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Best recommended Inverter & Converter

JosephBr108

JosephBr108

New Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2020
Messages
15
Hi everyone!

Here's a brief layout of my RV solar system. I've also attached a picture of my wiring diagram. It's not perfect, but it is an accurate reflection of where I'm at so far.

A basic overview:
  • (4x) 375 watt solar panel array (total: 1,500 watt array)
  • 100 amp victron solar charge controller
  • 8x 3V 280AH batteries (wired in groups of four, making two 280AH 12V batteries to make a total 560AH 12V battery bank)
  • The RV is equipped with an Onan 4000 GenSet. Model #4BGEFA26100H / 120 AC / 33.3 Amps / Ph 1 / PF 1 / Hz 60 / kW 4 / RPM 1800 / Bat 12V
  • RV also has an alternator (type not sure at the moment)
Given this set up, I'm wondering what type of converter I should purchase for plugging into the grid and connecting to the listed generator. Please refer to wiring diagram if unclear.

In addition, what type of inverter do you guys recommend for this set up? I am looking for at least a 2000 watt capacity inverter.

ALSO (going to also post this question in the Charge Controller thread), do I need to place a charge controller between the converter and the positive bus bar to charge the batteries? This would be (I assume) a separate charge controller from the 100 amp Victron charge controller? If this is so, does anyone have recommendations for the type of charge controller I should use for this purpose?

You can also see in the wiring diagram that I have listed a charge controller inbetween the alternator and the positive bus bar. I think the RV already has a charge controller going from the alternator to the battery that the alternator charges, but I still need to verify. If I do need to place my own charge controller in between the alternator and the positive bus bar, what type of charge controller should I purchase?

Thank you very much for any and all assistance!

Joseph B.
 

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HaldorEE said:
A lot of inverter/chargers are unforgiving about electrical noise (they will refuse to charge if your generator has crappy output).

The Samlex Evo-2212 has a second dedicated AC input for generator use that is more forgiving of electrical noise.

Click to expand...

In another thread, you inadvertently turned me on to the Xantrex Freedom XC (I'd like the 3K)...was curious for your reason to set it aside. The LVD adjustability is appealing.
 
fuzzmunky415 said:
In another thread, you inadvertently turned me on to the Xantrex Freedom XC (I'd like the 3K)...was curious for your reason to set it aside. The LVD adjustability is appealing.
Click to expand...
The Xantrex looks to be a very solid product. But then I got seduced by the promise of shore power. Then it was the Samlex Evo and the Victron Multiplus that were duking it out for my money, and then I got a deal on a Victron Multiplus.

The Samlex is definitely the better choice if you plan on operating from a generator. The Victron is probably the best all around from a quality and longevity standpoint. Plus the rest of my system is going to be Victron and their equipment plays very nicely together and I don't intend to run off a generator.

I don't think you would go wrong with any of these inverters. Main question is which model fits your particular needs best.
 
HaldorEE said:
The Samlex Evo and the Victron were duking it out for my money, but then I got a deal on a Victron Multiplus.

The Samlex is definitely better if you plan on operating from a generator. The Victron is probably the best all around and the rest of my system was going to be Victron and their equipment plays very well together. The Xantrex looks to be a very solid product as well. I don't think you would go wrong with any of these inverters. Main question is which model fits your particular needs best.
Click to expand...

A deal on a Victron MultiPlus? Congrats on that unicorn! I've read a few comments here about Xantrex falling in quality due to ownership changes, but that read was quickly followed with a post from Battleborn, which appeared to give a blessing of sorts to the XC, and I think those guys know what's up, if anyone does. I can't recall my reticence with Samlex, was it fully LVD programmable, or just incrementally? The Victron seems pretty great on the whole, and we know the support is there (esp. if Battle Born is in the mix). Here was that linkie: https://battlebornbatteries.com/bat...with-xantrex-xc2000-in-trailer-life-magazine/

*edit to add I think we are only a Victron MPPT away from an 'all-in-one' using these inverter-chargers that have full adjustability and automatic transfer with remote..feeling pretty lucky among all the choices.
 
Last edited:
JosephBr108 said:
Hi everyone!

Here's a brief layout of my RV solar system. I've also attached a picture of my wiring diagram. It's not perfect, but it is an accurate reflection of where I'm at so far.

A basic overview:
  • (4x) 375 watt solar panel array (total: 1,500 watt array)
  • 100 amp victron solar charge controller
  • 8x 3V 280AH batteries (wired in groups of four, making two 280AH 12V batteries to make a total 560AH 12V battery bank)
  • The RV is equipped with an Onan 4000 GenSet. Model #4BGEFA26100H / 120 AC / 33.3 Amps / Ph 1 / PF 1 / Hz 60 / kW 4 / RPM 1800 / Bat 12V
  • RV also has an alternator (type not sure at the moment)
Given this set up, I'm wondering what type of converter I should purchase for plugging into the grid and connecting to the listed generator. Please refer to wiring diagram if unclear.

In addition, what type of inverter do you guys recommend for this set up? I am looking for at least a 2000 watt capacity inverter.

ALSO (going to also post this question in the Charge Controller thread), do I need to place a charge controller between the converter and the positive bus bar to charge the batteries? This would be (I assume) a separate charge controller from the 100 amp Victron charge controller? If this is so, does anyone have recommendations for the type of charge controller I should use for this purpose?

You can also see in the wiring diagram that I have listed a charge controller inbetween the alternator and the positive bus bar. I think the RV already has a charge controller going from the alternator to the battery that the alternator charges, but I still need to verify. If I do need to place my own charge controller in between the alternator and the positive bus bar, what type of charge controller should I purchase?

Thank you very much for any and all assistance!

Joseph B.
Click to expand...
Joseph, Im new at this also. Would like to know your thinking on running your converter through the CC, Why not right to bus bar. I note you posted this a while back, what did you wind up doing.
thanks
 
Are those four outlets you show in your diagram the only four your inverter will power? Looks like you may be wiring these outlets in seperatly.

So for Converters, I am considering eventually upgrading to an IOTA converter for shore power. They come in different amps and also have accessory modules to plug in that will charge based off the battery and profile you want. Most converters I see don't even describe what there battery charging profile is, never mind different battery types.
 
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