Should I upgrade to a Magnum 3012RV inverter/charger

[Groover]

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?

[Itinerant1]

I've used the Magnum 3012 hybrid everyday for the past 5.5 years now with no issues. You will need to add a micro-air easy start to the air conditioner or the inverter will throw a fault and be hit and miss.

[3_tons]

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.

True with FWC’s (depending on cabling bottlenecks) but from my own air conditioner experience, mitigated by switching to LFP - negligible voltage sag - JMO

Respectfully,

3 tons

[KD4UPL]

I've installed a lot of Magnum inverters in off grid homes and cabins and a few RVs too. I've had very good results with the brand. I've only installed one Victron unit and it did work okay but don't know that much about them.

The Magnum (or any inverter you choose) should have a built in transfer switch. This will be in use in addition to your external transfer switch because you are managing 3 sources: shore power, inverter, and generator.

[theoldwizard1]

Groover wrote:
The 3012 has a built in automatic transfer switch but the coach already has an external built in switch upstream. I don't know if I will mess with rewiring that or not.

You should ! Also, some other manufacturers inverter/charger/automatic transfer switches also have an input for your generator with a auto start capability.

[theoldwizard1]

Groover wrote:
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.

The first part of your statement makes perfect logic.

The second part, not so much. The best way to charge a house battery will always be a DC-DC charger.

[Groover]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
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 !

The coach came with a residential refrigerator, I didn't mention it because it runs fine on the old inverter. Currently only the microwave complains. I already have an easy start on the front AC and that is all that I would even think about running without the generator running.

The 3012 has a built in automatic transfer switch but the coach already has an external built in switch upstream. I don't know if I will mess with rewiring that or not.

[Groover]

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]

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]

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]

"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]

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