Inverter/Charger

[S. Nyberg]

I have a 1986 40 8V92 that is in the process of needing an upgrade of a battery charger. Currently the coach has a Vanner charger and a Vanner 5000 watt inverter (yes, that is how it came from the factory). In reviewing this website & others it looks as if the best be may be to replace both units. This would also allow the opportunity to upgrade to AGM Batteries. What product line are people using today? What are people usng for size as 5000 seems high (and expensive)? Thanks!

[TechTalk]

The Newells equipped new with 5000 watt inverters were built with 24 volt alternators (all other Newells have 12 volt alternators), and battery equalizers to provide the 12 volt power required by the house system. Unless you are prepared to change the alternator to a 12 volt model, we recommend that any inverter or charger you purchase be 24 volt input. We also suggest that you consult with the technical staff at Newell or at one of the inverter/charger manufacturers in order to find components that are compatible with each other and with your coach with excessive costs. All of the inverter/chargers we are using today operate on 12 volts supplied by 400 amp alternators, with the latest system designed to deliver up to 8400 watts continuous power. While these systems theoretically could be retrofitted to older models, the engineering involved would be substantial, there could be some unanticipated surprises, and certainly the expense would be considerable.