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RV Inverter Guide: Modified vs Pure Sine Wave - Safe Power
Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours for inverter replacement 249 👍 1

RV Inverter Guide: Modified vs Pure Sine Wave - Safe Power

My multimeter's out and I'm ready to tackle this RV electrical mess myself — pretty sure the inverter's the culprit but need to know where to start. I have a 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Advantage with four deep cycle house batteries and recently installed a Xantrex 758 inverter to replace my old Freedom 15 unit. The first time I tried using the inverter power while unplugged from shore power, something very strange happened - a hair dryer in the bathroom started running by itself and wouldn't shut off when I tried the switch. I had to unplug it, and the handle was warm. The hair dryer appears to be ruined now.

When I bought the Xantrex 758, I paid around $725 for what I thought was a good unit, but I'm now learning there's a difference between modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters. I wasn't aware of this distinction when I made the purchase, and it turns out the 758 is a modified sine wave unit. I've since heard that modern electronics, especially things like residential refrigerators, computers, and sensitive electronic components, can be damaged by modified sine wave power.

I'm really concerned about potentially damaging my new residential refrigerator, stereo system, and computer equipment. Should I be worried about using this modified sine wave inverter with modern RV electronics? Is the hair dryer incident a sign that I need to upgrade to a pure sine wave unit, or are there other factors that could have caused this problem? I'm trying to understand if my current setup is putting my expensive electronics at risk. …more
How to Upgrade Your RV Converter Charger for Lithium Batteries with Gentle Care
Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 113 👍

How to Upgrade Your RV Converter Charger for Lithium Batteries with Gentle Care

Halfway through planning our three-week cross-country trip next month, I realized my PD4560 60-amp converter/charger won't properly handle the lithium batteries I'm installing. My existing Progressive Dynamics unit obviously isn't designed for LiFePO4 batteries - I can use boost mode to charge them up, but I know that's not ideal for battery longevity.

I just purchased a 30 amp generator and I'm wondering if it will have enough capacity to handle not just my current charger, but potentially a larger lithium-compatible unit. I'm considering upgrading to a 75 or even 90 amp charger to reduce charging times, but I need to make sure my generator can handle the load. I'm trying to figure out the actual AC amp draw of these higher-capacity chargers and whether my 30 amp generator will be sufficient.

What are the best lithium-compatible converter/charger options that would work with my generator setup, and how do I properly size the charger capacity to match my lithium battery bank? …more
Furrion FMCM15-SS Microwave Parts & Repair Guide - Complete Replacement Guide
Appliances Medium varies by part 110 👍

Furrion FMCM15-SS Microwave Parts & Repair Guide - Complete Replacement Guide

Called three RV repair shops about my dead Furrion FMCM15-SS microwave and they all want $200+ — any DIY fixes for under $50? 🤦‍♂️

I'm trying to track down replacement parts but I'm having about as much luck as finding a level campsite during peak season. Does anyone know the best places to source parts for this model? I'm particularly wondering about common failure items like door latches and turntable motors - seems like these microwaves have their favorite ways to quit on us! …more
MagnaSine MS2012 Inverter Replacement Guide - Best Upgrade Options 202
Solar Batteries Hard 4-6 hours 105 👍

MagnaSine MS2012 Inverter Replacement Guide - Best Upgrade Options 202

About my 2007 Fleetwood Bounder: the MagnaSine MS2012 manual claims it should handle my loads perfectly, but this inverter keeps failing on me anyway. It's been acting up for months now - the microwave keeps causing it to hiccup and shut off, then it comes right back on. I know it's only going to get worse from here.

I've been looking at upgrading to something more reliable, maybe a Victron or another brand, but I'm honestly overwhelmed by all the options out there. What are the best replacement inverters that other RVers have had success with? I just want something that's going to work consistently without all these random shutdowns.

Before I spend a bunch of money though, could this actually be a battery issue instead of the inverter itself? I'd hate to replace a perfectly good unit if the real problem is somewhere else in the system. …more
Fix Wasteful RV Kitchen Cabinets - Thick Bottom Boards
Engine Medium 4-8 hours 104 👍

Fix Wasteful RV Kitchen Cabinets - Thick Bottom Boards

After hearing my RV dealer call these thick kitchen cabinet bottom boards "industry standard" while my mechanic buddy insists they're just wasteful space-stealers, I'm completely confused. I've been doing a complete remodel to maximize storage space, but I'm shocked at the poorly designed layout.

The cabinet bottom board is a ridiculous 2 inches thick - that's eating up 10% of my entire cabinet height! Even worse, the drawer cabinet only has about 4 inches of usable space on each side because of how the PEX water lines are routed. It's like they just threw those lines in there without any thought to space efficiency.

I keep hearing about how amazing modern RVs are, but this is just terrible design. Is there any way to actually fix these issues? Can I modify the cabinet bottoms to be thinner and reroute those PEX lines properly? I really need to reclaim this wasted space but I'm not sure where to start or if it's even possible to address both problems. …more
RV Red Fault Light No Power: How to Fix Partial Electrical Outage
Electrical Medium 30 minutes to 2 hours 85 👍

RV Red Fault Light No Power: How to Fix Partial Electrical Outage

Tried rewiring my RV's electrical system yesterday but something still doesn't seem right — red fault light is on and half my outlets have no power. My Class A has this red fault light glaring at me from the power panel, but it's not a total blackout situation. AC is running fine (thank goodness!), but my fridge, microwave, and some outlets decided to take a vacation.

I already tried the usual suspects - reset every GFCI I could find inside and messed with the main power cord panel outside where shore power comes in. Still got that annoying red light mocking me.

This partial power thing is driving me nuts. What should I be checking next to get everything back online? …more

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RV Lithium Batteries: Dual Purpose vs Deep Cycle for Coach House Banks & Performance
Solar Batteries Easy N/A - informational 83 👍

RV Lithium Batteries: Dual Purpose vs Deep Cycle for Coach House Banks & Performance

Despite watching countless YouTube videos on RV lithium batteries, I'm now more confused than when I started about dual purpose versus deep cycle for my motorhome's house bank. I understand that dual purpose batteries are designed to handle both starting and deep cycling applications, which sounds convenient for an RV setup. However, I'm wondering if there are performance trade-offs when using dual purpose lithium batteries specifically for coach/house battery applications where they'll primarily be doing deep cycling to power lights, water pump, refrigerator, and other 12V systems. Would I be better off with dedicated deep cycle LiFePO4 batteries for my house bank, or do dual purpose lithium batteries offer sufficient performance for typical RV boondocking and daily use? I want to make sure I'm getting the best cycle life and value for my investment in a house battery system. …more
Best 2000W Inverters for Grand Design RV: Complete Installation Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours 75 👍

Best 2000W Inverters for Grand Design RV: Complete Installation Guide

Noticed my Grand Design's warranty paperwork doesn't mention inverter installations — would installing a 2000W inverter void my coverage completely? except my dream apparently involves wanting to run actual appliances without firing up the generator at 6 AM and becoming "that neighbor" at the campground! 😅

My TT came with the prewired inverter loop (thank goodness, because my electrical skills peak at changing light bulbs), and I know it's wired with 10/2 Romex that can handle up to 2000 watts. Now I'm drowning in inverter options and getting analysis paralysis.

I'm looking for recommendations on the best 2000W pure sine wave inverters that'll play nice with my Grand Design's setup. Also completely confused about whether to go with an internal ATS for simplicity or bite the bullet and install an external transfer switch. Help a fellow glamper out - what are the top models you'd recommend, and what's the real difference between internal vs external switching options? …more
RV Heat Pump Amp Draw: How Many Amps Does Your Unit Use?
Ac Refrigeration Easy 30 minutes 74 👍

RV Heat Pump Amp Draw: How Many Amps Does Your Unit Use?

Turned down a Class A with a heat pump because I'm terrified of being that neighbor constantly tripping breakers — am I overthinking this? We're plugged into 30-amp service at home while I pretend to know what I'm doing with all these fancy RV features.

Basically, I need to know how many amps this heat pump is going to suck down when it kicks on. I'm already running the usual suspects - fridge, lights, maybe the TV so I can ignore my responsibilities - and I'd rather not find out the hard way that I'm overloading everything. Anyone know the typical amp draw so I can at least look semi-competent when explaining to my spouse why the power keeps cutting out? …more
2004 Tioga 29S Phantom 15W Battery Drain on Galley Circuit
Solar Batteries Medium 45 min 72 👍

2004 Tioga 29S Phantom 15W Battery Drain on Galley Circuit

Turned to my local RV tech about a 15W battery drain on my 2004 Tioga 29S galley circuit and he wants to replace the entire electrical panel—seriously? Through systematic testing with my solar charge controller display, I've isolated the drain to the galley circuit by pulling individual fuses.

All visible galley components are confirmed off: refrigerator switch is off, microwave is unplugged, and no lights or appliances are operating. Shore power is disconnected, and I've verified that gas detectors and other small 12V devices aren't the culprit - this 15W draw is substantial enough to drain my house batteries completely.

What hidden electrical components commonly run through the galley circuit that could account for this level of continuous power consumption when the aux switch engages? I need to identify what background systems might be energizing on this circuit that aren't immediately visible or obvious. …more
Xantrex to Victron Inverter Swap - 2021 Winnebago View 24D
Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours 70 👍

Xantrex to Victron Inverter Swap - 2021 Winnebago View 24D

Got my 2021 Winnebago View 24D torn apart right now and there's charred components scattered all over the inside of this completely dead Xantrex inverter. Rather than replace with another Xantrex unit, I'm considering upgrading to a Victron MultiPlus system.

The RV is equipped with dual 100Ah LiFePO4 batteries and 200W solar array. Current electrical configuration uses the standard Winnebago 12V DC system with 30A shore power connection. The failed Xantrex unit was a 2000W inverter/charger combo with remote panel monitoring.

Which specific Victron MultiPlus model would provide optimal performance for this application? Additionally, what connection modifications will be required, and can the existing Xantrex remote panel be eliminated in favor of app-based monitoring? …more
Can You Use a 240V EV Charger Outlet for RV 30 Amp Shore Power?
Electrical Medium 1 hour to verify/install 68 👍

Can You Use a 240V EV Charger Outlet for RV 30 Amp Shore Power?

Got a 240V outlet in my garage for the EV charger and wondering if I can wire up an adapter to plug my 30 amp RV into it instead of running an extension cord from the dryer outlet. Seems like the voltage and amperage should work but don't want to fry my converter. …more
RV Inverter Not Working After Battery Upgrade - Safety Fix
Electrical Medium 45 minutes 66 👍

RV Inverter Not Working After Battery Upgrade - Safety Fix

Noticed our RV inverter only dies when it hits 85+ degrees outside — ran flawlessly all winter until we swapped out the batteries. We have a 2012 RV and recently upgraded from two 12-volt batteries to four 6-volt batteries wired in series for more capacity. Now I'm concerned our inverter might not be compatible or safe with this new configuration. The inverter appears dead - no lights, no response when I flip the switch. Everything works perfectly on shore power and with our generator running. Our Norcold fridge can run on propane, and we have standard household 120V appliances. I want to make sure we can safely run our TV and maybe a few small devices without constantly running the generator, but I'm honestly not sure what the inverter should even be powering or if our battery change created a safety issue. Really want to get this sorted before we head out with the kids. …more

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Best 2000W-2500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter for RV Solar Setup
Solar Batteries Medium 3-4 hours 66 👍

Best 2000W-2500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter for RV Solar Setup

During my third inverter failure in two years on my 2005 32' Southwind, I'm officially done with this inverter roulette game. Time for an upgrade!

I've got 400W of solar (4x100W panels) and 4 6-volt batteries powering this rolling money pit. Currently rocking a 1000W unit that keeps throwing error codes like it's having an existential crisis. I'm torn between going with a 2000W or 2500W pure sine wave inverter - brands like Aims Power and Renogy keep popping up in my research.

Will my current battery bank handle a 2500W unit, or should I stick with 2000W? I'd rather not discover the hard way that I've created an expensive paperweight. Any recommendations before I throw more money at this beautiful disaster? …more
RV Cooktop & AC Units Failed with E7 Error - Quick Fix
Electrical Medium 45 minutes 64 👍

RV Cooktop & AC Units Failed with E7 Error - Quick Fix

This morning my RV's electric cooktop died mid-cooking with an E7 error, both AC units are flashing the same code, AND now everything's going haywire. Won't turn back on even after cycling the breaker. Microwave still works fine, all LED lights working normal. But now all three air conditioners are showing E7 error codes and won't start up. Usually flipping AC breakers clears the E7 but not this time. Just installed fresh batteries last week. Really need help - getting uncomfortably warm in here! …more
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