Can You Remove an RV Inverter Charger Without Replacement? (Yes, Here'

What's Going On

Yes, you can absolutely remove the failed Xantrex inverter/charger from your 2001 Fleetwood Expedition and not replace it with another inverter. Since you don't use the inverter function and rely on your generator or shore power for all 120VAC needs, removing it makes perfect sense. You'll just need to install a dedicated 12V battery charger to handle the charging and maintenance duties that the inverter/charger was previously handling. This is actually a common setup for RVers who prefer the simplicity and reliability of separate systems rather than combination units.

The key is understanding that your Xantrex unit was performing two distinct functions: converting 12V DC to 120V AC (inverting) and charging your batteries when connected to shore power or generator (charging). Since you only need the charging function, a quality multi-stage battery charger will do the job more efficiently and reliably than most inverter/chargers. Your 12V lighting, water pump, furnace blower, and other DC components will continue to work exactly as they did before, powered directly from your house batteries.

Why This Happens

Inverter/chargers like your Xantrex unit are complex devices that combine two separate electrical systems, making them more prone to failure than dedicated single-purpose units. Common causes include failure of components like capacitors, MOSFETs, and control circuits in the harsh RV environment with constant vibration, temperature swings, and power fluctuations. The inverter section contains high-frequency switching circuits and transformers that generate heat and stress, while the charger section deals with varying AC input voltages and battery conditions.

Many RV manufacturers install combination inverter/chargers as a space-saving measure and to reduce installation complexity, but they're often oversized for actual needs. In your case, since you have a residential refrigerator and run on generator or shore power, the inverter function was essentially dead weight. A dedicated battery charger will be more reliable, easier to service, and often provides better charging algorithms for battery maintenance than most inverter/charger combo units.

Getting Ready

SAFETY WARNING: This project involves working with both 120VAC and 12VDC electrical systems. Risk of electrical shock exists - always use insulated tools and follow lockout/tagout procedures. Turn off all power sources before beginning work.

Before starting this project, you'll need to purchase a quality multi-stage battery charger sized appropriately for your battery bank. To calculate the correct charger size, determine your battery bank's total amp-hour capacity and consult your battery manufacturer's specifications for recommended charge rates, as this varies significantly by battery type. Brands like Progressive Dynamics, WFCO, or Victron are excellent choices, running $150-400 depending on features. Purchase the correct part for your model (verify with dealer). You'll also need basic electrical tools: wire strippers, crimpers, multimeter, and appropriate wire nuts or terminal blocks.

Safety preparation is crucial - turn off all breakers, disconnect shore power, and turn off the battery disconnect switch (if equipped) before starting any work. Take photos of your current wiring setup before disconnecting anything, as this will help tremendously during installation. Identify where your current inverter/charger gets its 120V input (usually from the main panel through a dedicated breaker) and where the 12V output leads run to your battery bank and DC distribution panel.

Walking Through the Fix

Start by carefully mapping and labeling all connections to your Xantrex unit. Typically, you'll find 120VAC input wires (hot, neutral, ground), 12VDC output wires to the batteries (positive and negative heavy gauge cables), and possibly some control or monitoring wires. Use a multimeter to verify all power is off at the inverter terminals before proceeding. Disconnect the 120VAC input first by removing the breaker or disconnecting at the inverter terminals. Then disconnect the 12VDC battery cables - negative first, then positive. If there are any remote control or monitoring connections, disconnect and cap those as well.

Remove the old Xantrex unit completely - it's likely mounted with bolts torqued to manufacturer specifications and may be quite heavy (40-60 pounds). Clean the mounting area and install your new battery charger in a well-ventilated location near the batteries if possible. Connect the 120VAC input to the same circuit that fed your old inverter/charger - this should be a dedicated 15 or 20-amp breaker. Run the 12VDC output directly to your battery bank using appropriately sized wire - consult manufacturer specifications and NEC tables for proper wire gauge based on charger amperage output and cable run distance. Most quality chargers include a remote temperature sensor that should be attached to one of your batteries.

The final step involves your DC distribution. Your old inverter/charger likely had the main DC distribution connected to it, so you'll need to connect your house DC panel to the output of your new charger if it's designed to power loads while charging, or directly to the battery bank if the charger is charge-only. Check the charger manual to determine which connection method is required for your specific unit. Test everything systematically - shore power connection, charging function, and all 12V systems. Verify that the charger's output voltage matches your battery manufacturer's specifications (typical range 13.2V to 14.4V depending on battery type and charge stage). Your new setup should provide better battery maintenance and longer battery life than the old combination unit.

Beyond DIY Territory

While this project is within the scope of most DIY RVers, there are situations where professional help makes sense. If your current wiring is complex with multiple inverter outputs, transfer switches, or integrated monitoring systems, an RV electrician can ensure everything is properly reconfigured. Also, if you're uncomfortable working with 120VAC wiring or don't have experience with electrical connections, the safety risk isn't worth it - hire a professional.

Consider having an RV service center handle this if you discover additional issues during removal, such as corroded wiring, damaged DC panels, or if your battery bank needs replacement at the same time. Some RV service centers can also dispose of your old Xantrex unit properly and may offer warranties on the installation. The labor cost is typically $200-400, which might be worth it for peace of mind, especially if you're planning other electrical upgrades while the system is apart.