RV Tech recommends new Inverter (@ $2,500 to install)

[obiwancanoli]

That's a lot to solve a GFCI problem...

OK, been having a problem resetting my two GFCI plugs (on Inverter, no shore power); my initial problem occurred while on the Inverter. When the generator is fired up, one of the GFCI's resets, the other does not - my tech has 40 years in the business, BTW... also having an issue - while on the inverter - with the dome light underneath the microwave - it blinks on and off continuously when on the inverter... tech suggests trying to plug into shore power to see if that solves the problem... but if it does, how do I resolve the MW light blinking on and off?

It was his feeling that changing my MSW Inverter to a PSW would likely solve the problem, and the cost is due to what he refers to as "the right Inverter". This was his reply to my comment about searching Amazon for said inverters, and those I found weren't anywhere close to a price that would justify a total of $2,500... he thought Newmar might have simply gone on the cheap when choosing the current inverter for my coach, but the fact is, it oughta work correctly, yet it doesn't.

I'd appreciate some insight... it's a long ride to a Newmar certified facility...

[2oldman]

GDS-3950BH wrote:
Why are there multiple EV threads in the general RVing forum,...

My favorite is the Forum Posting Help forum.

[BarneyS]

GDS,
Have you looked at the General RVing forum lately? They now lump all posts on the topic into one forum. No more multiple threads.:)
Barney

[GDS-3950BH]

bikendan wrote:
why is this in the Towing forum?:h

Why are there multiple EV threads in the general RVing forum, with every one of them populated by the same gaggle of knuckleheads arguing the same topics back and forth, over and over?

[dougrainer]

1. Have you owned the RV since NEW?
2. If so, was this a continued problem since NEW or just started recently?
3. Newmar DOES NOT go "cheap" when they spec out a RV and appliances.
If so, they would have HUNDREDS of upset customers, just not you.
4. One of your questions confused me about the M/W light. You connect to Shore Power and the GFCI's do not trip? But does the M/W light then pulsate? Or, you have not done the test?
5. Can you give a GOOD Multimeter read on the actual voltage when on Inverter? Not a wall plug in type meter.
6. Last, the BEST way to determine IF the Inverter may have a fault is to connect the Input and output 120 Romex wires together at the Inverter and then test both Shore and Genset. See if the GFCI's stay ON. THEN connect the Output back to the Inverter and see if the GFCI's trip when Inverter activated. If so, then you have a fault in the Inverter.
7. Make SURE the Grounding lug on the outside case of the Inverter is grounded to a chassis frame source.
8. You can go back with original MSW if cheaper, but a PSW is a better choice.
9. I would have him gurantee that if you replace either the PSW or the MSW, your problem will be fixed or you do not pay for the new Inverter. Doug

[CA_Traveler]

The Magnum MS2012 is about $1400 + remote for example.

[CA_Traveler]

Not everything works with a MSW inverter. However some GFCI's don't work with MSW inverters. Look up your inverter specs and find out what GFCIs are recommended and change to that type.

Is the MW original? Any changes? Good suggestion to check the inverter settings. Also check on shore power. Charger/inverters often pass AC power through when it's available.

I'd bet a donut that everthing worked perfectly when new and something has changed. But inverters and GFCIs do develop problems.

PSW inverters are better in that the output is very close to the utility sine wave output.

I suspect you have a charger/inverter unit perhaps with a built in ATS and remote. As such you definitely won't find one for $600. $1500 plus installation and you're at $2000+.

[craz_z]

Sounds like it might be dead. Obviously he could go deeper and check behind the gfci or open it up and look for burnt mosfets. but typically if a inverter has gfci's on them they are cheap to start with.

Its hard to say with out more info.

If it is a MSW upgrading to PSW is highly recommended and would certify the old one was a cheap inverter to start with. modified sine wave is the cheapest of cheap inverters

The real question is what are u getting for 2500$ hopefully a magnum, victron multiplex, or other really really high end DIRECT wire no gfci psw inverter otherwise total ripoff for say a cheapy gfci 500$ amazon special.


the blinking light and other weird things are just side effects of a failing inverter. shore might not correct it as certain circuits are dedicated from the inverter.


The "right inverter" can easily cost 2k or in that neighborhood.
depends on what all your inverter is running

[Lwiddis]

When a repairperson sets an outrageous price it’s usually because he/she doesn’t want to do the work.

[obiwancanoli]

Hmmm... thought that was where I posted it...

[BarneyS]

Good question above! Moved to Tech Issues forum from Towing.

[bikendan]

why is this in the Towing forum?:h

[Grit_dog]

The inverter is not I use when the genny is supplying AC power. Well it could be, but doesn’t need to or shouldn’t really, IMO.
GFIs can be defective and wear out or they can pop due to a ground fault.
Age, amount of use, etc we don’t know that from your description.
Regarding $2500, if he’s been at this 40 years and gets $2500 for repairs like that he should be retired on a beach, that he purchased! Lol.
The most expensive 2000W inverter you can buy is around $600 and it’s about as difficult as a car audio amp to install except maybe easier.
$2500 is about double what I’d expect at least.

[pianotuna]

obiwancanoli wrote:
BTW... also having an issue - while on the inverter - with the dome light underneath the microwave - it blinks on and off continuously when on the inverter

The inverter may be set to power savings mode. It turns on every 6 seconds or so--to see if there is a load. It caused the display on the microwave to blink and beep. If there is a load--it comes on fully.

I have this issue with my inverter/charger.

I solved by turning the feature *off*