Integrated Inverter / Charger recommendation? – Magnum?

[Harrysheets]

Integrated Inverter / Charger recommendation? – Magnum?

It is time to choose a charger and inverter for the 1986 29’ side bath Sovereign renovation and I’m looking for recommendations on Magnum or an alternate integrated model.

I have a 29’ 1986 Sovereign side bath model with front accessed battery boxes. There is a space between the battery boxes where I plan on putting the inverter/charger. (21.5” w, 11” h, 16” d). This is the original location of the converter/charger and thermal breakers. My batteries will be two 12V Lifeline group 27 or 31’s (100 – 130 Ah x 2). I rebuilt the boxes and confirmed the 31’s will just fit.

So far we have done little boondocking and estimate one to two days of it in a trip would be a lot. I’m upgrading to the group 31’s to add some capacity. I felt we could get by with a 1000W of inverter for (TV, charging phone/computer, Keurig coffee and occasional blender use).

Inverter / Charger selection parameters
1) Integrated inverter / charger with simple integration to control panel, battery monitor.
2) Pure sine model
3) Future expansion to solar is preferred.
4) US or European suppler (no Chinese)
5) Power 1000 – 1500W inverter output and a 50A min battery charger.
6) A model that fits in my allocated area.
7) So far I like what I have seen from Victron however the integrated product solutions are generally higher power and mostly 230V.

I was about ready to settle on the small Magnum Dynamics (MMS1012) unit until I read some negative comments on it.

Questions
* Is the Magnum MMS1012 a reliable product?
* Should consider the Magnum MS2012?
* Is there a better Victron or Xantrex integrated solution?
* Should I give up on the integrated inverter/charger in the sub 2kw range and go to separates, like the Victron Phoenix charger and Phoenix inverter?

[GMFL]

Victron MultiPlus 3000 is just about the only way to go.

[Bruce B]

Our trawler uses a Magnum inverter charger and although it has given us 4 heavy seasons of good service, I’ve chosen the Victron MultiPlus for our new Airstream. Victron has a very good reputation! I’d personally avoid Xantrex... We have owned that companies product in the past and the failure rate is just too high.
Hope that helps...

[Harrysheets]

Thanks

I made some last minute design changes to my electronics cabinet to allow room for both 12V 2000 + 3000 VA Victron MultiPlus products (21.5”w x 11” d x 24” h.). I lost some storage but this gives me more capability. At this point I should be able to “mechanically fit” either the Victron MultiPlus 12/2000/80, 12/3000/130 or the Magnum MS2012.

What about a good electrical match? Since I have only two AGM batteries at 105 – 125 Ah each (either group 27 or 31) is this enough for the inverter? The Victron recommends a min of 300 Ah. I was planning on wiring these in parallel with #4 AWG wire from each battery (& 125A breaker) to a post. The link from the posts to inverter would be larger. Can you limit the demand from the inverter?

I’m in Minnesota and we don’t appear to have a Victron dealer / installer except for the typical RV service center. Since I would do the actual install is there a recommended national supplier who would sell me the equipment and make the component recommendations / schematic? I reached out to AM Solar as they appear to have good engineering capabilities.

I appreciate your comments!

Scott

[57Vintage]

AM Solar is a good source, I used them myself for my original install. You might also try PKYS (pkys.com) they're in MD. I used them for an upgrade to my system that I'll install this winter.

[Harrysheets]

Harold,
Thanks for your recommendation and thread link. I just finished going thru your thread and got a bunch of ideas. What great work you are doing on your project.

I will reach out to PKYS as they look very capable.

Thanks again!
Scott

[oldenavy]

We installed a Xantrex 2000w inverter/charger and are happy with it. Have owned that brand previously on boats. I think it meets most of your stated requirements.