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Trace Inverter Reliability

April 16, 2018, 10:17:27 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 114682

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Hi,
I have a 2003 CC Allure with the TRACE Inverter. It has worked fine but I'm wondering if it might be time to update the inverter system. The TRACE seems reliable but I don't want to worry about it going out. Any feedback or suggestions would be great.
Thanks
Randy Brix
2003 Allure

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Re: Trace Inverter Reliability

Reply #1 – April 16, 2018, 11:00:59 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 114684

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There is no way to know when a component will fail. My take on this is that if things are working, don't monkey with it.

Don
'02 Intrigue 11427

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Re: Trace Inverter Reliability

Reply #2 – April 17, 2018, 12:06:21 am

Yahoo Message Number: 114686

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The Trace of that era were well built units. Yes age is the enemy of electronics, but as mentioned 'Why fix it if it ain't broken?'.

That being said, if you've added newer electronics and are concerned about MSW vs PSW - that would be a good reason to do the upgrade.

I shifted to Magnum MS2812 as part of my Solar Panel install about 5-6 years ago. My Trace was happily picked up by a gent who wanted it at his cabin. Have not heard from him in over 18 months, but it was going strong last time we communicated.

I also know of a few owners that retained the existingTrace, and added a smaller PSW Inverter to feed a residential refrigerator. This way they have a bit of redundancy, as they have two inverters available. Might be another way to approach this.

Best to you,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017 (Build date of the coach was Sept 2003.)

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Re: Trace Inverter Reliability

Reply #3 – April 17, 2018, 12:12:34 am

Yahoo Message Number: 114687

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Trace made a solid unit back in that era. If you don't need PSW for other reasons, you could go on with the Trace for along time.

That being said, electronics do go out with age. So, it's also a matter of are you comfortable with maybe having to do a changeover on the fly at a less then ideal time or location. Certainly part of the decision process.

I'll share that I know some owners that have added smaller PSW inverters to support the install of residential fridges, while retaining their existing inverter. This adds a level of redundancy, that could gap you over if one of the inverters were to go out.

I did change from my Trace to a Magnum MS2812 as part of a Solar Panel installation 5-6 years ago. But I have lots of electronic toys that I wanted PSW to feed.

My old Trace, as of 18 or so months ago, was still running strong at a cabin. (Gent bought it off of Criagslist, and we still email from time to time.).

Best of luck to you,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017 (Built Sept, 2003)

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