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Topic: Xantrex Sine Wave Inverter XS400 & Solar System (Read 313 times) previous topic - next topic
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Xantrex Sine Wave Inverter XS400 & Solar System
In my 2006 30' IB, in the cabinet under my refrigerator, I found a Xantrex Sine Wave Inverter XS400, is this something that was originally installed by Lazy Daze? Can I plug items into the two plugs provided on the inverter? This inverter is sitting on top of something I've yet to identify.

There is also a small control panel above my TV, in the entertainment behind the center glass door which has an on-off switch. When should this switch be turned on for the xantrex inverter?

My unit has one 100W panel on the roof, is this inverter connected to and a part of the solar system?

If I add more panels, will this 400w sine wave inverter have to be upgraded as well? I'm really new to solar systems in RV's, can be a bit confusing.

I've attached pictures of what I have.
2006 30' IB
Re: Xantrex Sine Wave Inverter XS400 & Solar System
Reply #1 –

The inverter was installed to power the TV, assuming it was Factory-installed. It is powered by the coach battery.
The existing solar panel charges just the coach battery; adding panels is possible up to the solar controller's limit.
You will be best served replacing the solar controller with a Blue Sky 3000i, it is more efficienct and will provide 10% or more extra charging power compared to the Factory controller.
Amazon.com : Kit Composed of Blue Sky Energy SB3000i Solar Boost 30A MPPT...

The inverter will not need changing with additional solar panels. You can plug things into the inverters as long as they do not pull more than 400-watts. To use the inverter, the switch should be turned on, assuming nothing electrically has been changed in the past 20 years.

If you plan on upgrading the battery and solar panels, you should install a battery controller, to track how much battery power is availabe and to monitor charging levels. Consider it a gas gauge for your coach battery.
Amazon.com: Victron Energy BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor with Shunt - 6.5-70...

We are here to help with any upgrades you may consider.
Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Xantrex Sine Wave Inverter XS400 & Solar System
Reply #2 –
I've been working on my new-to-me 2007 30 IB and my Xantrex inverter is DOA.  (From researching old threads here, it sounds like a pretty common issue.) 

The inverter was there to power the Entertainment system from the house batteries when not connected to 120v shore power or using the generator.   (What it's sitting on is actually the top of the battery box). 

The XS400 has a "pass through" feature which is not common to all inverters.  Basically, that means when you have 120v from shore power, the Entertainment Center will be powered with the switch behind the TV "off".  The only time you should turn the Xantrex switch "on" is if you need to run the Entertainment Center on house battery power. 

And yes, you could plug in something directly into the inverter, just keep in mind it's only 400 watts maximum so it's not going to run anything like the microwave (which needs about 1200 to 1500 watts).  It could probably run a computer or something small though and maybe still the TV? 

Since mine doesn't work, I'm debating replacing it versus installing a 12v TV.  I think I might do both.  The challenge I've had is finding a small inverter with the pass-through feature.  Most I've seen are 1000 watts or more which would probably require new battery cables from the inverter to the batteries (very short run so not a hard upgrade). 

(Another option could be a small 400 or 500 watt inverter with an external automatic transfer switch added.)

My next step after this will be upgrading the solar and possibly switching to lithium batteries as we intend to mainly boondock camp.
1995 26.5 Island Bed
2007 30 Island Bed
Re: Xantrex Sine Wave Inverter XS400 & Solar System
Reply #3 –

Some of today's pass-through inverters cost less than your LD's pure-sine-wave inverter costs when it was new. If you are going to go through the trouble of replacing the inverter, for a bit more work, you can have an inverter that will run almost anything you would ever need. I like the ability to run a vacuum cleaner, a blender. or power tools.
Amazon.com: Renogy Inverter PUH 2000 watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter, Built-in...

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Xantrex Sine Wave Inverter XS400 & Solar System
Reply #4 –
Thank you Larry!!!  That's a perfect solution.  I did not come across the one with the internal transfer switch when I was looking.  It will just fit under fridge and I'm pretty sure I can use it to power the whole house (except possibly AC, at least not for very long ).  :)
1995 26.5 Island Bed
2007 30 Island Bed
Re: Xantrex Sine Wave Inverter XS400 & Solar System
Reply #5 –
MarkT,

Thanks for the reply... I replaced the original TV with a SYLVOX 27" 12 Volt Smart RV TV, with Built-in DVD Player, I've attached the User's manual. It's the perfect size replacement and a great TV. Bought it online from Target for around $370

Appreciate all your comments and tips.
2006 30' IB
Re: Xantrex Sine Wave Inverter XS400 & Solar System
Reply #6 –

Hi Art;  The line up of different TV sizes can also be obtained from Amazon.  Our website gets a (very) small amount of money from Amazon sales through LDOG to pay for our computer time.  Amazon.com: SYLVOX 24 Inch TV 12 Volt Smart TV FHD 1080P Digital Video Disc...
    Being able to run straight off of 12VDC has many advantages. One is that the inverters aren't 100% efficient, so a little power is saved there.  The built in DVD player is handy. I rarely use my library of DVD's at home anymore (streaming is too easy) but are compact enough for travel.  Many of my DVD's are Blu-Ray. Can this player read those? I don't expect 4K resolution, but it should be able to down convert to standard Hidef.
   RonB

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Xantrex Sine Wave Inverter XS400 & Solar System
Reply #7 –
"This inverter is sitting on top of something I've yet to identify"

Isn't that a rear wheel well?

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Xantrex Sine Wave Inverter XS400 & Solar System
Reply #8 –
Steve, I'm pretty sure that's the battery box. Note the wires entering at each side, and the inconspicuous small gray master 12 V breaker on the floor to the right.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"