > > GregoryO'Connor
> > > 94ptRomolandCa
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mariopatti1"
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi All
> > > > Getting close to have the inverter installed.I'm thinking of a
>MANGUM
> > > > MS 2012 and using D&R Family RV in Glendale AZ for the install.
>Any
> > > > comments or experience welcomed.
> > > > Mario 1985 FC 35 Still in
>Leucadia
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

Ebay seller has an Magnum MS2812 inverter/charger for sale. Would b a good
replacement for the original system on my pt40? He says it's pure sinewave? And
new.Marvin SkaggsBuffalo, Ky. 427161984 PT40--- On Sat 05/26, Tom Warner <
warbucks@... > wrote:From: Tom Warner [mailto: warbucks@...]To:
WanderlodgeForum@...: Sat, 26 May 2007 08:39:06 -0400Subject:
Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: inverter / charger



Greg the house batteries are "used up" as you put it and I assume that means
have to be replaced because very few coach owners understand how to properly
size their charger/inverter and connecting cables and wiring and to properly
care for and manage their batteries. They discharge below 12V simply because few
coach owners have an accurate way of monitoring their condition from inside the
coach and in real time. As you note one way to keep the batteries from
discharging below 12V is to install an automatic generator start but in my
opinion that does not help with monitoring the condition etc of the batteries,
alternator and generator outputs.I for instance have installed new batteries in
my 1985 PT 40 (six 6VDC deep cycle Interstate batteries) simply because the
former owner installed 6 red top Optima 12VDC batteries as house batteries. They
were the wrong kind (red tops are for starting not deep cycle) and only 55AH
each which is not adequate for this coach. Also installed
all new 4/0 battery cables and to and from the charger. Also new 10 gauge cables
from the main power panel to the charger and from the new subpanel to the
inverter. I also installed a new subpanel for the inverter and switched all of
the inside receptacles and the microwave and electric curtains over to the
subpanel. Also installed a link 2000 which will monitor the batteries and their
condition, the alternator voltage and current, the generator voltage and
current, and will show the hours for the batteries to get to any voltage I set
it for which is 12.3V for mine. With the Link 1000/2000 I can monitor the
current draw of every device inside the coach that operates from 12VDC, monitor
the condition of the batteries etc. To me this is a powerful device as it gives
me confidence whether boondocking, on the road, or at a RV Park plugged into
shore power as to the condition of everything in the coach.The charger or
alternator will also charge the battery efficiently if the
original circuits are kept in good repair and checked so that we are assured
they work properly. I have helped several others troubleshoot their generator
charging circuits and I am told they now work.If you do a lot of boondocking
then you should calculate your 12VDC loads so you can install the best battery
bank , charger/inverter to efficiently handle it. A good source for that
ishttp://www.phrannie.org/battery.htmlht...rt.htmlYou can
use the OEM battery chargers but they are very inefficient, overcharge your
batteries causing them to fail prematurely and really should be replaced. I
strongly recommend the Xantrex Freedom 458 series charger/inverters with the
Link 1000 or 2000 controls. I would buy a refurbished unit if they are
available.As for your comment of "current going to the batteries from the house
110 chargers" that is only possible if you do not separate the power to the
charger from the power from the inverter. That is resolved by
installing a subpanel that has the circuits for the microwave, electric curtains
and inside receptacles in my case and powering the charger from its original
breaker in the main power panel. These are some of the issues we are going to
discuss at the June 8-10 rally here in Vernon,NY along with working on some of
the coaches in attendance.tom warnervernon center,ny1985 PT 40At 12:54 AM
5/26/2007, you wrote:>Howard, It seems that the rigs that have seperate
engine batts , keep>that bank longer than house batt bank.I think the house
bats get used>up because they are depleted past 12 v often. the auto
genny/starts>will keep the house batbank closer to 12 and I think help keep
the>batteries longer.>>Motorcoaches go through alts on their engines
and I wondered if>current going to the bateries from the house 110 chargers
harms the>alts??. Are the alt to battery path diode protected??? if the
diode>fails will it fail making two way contact or stop any
flow???>>GregoryO'Connor>94ptRomolandCa>> --- In
WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
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