|
09-21-2015, 10:59 AM
|
#1
|
3 Rivet Member
2013 Interstate Coach
Yarnell
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 136
|
Inverter/Chargers
Background. We purchased a nice 2013 AI in July. I have been following the Sprinter threads with interest - good information for newbies like us. The Lifeline batteries are obviously history and I have two new ones coming from a Lifeline distributor. Our coach has a factory 100w solar setup. And it has a Tripp Lite inverter/charger and most of the posts I'm reading refers to Magnum units.
Question. Does anyone know or think they know why Airstream switched from Tripp Lite to Magnum?
|
|
|
09-21-2015, 11:12 AM
|
#2
|
Figment of My Imagination
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over
, More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by iaqstuff
Question. Does anyone know or think they know why Airstream switched from Tripp Lite to Magnum?
|
Magnums are better, but that's probably not why they switched.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
|
|
|
09-21-2015, 11:25 AM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2015 Interstate Ext. Coach
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 666
|
2013 Airstream Interstate had 50w solar.
|
|
|
09-21-2015, 02:52 PM
|
#4
|
Newbie
2013 Interstate Coach
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 290
|
Admittedly Airstream is prone to running changes, but are you certain you have the original 2013 AI solar setup? My 2013 AI has a 50W solar panel and a Magnum controller.
__________________
Make errors — otherwise the Great Spirit realizes
you have finished your purpose on earth.
— Navajo saying
|
|
|
09-21-2015, 04:15 PM
|
#5
|
3 Rivet Member
2013 Interstate Coach
Yarnell
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 136
|
No, I'm not sure. I was told 100w by the original owner, but... The window sticker listed a Tripp Lite Converter/Inverter - 45 Amp Charger/750 Watt invtr and there is an addtitional charge for a solar panel @ $1307.00.
I had assumed the additional charge was for upgrading from a 50 to a 100w panel. And I know I shouldn't assume.
|
|
|
09-21-2015, 04:41 PM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
2011 Interstate Coach
Overland Park
, Kansas
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,798
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by iaqstuff
No, I'm not sure. I was told 100w by the original owner, but... The window sticker listed a Tripp Lite Converter/Inverter - 45 Amp Charger/750 Watt invtr and there is an addtitional charge for a solar panel @ $1307.00.
I had assumed the additional charge was for upgrading from a 50 to a 100w panel. And I know I shouldn't assume.
|
The 50W panel was a option for earlier years, not sure when it or the 100W panels became standard.
Airstream told me that they changed to Magnum because they changed the generator and the new one wasn't compatible w/ the Tripplite.
__________________
Glass half full or half empty to an engineer is the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
2011 Interstate SOLD! Upfitted 2017 Transit 350. SOLD!
|
|
|
09-21-2015, 05:08 PM
|
#7
|
Winemaker
2022 25' Flying Cloud
Avila Beach
, California
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 243
|
My 2012 FC 28ft has a 106W system installed at the build. Two panels each 53w each.
|
|
|
09-21-2015, 08:50 PM
|
#8
|
3 Rivet Member
2013 Interstate Coach
Yarnell
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 136
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by 73shark
The 50W panel was a option for earlier years, not sure when it or the 100W panels became standard.
Airstream told me that they changed to Magnum because they changed the generator and the new one wasn't compatible w/ the Tripplite.
|
So you're thinking my Onan 2.5 KW Quiet MicroLite LP Generator/Remote Starter is different from newer AIs with the Magnum inverters?
|
|
|
09-21-2015, 10:48 PM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
2011 Interstate Coach
Overland Park
, Kansas
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,798
|
If what Jim Parrett told me is accurate, then yes.
__________________
Glass half full or half empty to an engineer is the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
2011 Interstate SOLD! Upfitted 2017 Transit 350. SOLD!
|
|
|
09-21-2015, 11:08 PM
|
#10
|
3 Rivet Member
1968 24' Tradewind
1967 17' Caravel
Northborough
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 136
|
Remote start...
It may be the remote start feature itself that makes the difference.
Not all inverter's support an intelligent remote start where the generator will start based upon a command generated by the inverter... either to provide additional AC power or to recharge a low battery (or both).
Chuck
|
|
|
09-22-2015, 09:47 AM
|
#11
|
Rivet Master
Muskogee
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 749
|
I don't know why they changed from the Tripplite to the Magnum, but I know why you should, too.
The Tripplite is a "dumb" charger. It will overcharge your AGM Lifelines, for one thing, and ruin them. The Magnum can be left plugged into shore power, and knows when to bulk charge or float charge. The Magnum is a pure sine wave inverter; the Tripplite is a modified sine wave. This may have some bearing on some electronic devices that don't do well with modified sine wave inverters. The Magnum has a much better status report as to the condition of the batteries, and with the remote, a much better way to control it, and know what exactly going on with the house batteries.
I made the switch on my 2011 and am glad I did. Highly recommended.
__________________
2011 Interstate WD/Lounge (since sold).
2020 Leisure Van WonderRTB
|
|
|
09-22-2015, 02:54 PM
|
#12
|
Newbie
2013 Interstate Coach
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 290
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by cwbiii
It may be the remote start feature itself that makes the difference.
Not all inverter's support an intelligent remote start where the generator will start based upon a command generated by the inverter… either to provide additional AC power or to recharge a low battery (or both)
|
My 2013 has the Magnum Inverter, but there is no automatic start. Probably another case of what parts Airstream had in stock when they assembled the unit.
__________________
Make errors — otherwise the Great Spirit realizes
you have finished your purpose on earth.
— Navajo saying
|
|
|
09-23-2015, 12:41 PM
|
#13
|
3 Rivet Member
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Pittsburgh
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 175
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by cwbiii
It may be the remote start feature itself that makes the difference.
Not all inverter's support an intelligent remote start where the generator will start based upon a command generated by the inverter... either to provide additional AC power or to recharge a low battery (or both).
Chuck
|
I am a little confused. My 2015 does not have an intelligent remote start only a remote start. Is this simply something the Magnum is capable of doing or am I missing something? Thanks
|
|
|
09-23-2015, 03:41 PM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
|
The device you are asking about is called an auto generator start, or AGS.
Airstream has never included an AGS device in any Interstate. They can be added without too much difficulty if you have the Magnum inverter/ charger.
The can be set to actuate your generator for either a low battery voltage situation or a high ambient temperature condition. If the door A/C is set, the ambient temp sensor of the AGS will fire up the genny so you have 120VAC power and the A/C will then operate to cool down the coach.
Magnum lists their AGS as the ME-AGS-N ( for network).
Other very useful upgrades are the remote temperature sensor and the programmable ME-RC remote.
Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
|
|
|
10-03-2015, 12:30 PM
|
#15
|
2 Rivet Member
Seabrook Island
, South Carolina
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 31
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by gmillerok1
I don't know why they changed from the Tripplite to the Magnum, but I know why you should, too.
The Tripplite is a "dumb" charger. It will overcharge your AGM Lifelines, for one thing, and ruin them. The Magnum can be left plugged into shore power, and knows when to bulk charge or float charge. The Magnum is a pure sine wave inverter; the Tripplite is a modified sine wave. This may have some bearing on some electronic devices that don't do well with modified sine wave inverters. The Magnum has a much better status report as to the condition of the batteries, and with the remote, a much better way to control it, and know what exactly going on with the house batteries.
I made the switch on my 2011 and am glad I did. Highly recommended.
|
How much did it cost you to switch to the Magnum from the Tripp Lite? Did you do it yourself or have dealer install it? I have Tripp Lite in my 2012 and am having battery issues. the house batteries will charge up to 14 on the meter but will rapidly go down to between 10 and 11 once I turn off generator and start using lights and appliances. Not sure whether the batteries ran down too low or were overcharged.
|
|
|
10-05-2015, 11:20 AM
|
#16
|
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
|
Asheville,
PM me for done explicit Magnum information that applies to your situation.
Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
|
|
|
10-06-2015, 05:59 PM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master
Muskogee
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 749
|
Around $785, but I bought it at Jackson Center. I had to buy the temperature kit separately along with the remote,m off Amazon so add $150 or so to that. I did the install myself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Asheville
How much did it cost you to switch to the Magnum from the Tripp Lite? Did you do it yourself or have dealer install it? I have Tripp Lite in my 2012 and am having battery issues. the house batteries will charge up to 14 on the meter but will rapidly go down to between 10 and 11 once I turn off generator and start using lights and appliances. Not sure whether the batteries ran down too low or were overcharged.
|
|
|
|
10-06-2015, 06:32 PM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
|
I have a 'mildly' used one available if interested.
Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
|
|
|
10-11-2015, 02:38 PM
|
#19
|
2 Rivet Member
Seabrook Island
, South Carolina
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 31
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster
I have a 'mildly' used one available if interested.
Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357
|
I would be interested in your mildly used one. What is the model number and how much do you want for it?
|
|
|
10-11-2015, 04:25 PM
|
#20
|
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
|
Inverter/Chargers
PM me please as I don't discuss pricing on the open Forums.
THANKS!
Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
Similar Threads
|
Thread |
Thread Starter |
Forum |
Replies |
Last Post |
Magnum Energy inverter - chargers
|
Jammer |
Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters |
5 |
03-22-2011 10:11 PM |
Batteries, Chargers, Inverters and Wire Size
|
amalgamator |
Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters |
0 |
03-24-2008 06:46 PM |
Battery chargers
|
FrenchBern |
Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters |
18 |
09-04-2006 10:54 AM |
Micro processor controlled chargers.
|
FrenchBern |
Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar |
0 |
07-27-2006 01:00 PM |
Battery chargers or not ???
|
donnall |
Airstream Motorhome Forums |
2 |
12-06-2003 04:43 PM |
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|