Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-16-2014, 11:41 PM   #21
1 Rivet Member
 
2013 25' FB International
simi valley , California
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 7
Yes my inverter has a transfer switch you may understand magnums inv. But if you press the remote button on the wfco inv. it turns on the inserter it passes ac through when hooked to shore power and when on battery it converts 12vdc to 120ac how ever when you are on ac power or gen and you have it turned on the unit uses a little ac power even when not inverting and there is not need to have it on unless you are using it when you have that hooked up so there is no need to turn on the inv. Until you need it to invert & make 120ac, as far as what a transfer switch is it lets the inverter pass ac through when you are hooked to ac power but when on battery it switches to the inverter. Also as a note the wfco is not a battery charger.
Rick stream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-17-2014, 07:34 AM   #22
Rivet Master
 
mefly2's Avatar
 
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town , *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster View Post
AFAIK, the WFCO inverters that the factory uses do NOT have an internal transfer switch. This is probably why they do not connect the 120 VAC plug that I see hanging on all of these units.


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
Lew-

Any idea on what rationale AS uses to NOT connect the AC pass through on the inverter?
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
mefly2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-17-2014, 09:08 AM   #23
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples , Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
Quote:
Originally Posted by mefly2 View Post
Lew-

Any idea on what rationale AS uses to NOT connect the AC pass through on the inverter?
Just my opinion, but connecting the inverter's 120VAC input circuit requires another AC line be brought to the inverter's location from the breaker box. IMHO, they would rather add dedicated 'inverter' outlets along side some existing ones for off-grid use than utilize the inverter's full capabilities. Less work in assembly??????? Of course, less $$$$$$. Maybe they just ran out of space in the breaker box for a dedicated 15 amp breaker?

And based on post #21, if this is the operational routine of a WFCO inverter, then it might be a safety issue....which then brings up the question.......WHY BOTHER with an inferior product that will not allow you to use it's full capabilities? Especially when there are many other components in the market that WILL!

Think about the other anomalies that are found in new trailers: single stage battery burners disguised as power converters, no temperature compensation added to Sprinter/Interstate that use the Magnum inverter/charger, use of low quality Interstate liquid cell batteries.....................

Just how much would it take, and how much would it cost to remedy these weak spots in Airstream's product? For a manufacturer.....NOT A LOT!

After all, just how much DO you really expect from a 'premium' trailer company like Airstream?
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
lewster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-17-2014, 09:28 AM   #24
Rivet Master
 
1974 Argosy 20
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Kooskia , Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,591
Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster View Post
Think about the other anomalies that are found in new trailers: single stage battery burners disguised as power converters, no temperature compensation added to Sprinter/Interstate that use the Magnum inverter/charger, use of low quality Interstate liquid cell batteries.....................

Just how much would it take, and how much would it cost to remedy these weak spots in Airstream's product? For a manufacturer.....NOT A LOT!

After all, just how much DO you really expect from a 'premium' trailer company like Airstream?
Yes, I replaced the dumb Paralax converter/charger ($200) the original batteries with golf cart type ($200 and metal work on the box), added a decent Tri Metric battery monitor ($200), replaced the GYM's with Michelin 16" tires and wheels (about $500 after selling the old ones) and these upgrades would have cost the factory probably 1/3 of what I paid. I would have gladly swapped those improvements for the Television and Radio, subwoofer and DVD player which are things I never use.

I also added my own 200 watt panel solar system with a Blue Sky MPPT charge controller for < $600 (but my own labor). The factory one is $2700 and does include better batteries, although a poorer charge controller. It may have some battery monitor capabilities, I am not sure about that. But it is still way overpriced and is only about 100 watts of panels.

But Airstream sells all the trailers they can make. Why do more solid systems when you can sell glitter easier. 80% of owners don't know or care most likely.
idroba is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-17-2014, 01:07 PM   #25
Rivet Master
 
Tincampers's Avatar
 
2007 Interstate
Sneedville , Tennessee
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,753
I replaced my converter and then sold the original on eBay for $199!
Tincampers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-17-2014, 01:32 PM   #26
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
"Just how much would it take, and how much would it cost to remedy these weak spots in Airstream's product? For a manufacturer.....NOT A LOT!

After all, just how much DO you really expect from a 'premium' trailer company like Airstream?"


Trouble is everyone has their own pet peeve. If electrical, then why not plumbing, tires, LP tanks, floors, furnishings, better aluminum, more rivets, air conditioner, mattress, range, frames, bumpers, finishes, all assembled by highly trained and skilled specialists and delivered sealed and bubble-wrapped on a special air suspended trailer.

Then we couldn't afford an Airstream and most would be unwilling to pay the price either. There would be no Airstream company.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles

The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2014, 03:40 PM   #27
Rivet Master
 
1974 Argosy 20
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Kooskia , Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,591
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick stream View Post
Contrary to some who say they know I talked to WFCO about the airstream 600w & the 1000w inverters all units supplied to airstream have a internal transfer switch, my 2013 25fb came with 600w I hooked ac power to the power cord on the inverter and I got ac on the inverter outlets (note do not turn on the inverter) when on shore or gen, I have now up dated to wfco 1000w and it also has the internal transfer switch and it works perfect . If yours dose not you should call wfco service they will be happy to help you. I don't know where some who say it dose not have a transfer switch got there info but it is wrong! If any one is in SoCal contact me I show you that it works I will all so at balloon fiesta.
Well, since I had had mine out this summer and tried it, and found it had no apparent connection to the "internal transfer switch" I posted that it was apparently not connected. I have seen others who said the same thing, but don't have their post's available.

So, a few minutes ago, for confirmation, I plugged the external power cord on the WFCO that is the supply point for grid power into a live outlet. Like the other time, no grid power is transferred through the WFCO inverter. When I turned the inverter switch on, it did create 120 volts and inverted properly. So mine does not either have the internal transfer switch, or it is not connected. Some may have it, mine does not. The manual indicates it is an option.

Anyone is welcome to come to Idaho to confirm my observations... grin.
idroba is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2014, 04:50 PM   #28
Rivet Master
 
mefly2's Avatar
 
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town , *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
Our observations, too ...
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
mefly2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2014, 06:54 PM   #29
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples , Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
Quote:
Originally Posted by dkottum View Post
"Just how much would it take, and how much would it cost to remedy these weak spots in Airstream's product? For a manufacturer.....NOT A LOT!

After all, just how much DO you really expect from a 'premium' trailer company like Airstream?"


Trouble is everyone has their own pet peeve. If electrical, then why not plumbing, tires, LP tanks, floors, furnishings, better aluminum, more rivets, air conditioner, mattress, range, frames, bumpers, finishes, all assembled by highly trained and skilled specialists and delivered sealed and bubble-wrapped on a special air suspended trailer.

Then we couldn't afford an Airstream and most would be unwilling to pay the price either. There would be no Airstream company.
Doug,

Nothing personal here, but it seems that you are always on the side of the factory when discussions about their shortcomings appear on these pages. I'm sure that you are well satisfied with what Airstream has given you. I work on several hundred RVs a year and see all types of construction and components in these RVs.

I can say without equivocation that most of what Airstream uses, especially when it comes to electrical issues and componentry, is definitely NOT at the level it should be considering they see and promote the Airstream brand as THE premium travel trailer. I had one for 6 years and also speak from personal experience. Other Thor units have better components....WHY NOT AIRSTREAM? .......which is the flagship brand at Thor? These are core issues that effect the daily operation of any RV.

I have seen 3-stage converters used in virtually every other trailer/5th wheel that I have been in....including those selling new in the sub-$20,000 range. Better batteries are also common among other OEMs, and I have been noticing a trend away from ST rated trailer tires.

I have also started noticing solid foam insulation that is not affected by water incursion like the soft fiberglass batting used in Airstreams. I could go on.

Quite simply, there exist far better components and materials which would be of great benefit to Airstream's customer base and brand image, not to mention the actual overall quality of each unit. Owners are not just complaining for the sake of argument........ they have legitimate problems and concerns with their 'premium' RV that is often not quite what they had envisioned.

It would take little effort for the factory to rectify these problem areas. I would surmise that many Airstream owners are in the upper echelons of education and disposable income and they buy Airstream trailers and Interstates expecting to get the premium product that they are paying for. It would not take much for the factory to actually deliver it.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
lewster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2014, 07:54 PM   #30
Rivet Master
 
Bigventure's Avatar
 
2016 30' Classic
Hinckley , Ohio
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 907
Images: 4
I agree completely with you lewster!

I also have seen all kind of Airstream factory errors. I have called them out on stuff and I get phone calls from Dan thanking me and telling me he called the production heads in to discuse the issues.

But, he wouldn't pay for my time spent or even come up with a tee shirt.
__________________
My budget won't stop me from buying something online that I don't need, but the threat of getting promotional
emails every day for the rest of my life just might!
Bigventure is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2014, 10:32 PM   #31
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
Lew, I am always on the side of Airstream owners and their wallets.

That's not personal either, I read your posts enthusiastically to learn what I can from them and appreciate the advice you give us greatly.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles

The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2014, 10:41 PM   #32
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples , Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
Always my pleasure!!!
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
lewster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2014, 11:24 PM   #33
Winemaker
 
rgwatkin's Avatar
 
2022 25' Flying Cloud
Avila Beach , California
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 243
Images: 2
Just for information, my 28ft 2012 FC came installed with an 800 watt inverter that did not work on day 1. It would kick off with no load on it after about 1 hour. The factory replaced it with a 1000w. So...somewhere between 2012 and 2014 they went to a std. 1000w. I have used the 1000w extensively without a single issue.
rgwatkin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2014, 08:37 AM   #34
4 Rivet Member
 
2013 28' International
Bozeman , Montana
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 466
Images: 3
The 1000 watt inverters were phased in late 2013 production (as were a change to the steps and an upgraded mattress in at least the Internationals).
HeadWest is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2014, 10:12 AM   #35
Rivet Master
 
Landrum's Avatar
 
2014 25' FB International
Little Rock , Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 594
We have a 2014 international that was produced in April of this year. I believe the paperwork said it has the 800 W inverter. I'm wondering now if I have 800 W or 1,000 W? Is The size obvious by looking at the inverter? is there a label or a sticker?


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
Landrum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2014, 11:32 PM   #36
Rivet Master
 
mefly2's Avatar
 
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town , *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
Land-
You will hear the fan on the 1,000 watt; ours cones on as soon as the circuit is activated.
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
mefly2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2014, 04:14 AM   #37
Rivet Master
 
Bigventure's Avatar
 
2016 30' Classic
Hinckley , Ohio
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 907
Images: 4
On the 25 FB the inverter is under the bed. It does have a label with the size on top.
__________________
My budget won't stop me from buying something online that I don't need, but the threat of getting promotional
emails every day for the rest of my life just might!
Bigventure is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2014, 10:41 PM   #38
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
 
New Borockton , Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,593
Images: 21
Quote:
Originally Posted by rgwatkin View Post
Just for information, my 28ft 2012 FC came installed with an 800 watt inverter that did not work on day 1. It would kick off with no load on it after about 1 hour. The factory replaced it with a 1000w. So...somewhere between 2012 and 2014 they went to a std. 1000w. I have used the 1000w extensively without a single issue.
Can you confirm 800 watt inverter? I think they jumped from the 600 to the 1000 WFCO.
__________________
Randy...Converters, Inverters, Trimetric, Surge Protectors, Zamp, Smartplug, AGM Batts
888-828-1893
Bestconverter.com
68 Overlander is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-25-2014, 08:03 AM   #39
Winemaker
 
rgwatkin's Avatar
 
2022 25' Flying Cloud
Avila Beach , California
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 243
Images: 2
When they replaced it at the dealership I did not physically ever see it but they told me they were replacing an 800w. But...in looking at my Airstream options list, it says 600w so..you are probably correct and the dealership just shared incorrect info with me.
rgwatkin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-27-2014, 12:13 AM   #40
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
 
New Borockton , Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,593
Images: 21
I send them to dealerships often and I'm sure you had the 600 and got a 1000 since they did change last year. Same cost was the good thing.
__________________
Randy...Converters, Inverters, Trimetric, Surge Protectors, Zamp, Smartplug, AGM Batts
888-828-1893
Bestconverter.com
68 Overlander is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
5000 BTU/hr AC and 1,000 Watt Genny TouringDan Furnaces, Heaters, Fireplaces & Air Conditioning 42 02-16-2024 03:09 PM
600 Watt Inverter PWirtz Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 13 01-10-2015 12:01 PM
Generac iX 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator Frank&Mike Generators & Solar Power 21 11-06-2014 06:20 PM
Need options for 3000 watt inverter Dwight Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 1 08-30-2011 08:55 AM
Yamaha EF3000iSE 3,000 Watt DL46 Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 2 09-28-2010 03:16 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:16 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.