2022 Globetrotter 27FBT Power System Questions

[retired-ccie]

We are about ready to pull the trigger on a 2022 GT 27FBT and I am trying to get some details about the power system (manufacturer part numbers). Any help or pointers for the following would be greatly appreciated:

1. What is the model of the Victron solar unit? We are planning on ordering with the factory installed solar upgrade.
2. What is the manufacturer/model of the 1000W inverter?
3. What is the wattage of the microwave? Can it run off the 1000W inverter?
4. If needed, any recommendations on upgrades for the 1000W inverter to a 2000W or 3000W inverter?

Thanks in advance and apologies if these answers are elsewhere. My searches never came up with the details I was looking for.

Ian

[goldenchase]

Originally Posted by retired-ccie

We are about ready to pull the trigger on a 2022 GT 27FBT and I am trying to get some details about the power system (manufacturer part numbers). Any help or pointers for the following would be greatly appreciated:

1. What is the model of the Victron solar unit? We are planning on ordering with the factory installed solar upgrade.
2. What is the manufacturer/model of the 1000W inverter?
3. What is the wattage of the microwave? Can it run off the 1000W inverter?
4. If needed, any recommendations on upgrades for the 1000W inverter to a 2000W or 3000W inverter?

Thanks in advance and apologies if these answers are elsewhere. My searches never came up with the details I was looking for.

Ian

Here is what is on my 2022 GT FB25T.

1. WFCO WF-9855LiS
2. Progressive Dynamics PD 1610J
3. No
4. Victron MultiPlus-II 12/3000/2X 120V

[turonueve]

Originally Posted by retired-ccie

We are about ready to pull the trigger on a 2022 GT 27FBT and I am trying to get some details about the power system (manufacturer part numbers). Any help or pointers for the following would be greatly appreciated:

1. What is the model of the Victron solar unit? We are planning on ordering with the factory installed solar upgrade.
2. What is the manufacturer/model of the 1000W inverter?
3. What is the wattage of the microwave? Can it run off the 1000W inverter?
4. If needed, any recommendations on upgrades for the 1000W inverter to a 2000W or 3000W inverter?

Thanks in advance and apologies if these answers are elsewhere. My searches never came up with the details I was looking for.

Ian

Upgrading the inverter isn’t simple plug & play. You likely will need a more robust wire gauge to handle the increased amps. Also, the microwave will not run on the 1000W inverter.

[retired-ccie]

Thanks for the replies. Is there any option that enables the microwave to work without shore power? Or am I asking too much for the power system.

[kscherzi]

There's plenty of options out there to enable the running of a microwave off grid, but the cost and complexity adds up quickly. Check out AM Solar for ideas. The main limitation is only having two lead acid or AGM batteries. They can't manage the needed high amperage draw for much more than a couple minutes before damage, and then only if fully charged. So people add more batteries, or switch to lithium batteries. Then of course a bigger inverter, which demands bigger wires. With more batteries you'll want more solar panels to get them all charged up. Then the controllers need to be upsized, especially if converting to lithium. And on and on....

So you probably get the idea that to run the microwave off grid is a complex and costly proposition, which is why most of us don't even try. Just get a teapot for the stove.

[retired-ccie]

Originally Posted by kscherzi

There's plenty of options out there to enable the running of a microwave off grid, but the cost and complexity adds up quickly. Check out AM Solar for ideas. The main limitation is only having two lead acid or AGM batteries. They can't manage the needed high amperage draw for much more than a couple minutes before damage, and then only if fully charged. So people add more batteries, or switch to lithium batteries. Then of course a bigger inverter, which demands bigger wires. With more batteries you'll want more solar panels to get them all charged up. Then the controllers need to be upsized, especially if converting to lithium. And on and on....

So you probably get the idea that to run the microwave off grid is a complex and costly proposition, which is why most of us don't even try. Just get a teapot for the stove.

The "teapot" is looking like a much more economical choice.

[retired-ccie]

Given this feedback on the microwave, next question. What are the benefits of the convection upgrade (which loses the microwave)? As I understand, the oven/convection oven run on LP. Or am I missing something?

[cosmotini]

The convection oven IS also a microwave. You can use it to bake/brown/air fry and also use it to reheat food like a standard microwave. The convection cooks much better than the gas ovens we've had in the past, in my opinion.

The drawback of the convection/microwave is if you dry camp, you would need a generator to use it.

[goldenchase]

Originally Posted by retired-ccie

Thanks for the replies. Is there any option that enables the microwave to work without shore power? Or am I asking too much for the power system.

I don't think so. You are buying a 2022 trailer with power systems largely unchanged since the last century. I estimate it would cost around 10% more to produce a trailer with modern electric technology (and no propane) that would allow all electrical appliances to operate on or off shore power.

AS has taken one step in that direction with modern electric compressor refrigerators. They need to finish the transition even if it is an extra cost option.

[Atwebs]

That 1000 watt inverter will support a 1000 watt appliance (for a bit...). Solar without major upgrades is basically for keeping the lights on when you are boondocking. Not only can't you run the microwave, you also can't run a hair dryer, vacuum or a coffee pot unless they are specifically low wattage (and while there are a few, it limits your choices).

You can get a higher powered inverter or a generator to produce the power you need for the microwave. Of course, that requires a bit of extra $$$ to get it all set up. We found our generator was noisy, required fuel (add another can to the truck) and overall a bother to use.

Hot water is easily accomplished with a tea kettle on the stove, coffee with a French press or drip system. Vacuums can be replaced with a broom, hair drying? Go natural!

[PatLee]

Or a Whirley Pop Popcorn maker.

[Ingstad]

I have a 2018 Globetrotter FB with dealer added solar. The microwave that came in our unit is a 700 watt microwave. I've actually had to replace it twice due to damage when the unit fell from the drawer. It was replaced both times with the 700 watt microwave from Walmart. ($49)

I use it regularly when we're travelling to heat up leftovers or soup. I have a 15 ft extension cord that I plug into the TV outlet in the bedroom and plug the microwave into it. I also added a two ft extension cord to the drawer where the microwave sits to make it easier to reach behind it to get the cord.

With the 1000 watt inverter it easily heats lunch. Note that it takes five minutes to heat something that takes three minutes on a 1200 watt microwave at home. Batteries and inverter handle that load well. Just disconnect the extension cord and turn off the Inverter to resume travelling.

[Ingstad]

I should mention that the microwave is the only load on the inverter when we're reheating something. The TV's are not on.

[dukmon]

I'll more than likely remove our microwave in order to create more storage, perhaps.

Not a microwave fan.

[Life is a Highway]

Those 2 Zamp 90’s are at best a nice battery trickle charger

The Victron solar controler is the the basic non bluetooth model
The 1000 watt Inverter ,Progressive Dynamics is worthless for a coffee maker, hair dyer, airfryer, toaster, or much of anything at a rest stop without a generator

Stock set up is good for a overnight of lights TV. Good for a rest stop to watch some Tv power a fan, eat lunch and rest.

If you wish non generator operation you will be upgrading the batteries, the inverter and maybe more solar.

[kaamacat]

Just picked up (literally) a 27' 50Amp 2022FBT w/Solar... I plan on installing my Battleborns once I install the WFCO WF-8950L2-REP unit to support LiPo. (Hard to believe they would not have something like Progressive in there that has a switch for Wet/LI conversion)... Currently it uses a WFCO WF-8930/50 as the main unit. (I believe the REP is almost a plug-n-play replacement for whatever is supporting the AGMs now)

[jeffb831]

Unless something recently changed at Airstream (I wouldn't be surprised), that converter is for 30 amp systems. For 50 amp systems, the WF-9850L2 should be used.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...80785-0001.pdf

I'd double check and verify which part you need before ordering.

[kaamacat]

Originally Posted by jeffb831

Unless something recently changed at Airstream (I wouldn't be surprised), that converter is for 30 amp systems. For 50 amp systems, the WF-9850L2 should be used.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...80785-0001.pdf

I'd double check and verify which part you need before ordering.

Thanks... WFCO (I called yesterday) said I needed to pull some info from the top of the current unit... he said that just telling him WF-8940/50 currently installed (I 2x checked my pic of the outer panel sticker) was not enough. That Airstream link is excellent and thanks. A mini-to-do for January....then install the HutchMountain soft starts (a massive decreease/difference in the initial draw)

[CMHM]

Do not install the WF-9850L2 as per the PDF that Jeff posted. I made the same mistake and that particular converter only charges at 13.6V.

I replaced it with a Progressive Dynamics 60A converter as per Battleborn’s advice and I am finally able to charge my batteries to 100%.

[Life is a Highway]

I could be wrong but our dealer said the stock converter is switchable from AGM to Lithiun. I would be more concerned on the lame 1000 watt stock inverter.

I’m scheduled to have our 50 amp converted to a 3000 Victron in February with 300- 600 amps of lithium.

Originally Posted by kaamacat

Just picked up (literally) a 27' 50Amp 2022FBT w/Solar... I plan on installing my Battleborns once I install the WFCO WF-8950L2-REP unit to support LiPo. (Hard to believe they would not have something like Progressive in there that has a switch for Wet/LI conversion)... Currently it uses a WFCO WF-8930/50 as the main unit. (I believe the REP is almost a plug-n-play replacement for whatever is supporting the AGMs now)