GMC PROwatt 800/TC 40

[richard waters]

I just visited the Statpower web site and I am interested in buying a
refurbished combo of a PROwatt 800 watt inverter and TC 40 battery
charger/converter. The price seems reasonable, about $325 US. I know
the TC 40+ is the better unit, at least that's what Wes Caughlan wrote
in the GMC Motorhome News a while ago. The TC40 should be good enough I
think for the price.

My motivation here is to:
1) Speed up house battery charging when connected to shore power or the
generator.
2) Have AC power available for TV, VCR and Computer when away from shore
power. I know 800 Watts
(up to 1000 watts for a few minutes) won't handle the microwave, coffee
maker or my wife's hair dryer. For that I would fire up the Onan if
away from shore power. I sure hate to run the Onan while we're driving,
just so that that my two sons can play their video games and watch TV.

I already have a 250 watt inverter that plugs into the cigar lighter. I
would prefer a larger one centrally wired.

>From what I can see, in order to use the inverter, I would still have
to plug the AC powered devices into the inverter. I'm wondering if
there is an automatic changeover switch to go from shore power (or Onan)
to the inverter when dry camping or driving. Or possibly a manual
switch arrangement.

As you can tell I am still new to all of this. Any comments or
suggestions from you GMC pros would sure be appreciated.

Richard Waters
1976 Palm Beach
Troy, MI

PS I'm going to get the GMC out of Winter storage this weekend. I've
been looking forward to that for a while!

 

[mr.c]

When I installed my inverter, I noticed that the power in the A/C power
panel was individual. I found the outlets I wanted on the inverter and put
them to the inverter. I added a relay that stays latched when on generator
or outside power. When not connected, the relay is not energized and the
power is provided by inverter. Simple relay system. If you want more. let
me know
Al Chernoff

> I just visited the Statpower web site and I am interested in buying a
> refurbished combo of a PROwatt 800 watt inverter and TC 40 battery
> charger/converter. The price seems reasonable, about $325 US. I know
> the TC 40+ is the better unit, at least that's what Wes Caughlan wrote
> in the GMC Motorhome News a while ago. The TC40 should be good enough I
> think for the price.
>
> My motivation here is to:
> 1) Speed up house battery charging when connected to shore power or the
> generator.
> 2) Have AC power available for TV, VCR and Computer when away from shore
> power. I know 800 Watts
> (up to 1000 watts for a few minutes) won't handle the microwave, coffee
> maker or my wife's hair dryer. For that I would fire up the Onan if
> away from shore power. I sure hate to run the Onan while we're driving,
> just so that that my two sons can play their video games and watch TV.
>
> I already have a 250 watt inverter that plugs into the cigar lighter. I
> would prefer a larger one centrally wired.
>
> >From what I can see, in order to use the inverter, I would still have
> to plug the AC powered devices into the inverter. I'm wondering if
> there is an automatic changeover switch to go from shore power (or Onan)
> to the inverter when dry camping or driving. Or possibly a manual
> switch arrangement.
>
> As you can tell I am still new to all of this. Any comments or
> suggestions from you GMC pros would sure be appreciated.
>
> Richard Waters
> 1976 Palm Beach
> Troy, MI
>
> PS I'm going to get the GMC out of Winter storage this weekend. I've
> been looking forward to that for a while!

 

[richard waters]

Al,
Thanks for the prompt reply.

What you did sounds exactly like what I want to do.

Where did you get the relay? What type?

Any information you can give me would be helpful.

Thanks,
Richard
- -----------

> When I installed my inverter, I noticed that the power in the A/C power
> panel was individual. I found the outlets I wanted on the inverter and put
> them to the inverter. I added a relay that stays latched when on generator
> or outside power. When not connected, the relay is not energized and the
> power is provided by inverter. Simple relay system. If you want more. let
> me know
> Al Chernoff
>

>
> > I just visited the Statpower web site and I am interested in buying a
> > refurbished combo of a PROwatt 800 watt inverter and TC 40 battery
> > charger/converter. The price seems reasonable, about $325 US. I know
> > the TC 40+ is the better unit, at least that's what Wes Caughlan wrote
> > in the GMC Motorhome News a while ago. The TC40 should be good enough I
> > think for the price.
> >
> > My motivation here is to:
> > 1) Speed up house battery charging when connected to shore power or the
> > generator.
> > 2) Have AC power available for TV, VCR and Computer when away from shore
> > power. I know 800 Watts
> > (up to 1000 watts for a few minutes) won't handle the microwave, coffee
> > maker or my wife's hair dryer. For that I would fire up the Onan if
> > away from shore power. I sure hate to run the Onan while we're driving,
> > just so that that my two sons can play their video games and watch TV.
> >
> > I already have a 250 watt inverter that plugs into the cigar lighter. I
> > would prefer a larger one centrally wired.
> >
> > >From what I can see, in order to use the inverter, I would still have
> > to plug the AC powered devices into the inverter. I'm wondering if
> > there is an automatic changeover switch to go from shore power (or Onan)
> > to the inverter when dry camping or driving. Or possibly a manual
> > switch arrangement.
> >
> > As you can tell I am still new to all of this. Any comments or
> > suggestions from you GMC pros would sure be appreciated.
> >
> > Richard Waters
> > 1976 Palm Beach
> > Troy, MI
> >
> > PS I'm going to get the GMC out of Winter storage this weekend. I've
> > been looking forward to that for a while!

 

[john wright]

Richard,
I just installed a Statpower 40 in the GMC just before I went to Myrtle Beach.
I was impressed with its performance and power. I also discovered how
bad my batteries had degraded with the old buzz box converter/charger.
The 40+ is not any better that the 40, it just has 2 more functions.
Other than that they are the same unit. I paid 147 dollars US for my 40
and 40 dollars for the indicator panel. I did not get the temp sender,
the sale guy said it was of marginal value and you can set the temp on
the front panel of the 40. If you have any question maybe I can help.

J.R. Wright
77 Eleganza II
GMC GreatLaker
Midland, MI

>
> I just visited the Statpower web site and I am interested in buying a
> refurbished combo of a PROwatt 800 watt inverter and TC 40 battery
> charger/converter. The price seems reasonable, about $325 US. I know
> the TC 40+ is the better unit, at least that's what Wes Caughlan wrote
> in the GMC Motorhome News a while ago. The TC40 should be good enough I
> think for the price.
>
> My motivation here is to:
> 1) Speed up house battery charging when connected to shore power or the
> generator.
> 2) Have AC power available for TV, VCR and Computer when away from shore
> power. I know 800 Watts
> (up to 1000 watts for a few minutes) won't handle the microwave, coffee
> maker or my wife's hair dryer. For that I would fire up the Onan if
> away from shore power. I sure hate to run the Onan while we're driving,
> just so that that my two sons can play their video games and watch TV.
>
> I already have a 250 watt inverter that plugs into the cigar lighter. I
> would prefer a larger one centrally wired.
>
> >From what I can see, in order to use the inverter, I would still have
> to plug the AC powered devices into the inverter. I'm wondering if
> there is an automatic changeover switch to go from shore power (or Onan)
> to the inverter when dry camping or driving. Or possibly a manual
> switch arrangement.
>
> As you can tell I am still new to all of this. Any comments or
> suggestions from you GMC pros would sure be appreciated.
>
> Richard Waters
> 1976 Palm Beach
> Troy, MI
>
> PS I'm going to get the GMC out of Winter storage this weekend. I've
> been looking forward to that for a while!

 

[mr.c]

Used a basic 120v relay at radio shack. Relay wired to 120v from outside
source, ie generator or exterior plug. When power on, relay energized and all
power to all circuits from generator or outside. When no outside power, relay
contacts connect the circuits I want to the inverter.

Use the highest wattage you can find. I found some 15 am 240 v contacts, which
when I use them at 120 v, gives me enough to run the 1500 w inverter power.
Al

> Al,
> Thanks for the prompt reply.
>
> What you did sounds exactly like what I want to do.
>
> Where did you get the relay? What type?
>
> Any information you can give me would be helpful.
>
> Thanks,
> Richard
> -----------
>

>
> > When I installed my inverter, I noticed that the power in the A/C power
> > panel was individual. I found the outlets I wanted on the inverter and put
> > them to the inverter. I added a relay that stays latched when on generator
> > or outside power. When not connected, the relay is not energized and the
> > power is provided by inverter. Simple relay system. If you want more. let
> > me know
> > Al Chernoff
> >

> >
> > > I just visited the Statpower web site and I am interested in buying a
> > > refurbished combo of a PROwatt 800 watt inverter and TC 40 battery
> > > charger/converter. The price seems reasonable, about $325 US. I know
> > > the TC 40+ is the better unit, at least that's what Wes Caughlan wrote
> > > in the GMC Motorhome News a while ago. The TC40 should be good enough I
> > > think for the price.
> > >
> > > My motivation here is to:
> > > 1) Speed up house battery charging when connected to shore power or the
> > > generator.
> > > 2) Have AC power available for TV, VCR and Computer when away from shore
> > > power. I know 800 Watts
> > > (up to 1000 watts for a few minutes) won't handle the microwave, coffee
> > > maker or my wife's hair dryer. For that I would fire up the Onan if
> > > away from shore power. I sure hate to run the Onan while we're driving,
> > > just so that that my two sons can play their video games and watch TV.
> > >
> > > I already have a 250 watt inverter that plugs into the cigar lighter. I
> > > would prefer a larger one centrally wired.
> > >
> > > >From what I can see, in order to use the inverter, I would still have
> > > to plug the AC powered devices into the inverter. I'm wondering if
> > > there is an automatic changeover switch to go from shore power (or Onan)
> > > to the inverter when dry camping or driving. Or possibly a manual
> > > switch arrangement.
> > >
> > > As you can tell I am still new to all of this. Any comments or
> > > suggestions from you GMC pros would sure be appreciated.
> > >
> > > Richard Waters
> > > 1976 Palm Beach
> > > Troy, MI
> > >
> > > PS I'm going to get the GMC out of Winter storage this weekend. I've
> > > been looking forward to that for a while!

 

[richard waters]

John,
Thanks for resounding to my questions. It sounds like a waste of money to buy the
40+ for $399 if it only has a few additional features over the 40.

It sounds like you got a very good deal on the TC 40. The price for a refurbished
unit is now $218 US from Statpower. The indicator panel is still about $40 US.

I'll pass on the temp sensor on your recommendation.

Did you go for the FAST or REGULAR shipping? Shipping is pretty expensive from
Statpower.

How long did it take to arrive?

Do you have an inverter too?

By the way, I'm a official member of the GMC Great Lakers now.

Richard
- ------------

> Richard,
> I just installed a Statpower 40 in the GMC just before I went to Myrtle Beach.
> I was impressed with its performance and power. I also discovered how
> bad my batteries had degraded with the old buzz box converter/charger.
> The 40+ is not any better that the 40, it just has 2 more functions.
> Other than that they are the same unit. I paid 147 dollars US for my 40
> and 40 dollars for the indicator panel. I did not get the temp sender,
> the sale guy said it was of marginal value and you can set the temp on
> the front panel of the 40. If you have any question maybe I can help.
>
> J.R. Wright
> 77 Eleganza II
> GMC GreatLaker
> Midland, MI
>

> >
> > I just visited the Statpower web site and I am interested in buying a
> > refurbished combo of a PROwatt 800 watt inverter and TC 40 battery
> > charger/converter. The price seems reasonable, about $325 US. I know
> > the TC 40+ is the better unit, at least that's what Wes Caughlan wrote
> > in the GMC Motorhome News a while ago. The TC40 should be good enough I
> > think for the price.
> >
> > My motivation here is to:
> > 1) Speed up house battery charging when connected to shore power or the
> > generator.
> > 2) Have AC power available for TV, VCR and Computer when away from shore
> > power. I know 800 Watts
> > (up to 1000 watts for a few minutes) won't handle the microwave, coffee
> > maker or my wife's hair dryer. For that I would fire up the Onan if
> > away from shore power. I sure hate to run the Onan while we're driving,
> > just so that that my two sons can play their video games and watch TV.
> >
> > I already have a 250 watt inverter that plugs into the cigar lighter. I
> > would prefer a larger one centrally wired.
> >
> > >From what I can see, in order to use the inverter, I would still have
> > to plug the AC powered devices into the inverter. I'm wondering if
> > there is an automatic changeover switch to go from shore power (or Onan)
> > to the inverter when dry camping or driving. Or possibly a manual
> > switch arrangement.
> >
> > As you can tell I am still new to all of this. Any comments or
> > suggestions from you GMC pros would sure be appreciated.
> >
> > Richard Waters
> > 1976 Palm Beach
> > Troy, MI
> >
> > PS I'm going to get the GMC out of Winter storage this weekend. I've
> > been looking forward to that for a while!

 

[blank]

> The 40+ is not any better that the 40, it just has 2 more functions.

John, can you elaborate as to what the two more functions are?

Thanks!
Patrick

 

[john wright]

Richard,
I checked and they did raised their price a little over $70 from the
time that I had bought mine, but even at the new price it is a pretty
good buy. I had mine sent UPS ground and it was here is about 6 days.
Be aware that inverters can be very hard on your house battery system.
I don't have an inverter. I changed out my batteries at Myrtle Beach
with Interstate 220 Amp/hr 6 volt golf cart batteries, my cost was about
$60 per battery plus tax. Now with everything fresh the system works
great. I would suggest you get the book "Managing 12 Volts: How to
Upgrade, Operate, and Troubleshoot 12 Volt Electrical Systems"(56-2-194)
from Amazon.com. The author is Harold Barre. It is the best I've seen
for RV and Boat electrical systems.

>
> John,
> Thanks for resounding to my questions. It sounds like a waste of money to buy the
> 40+ for $399 if it only has a few additional features over the 40.
>
> It sounds like you got a very good deal on the TC 40. The price for a refurbished
> unit is now $218 US from Statpower. The indicator panel is still about $40 US.
>
> I'll pass on the temp sensor on your recommendation.
>
> Did you go for the FAST or REGULAR shipping? Shipping is pretty expensive from
> Statpower.
>
> How long did it take to arrive?
>
> Do you have an inverter too?
>
> By the way, I'm a official member of the GMC Great Lakers now.
>
> Richard
> ------------
>

>
> > Richard,
> > I just installed a Statpower 40 in the GMC just before I went to Myrtle Beach.
> > I was impressed with its performance and power. I also discovered how
> > bad my batteries had degraded with the old buzz box converter/charger.
> > The 40+ is not any better that the 40, it just has 2 more functions.
> > Other than that they are the same unit. I paid 147 dollars US for my 40
> > and 40 dollars for the indicator panel. I did not get the temp sender,
> > the sale guy said it was of marginal value and you can set the temp on
> > the front panel of the 40. If you have any question maybe I can help.
> >
> > J.R. Wright
> > 77 Eleganza II
> > GMC GreatLaker
> > Midland, MI
> >

> > >
> > > I just visited the Statpower web site and I am interested in buying a
> > > refurbished combo of a PROwatt 800 watt inverter and TC 40 battery
> > > charger/converter. The price seems reasonable, about $325 US. I know
> > > the TC 40+ is the better unit, at least that's what Wes Caughlan wrote
> > > in the GMC Motorhome News a while ago. The TC40 should be good enough I
> > > think for the price.
> > >
> > > My motivation here is to:
> > > 1) Speed up house battery charging when connected to shore power or the
> > > generator.
> > > 2) Have AC power available for TV, VCR and Computer when away from shore
> > > power. I know 800 Watts
> > > (up to 1000 watts for a few minutes) won't handle the microwave, coffee
> > > maker or my wife's hair dryer. For that I would fire up the Onan if
> > > away from shore power. I sure hate to run the Onan while we're driving,
> > > just so that that my two sons can play their video games and watch TV.
> > >
> > > I already have a 250 watt inverter that plugs into the cigar lighter. I
> > > would prefer a larger one centrally wired.
> > >
> > > >From what I can see, in order to use the inverter, I would still have
> > > to plug the AC powered devices into the inverter. I'm wondering if
> > > there is an automatic changeover switch to go from shore power (or Onan)
> > > to the inverter when dry camping or driving. Or possibly a manual
> > > switch arrangement.
> > >
> > > As you can tell I am still new to all of this. Any comments or
> > > suggestions from you GMC pros would sure be appreciated.
> > >
> > > Richard Waters
> > > 1976 Palm Beach
> > > Troy, MI
> > >
> > > PS I'm going to get the GMC out of Winter storage this weekend. I've
> > > been looking forward to that for a while!

 

[john wright]

Patrick,
It can do 3 sets of batteries instead of 2 and has the capabilities for
AGM batteries and is painted yellow, other than that I didn't see any
difference in the units. They are the same size and charge and maintain
the electrical system the same way.

John Wright
77 Eleganza II
GMC GreatLaker
Midland, Mi

>

>
> > The 40+ is not any better that the 40, it just has 2 more functions.
>
> John, can you elaborate as to what the two more functions are?
>
> Thanks!
> Patrick

 

[patrick flowers]

>
> Patrick,
> It can do 3 sets of batteries instead of 2 and has the capabilities for
> AGM batteries and is painted yellow, other than that I didn't see any
> difference in the units. They are the same size and charge and maintain
> the electrical system the same way.

Thanks John!

I thought the third set of batteries was one of them and I believe that
capability is limited. Like you, I don't the "+" is worth the price
premium.

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatrick

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[richard waters]

John,
I just ordered the refurbished PROwatt 800/TC 40 combo from Statpower's
web site a few minutes ago. I also ordered the remote monitoring panel and
passed on the temp sensor. I ordered the 800 Watt inverter because the price
seemed reasonable and I don't want to run the Onan just for the kids to play
their video games and watch TV while underway.

I'm going over to Amazon.com right now and order "Managing 12 Volts: How to
Upgrade, Operate, and Troubleshoot 12 Volt Electrical Systems".

Thanks for the help.

Richard
- ---------------

> Richard,
> I checked and they did raised their price a little over $70 from the
> time that I had bought mine, but even at the new price it is a pretty
> good buy. I had mine sent UPS ground and it was here is about 6 days.
> Be aware that inverters can be very hard on your house battery system.
> I don't have an inverter. I changed out my batteries at Myrtle Beach
> with Interstate 220 Amp/hr 6 volt golf cart batteries, my cost was about
> $60 per battery plus tax. Now with everything fresh the system works
> great. I would suggest you get the book "Managing 12 Volts: How to
> Upgrade, Operate, and Troubleshoot 12 Volt Electrical Systems"(56-2-194)
> from Amazon.com. The author is Harold Barre. It is the best I've seen
> for RV and Boat electrical systems.