My coach came with a Magnum 2012 modified sine wave inverter charger which for the most part has worked well but my microwave oven makes terrible noises when running off of it and I would like to be able run an air conditioner occasionally without starting the generator.The 3012RV hybrid unit seems like it should solve both issues but I saw a recent thread about issues starting an AC on this inverter. There was a comment that Magnum does not recommend powering an AC with the 3012 but I haven't been able to find anything in the manual to support that.When comparing the specs between my 2012 and the 3012 hybrid it appears that the 3012 is less efficient but I am not sure how big of problem that actually is.I have been told that Victron makes better charger inverters than Magnum but I like the idea that the 3012 appears to be a bolt in direct replacement for my existing unit. I am hesitant to tackle the job of wiring in a different brand, especially wiring the remote control for it. Maybe the control cable is an industry standard and can be re-used for a Victron? I have already upgraded my batteries to 640 amp hours of lithium iron batteries that are capable of a 1C discharge rate so that shouldn't be an issue.Any informed thoughts from someone with experience?

For high wattage usage like a/c I suggest going to a higher voltage. At 12v, hundreds of amps can heat things up.

"I have been told that Victron makes better charger inverters than Magnum ""you were told correct..Victron equipment is better than Magnum, when you do convert to Lithium batteries you will be ready

First, if you plan on running an A/C or a residential refrigerator from an inverter, get a pure sine wave inverter.Second, install a Micro-Air EasyStart on the A/C.Third, if you are buying an inverter/charger get one with a builtin automatic transfer switch. Yes, it will mean some rewiring, but once installed it will be so much easier to deal with. No On/Off controls. Everything is automatic !

2oldman wrote:For high wattage usage like a/c I suggest going to a higher voltage. At 12v, hundreds of amps can heat things up.I agree, but with a 24V system is is difficult to charge your house batteries from the vehicle charging system.EDIT :Maybe not ! Victron Orion-Tr 12/24-Volt 15 amp DC-DC Charger

theoldwizard1 wrote:2oldman wrote:For high wattage usage like a/c I suggest going to a higher voltage. At 12v, hundreds of amps can heat things up.I agree, but with a 24V system is is difficult to charge your house batteries from the vehicle charging system.EDIT :Maybe not ! Victron Orion-Tr 12/24-Volt 15 amp DC-DC ChargerHigher voltage does have its advantages but I am kind of hung up on being able to use the house batteries to jump of the chassis battery or vice versa. My generator starts off of the house battery. And I do like charging from the alternator if I need to without the complications of the DC-DC charger. I already have lithium batteries in place and will probably divide them in two and pull a second 2/0 cable to the inverter rather than pull a new 4/0.

Should I upgrade to a Magnum 3012RV inverter/charger

Groover
Explorer II
Dec 08, 2021
theoldwizard1 wrote:
2oldman wrote:
For high wattage usage like a/c I suggest going to a higher voltage. At 12v, hundreds of amps can heat things up.

I agree, but with a 24V system is is difficult to charge your house batteries from the vehicle charging system.

EDIT :

Maybe not ! Victron Orion-Tr 12/24-Volt 15 amp DC-DC Charger

Higher voltage does have its advantages but I am kind of hung up on being able to use the house batteries to jump of the chassis battery or vice versa. My generator starts off of the house battery. And I do like charging from the alternator if I need to without the complications of the DC-DC charger.

I already have lithium batteries in place and will probably divide them in two and pull a second 2/0 cable to the inverter rather than pull a new 4/0.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Dec 08, 2021
2oldman wrote:
For high wattage usage like a/c I suggest going to a higher voltage. At 12v, hundreds of amps can heat things up.

I agree, but with a 24V system is is difficult to charge your house batteries from the vehicle charging system.

EDIT :

Maybe not ! Victron Orion-Tr 12/24-Volt 15 amp DC-DC Charger
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Dec 08, 2021
First, if you plan on running an A/C or a residential refrigerator from an inverter, get a pure sine wave inverter.

Second, install a Micro-Air EasyStart on the A/C.

Third, if you are buying an inverter/charger get one with a builtin automatic transfer switch. Yes, it will mean some rewiring, but once installed it will be so much easier to deal with. No On/Off controls. Everything is automatic !
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Dec 08, 2021
"I have been told that Victron makes better charger inverters than Magnum ""
you were told correct..

Victron equipment is better than Magnum, when you do convert to Lithium batteries you will be ready
2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 08, 2021
For high wattage usage like a/c I suggest going to a higher voltage. At 12v, hundreds of amps can heat things up.

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