This article pertains specifically to the earlier model year Phoenix Cruisers that have the Tripp-Lite brand inverter installed. This may or may not apply to the newer models with the Xantrex inverter.
Historically we had a lack of battery power with our 2007-2350 when camping without 110V hook-up. Because we camp without 110V most of the time, this becomes a regular problem. I experimented on weekend get-aways this year with the power inverter, soon realizing a significant improvement in battery reserves by keeping the inverter powered off except when needed. I did so using the little switch on the inverter itself, not using the control panel.
I later discussed this with Kermit of Phoenix USA. He educated me on the Tripp-Lite power inverter. He said it uses 12 amps when sitting idle. It is not an issue if you drive the RV, then plug into 110v when at your destination, as most people do. But if you stay in a primitive campground without 110v hookup, you need to make a simple modification.
On the black Tripp-Lite control panel, plugged into the side of it, is a head phones style jack. Simply unplug it. Doing that disables the auto-on feature, utilized by the kill-all/power-up switch at the RV's entry door. The inverter is then controlled exclusively at the Tripp-Lite control panel. At that panel, when switched to Auto-Invert, the inverter is ready to generate 110v on demand. In that mode, the inverter is consuming 12 amps. When switched to Line/Charge Only, the inverter is off so you loose your 110v, but the batteries would still get charged if plugged into 110v or when the generator is running. In Line/Charge Only mode, you have stopped that 12 amp battery drain.
Regardless if the head phone plug is in or out, your batteries will always get charged when driving the motor home.
On our 2007 2350, you can unplug that connector by simply reaching up behind it from below through the cabinet door underneath it, unplug it from the right side. The other connector, a telephone style plug facing down, must be left plugged in. If you can't get to your plug that way, just remove the 4 front panel screws to pull the panel forward, which is easy enough.
Now we leave the Tripp-Lite control panel to Line/Charge Only (inverter is then off) except when we want to use a 110v appliance. That saves the batteries. We are now able to camp without hook-ups for an extended period of time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----ADDED IN JUNE 2021-----
It seems appropriate to mention other "reasonable" changes I made to our 2007 Phoenix Cruiser 2350 over the years to further improve "battery reserve power" by a significant amount. Newer Phoenix Cruisers already have some of these implemented.
1) Converted all interior florescent and incandescent light fixtures to LED.
CLICK HERE for the details with pictures.
2) Replaced the two 12V wet acid batteries, with two 6V AGM batteries.
CLICK HERE for the details with pictures.
3) Added a simple volt meter to be more mindful of "battery health".
CLICK HERE for the details with pictures.
