[C320-list] Xantrex TRUEcharge2 40-amp chargers - experiences?

[Warren Updike]

Danny, I too had problems with the TrueCharge 2, remote panel. I found it seemed to be connected with the modular connector at the back. If I removed it and re-inserted the problem went away. So, now, every Spring I pull it out, spray it and the mate with electric spray cleaner, wipe with a non-conductive grease, and re-insert it. No problems since.

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: danny jensen [mailto:danny at jensenshouse.com] 
Sent: Friday, July 01, 2016 2:16 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Xantrex TRUEcharge2 40-amp chargers - experiences?

I have had my Xantrex TrueCharge 40A installed for about 5 years. I have a
aux panel also. The until replaced a Charles charger located in the Port
Cockpit locker. The unit started its life charging 2 lead acid banks until
I did a rework on my batteries and paralleled my house bank as Jeff
recommended. My house bank now charges my starting battery via an ACR.  I
live in southern CA and run my refrigerator in the summer time so I keep
cold beer on board. The temps sometimes get hot in the summer but not as
hot as other parts of the country. I always make sure I turn off the switch
under the port aft locker that powers the AC panel before I plug and unplug
the dock power.

The only issue I continue to have is the remote panel of the TC40A gets in
an error state (status lights flashing on remote pannel)  when I have the
refrigerator load is on and the battery charger is on. I have called Xantex
and they said this is "normal" behavior?  However, the charger still keeps
charging when in the error state. I also have a xantrex linklite battery
monitor and any happy with this setup.

If I were in the same situation, I would not hesitate to buy a new xantrex
but I would investigate.

   - cooling in location where xantrex is
   - compliance with turning off power at dock before plugging in unit
   - possibility of using a surge suppression. If it is cheap and easy to
   do.


Hodges is selling the unit for $305 and you already have the wiring in
place and the remote panel. This is an no brain'er in my mind just roll the
dice and buy another one.  This job should take less than 1 HR. Do you want
to spend your summer boating time doing more work?

Danny
#972


On Fri, Jul 1, 2016 at 8:24 AM, B. Stumpp <bstumpp at comcast.net> wrote:

> I replaced my working Guest 2-stage charger with a new Xantrex 3-stage 40
> amp charger and the remote panel.  After only four years the Xantrex just
> failed.  The Xantrex tech said these cannot be repaired.  Although I was
> not
> happy with only getting four years out of the charger, a friend has one
> that
> so far has lasted 10 years.  So I decided to get another Xantrex since it
> should be a relatively easy replacement and I already had the remote panel
> for the charger.  That was until I started reading reviews of the charger
> on
> Westmarine.com.they are not stellar.
>
>
>
> So, before looking for alternatives I would like to hear the experiences -
> positive and negative - of others on this forum who have installed a
> Xantrex
> charger.  Anyone?
>
>
>
> Bruce Stumpp
>
> Adventure, #647
>
> Frog Mortar Creek, Maryland
>
>
>
>
>
>