Heart Freedom 20 inverter repair

[madhatter1]

I have a freedom 20 (1995) that I need to see if I can get repaired. I am in St Pete FL area but I do travel a lot by truck on the east coast so I am open to other areas. What happened years ago was shore power cord was loose and the unit was in the on/charging mode. The vibration from someone walking on the dock caused the poor connection to make & break several times very quickly. The unit tried to keep up but something smoked. I pulled it out and it sat in the garage. I now need an inverter again and hope I could get this one repaired. A would also be interested in a good used one as an alternative. Thanks.

 

[davidwigler]

They do have reliability issues. If you open the case there may be one or more user replaceable fuses. I had a Xantrex 3012 circuit board replaced several years ago under warranty at a local Buddy Gregg Motor Home dealer. One year later the same board went out and it was over $600. I'm not sure a 1995 model is worth fixing unless it is something like a fuse, which doesn't sound likely if you smelled smoke.

 

[GJH]

No direct experience, but I have heard good things about these guys from two or three others.

http://www.inverterservicecenter.com/

 

[MikeP]

I know this is not answering your question but you might consider a new inverter. Modern inverters are far more efficient than those of 15 years ago. THough depending on how you use it this may not be too important. For example, if you run the genny most of the time on the hook and just use the inverter when the mains are running, the efficiency doesn't matter much and fixing the old one is probably a reasonable alternative if the price to do so isn't too bad.

 

[REBrueckner]

It's certainly worthwhile to pull the cover off and see what burned....often you can find the burn via black or bubbled component(s)....

Try E-BAY for rebuilt units, often guaranteed for 90 days at BIG discounts...I had such a heart 2500...its still doing fine after 11 years with a new owner...

 

[Jim saco]

I agree with Mike P . It's time for a new inverter. The technology is much better and they use much less power. I've had 2 freedoms and both died after short service. I won't use or buy another. If it's been in service for that long it already paid for itself.
Good luck Jim

 

[madhatter1]

So what would a good one be these days? I just want to run TV & video games for the kids and add in the frige when under way on a trip. The 20 is 2400 watts and I don't need that much power. I just need wattage for above that can handle inrush current from the frige compressor and thats it. Thanks.

 

[SereneWarrior]

I smoked one of the same inverters on our maiden voyage 4+ years ago and found a guy in New Jersey who repairs the control boards for them. He did the job for a couple hundred bucks and was quick about it. Haven't had any problems since then. I have the records at home and will get you the contact info later tonite.

 

[SereneWarrior]

Found it! Check out their site and try calling these guys. Chris treated me right! http://tekrispower.com/

 

[MikeP]

I (and others here) are big fans of the Outback inverters. Here's their page that lists their mobile inverters. Check it out for the size/input voltage you want and if it seems useful, do an internet search for a price on that model. Select "Specifications"

http://www.outbackpower.com/products/sinewave_inverter/mobile/

 

[GJH]

If you don't need a 32 volt unit, which apparently you don't given its a Freedom 20, I strongly recommend Magnum Energy inverters. They make them here in the USA in a wide variety of sizes and types. Their before and after the sale service is great, so might give them a call for advice on sizing and style. Better to error on the high side, size wise, IMO.

http://www.magnumenergy.com/productsfront.htm

I have been extremely happy with my system and with the company after almost 4 years of ownership and very heavy use. These have become the make of choice amongst a lot of long range cruising types. Whatever you do, avoid anything from the Xantrex family.