I have an OEM Xantrex Freedom 458 inverter/charger in my 2005 Safari Cheetah. I have used this unit only as a charger and to my knowledge the PO also used it mainly as a charger to maintain house batteries. Generally the RV is connected to shore power or run on the 8Kw Onan diesel generator and mostly when not connected to one of these the only electrical items used were dc powered (lights, radio, fridge on LP etc.). Last month I tried to boondock for the first time and when I turned on the inverter nothing happened. Initially I thought it might be a battery issue which got me researching LiFePO4 options. My initial field testing showed the inverter/charger is charging but not inverting. After further field testing at Xantrex CS direction they advised that the problem is likely internal on the inverter side and my options are to have it serviced or replace it.
So here us the question(s): Any idea what "service" cost? At least say analyses to determine if repair or replacement is warranted. I am not knowledgeable when it comes to servicing the internal electronic workings of an inverter short of replacing internal fuses on other models. Also, considering its age of 15 years (if this is a factor) and the fact that it is a Xantrex Freedom 458 (modified sine) should I have the unit serviced or replace it?
Now if I replace it then a whole host of other questions arise. A new one is about $1300 - $1600. There are many other Pure Sine inverters of the same capacity for less but I do not know how they compare in quality. If I go this route I need a separate charge controller. If I choose this option (separate components) could I use something like a Victron Charge controller that would also be available should I add some solar in the future or do I need one that is AC to DC specific? Also, should I go 24V with a 24 to 12 v converter or a 12V system? What say you?
So here us the question(s): Any idea what "service" cost? At least say analyses to determine if repair or replacement is warranted. I am not knowledgeable when it comes to servicing the internal electronic workings of an inverter short of replacing internal fuses on other models. Also, considering its age of 15 years (if this is a factor) and the fact that it is a Xantrex Freedom 458 (modified sine) should I have the unit serviced or replace it?
Now if I replace it then a whole host of other questions arise. A new one is about $1300 - $1600. There are many other Pure Sine inverters of the same capacity for less but I do not know how they compare in quality. If I go this route I need a separate charge controller. If I choose this option (separate components) could I use something like a Victron Charge controller that would also be available should I add some solar in the future or do I need one that is AC to DC specific? Also, should I go 24V with a 24 to 12 v converter or a 12V system? What say you?
