Evaluation of Xantrex Truepower 40 Charger

[Michael Stroz]

So I have joined the group looking to replace my Guest 2030? Batter Charger. It just died last week. I have looked at the Xanterx Truepower 40+ Charger as a replacement based on some of the posts on this site. Any other recommendations? What does Hunter use on the 356? Or is it better to bite the bullet and get a Charger/Inverter. Would apprecite any advise. Rgds, Michael

 

[Don]

One opinion

Don't know what H uses for OEM. Regardless, it's more a matter of your particular needs. In our case, we put in a Zantex 40+ in a couple of years ago and it has performed perfectly. Our 110V needs on an anchor are limited to occasional use of the small microwave, TV/DVD or my wife's blowdryer, any of which work fine with a relatively cheap separate 1500 watt inverter. In our case, it didn't seem reasonable to put in a dual unit costing lots more. I've seen both on eBay brand new for a lot less than retail...Don

 

[DJ Sailor]

A bit noisy

I used a 40 amp one for a while. The cooling fan would come on when the unit was hot and the wood bulkhead that I mounted it on acted as a sounding board to echo it thoughout the boat. I can make do witht the 20 amp version since I usually tie up overnight or else leave the boat for a week between weekends. I had over 300 ah of battery and am going to get two more 6v for a total of 450 (without start battery). It will take a while to charge but it beats the noise.DJ

 

[bobcree]

Mine if fine

I have used the 40+ for a couple of years with no problem. You can hear the cooling fan run but it not bad. I also added the remote panel.Bob

 

[Vinny]

40

I just finished the installation of a 40+ two weeks ago. It is installed in the aft cabin where we sleep in a locker. The cooling fan noise is of no consequence and the unit does not make any noise through the bulkhead. I suspect that if it did a couple of rubber grommets would cure the problem. In our previous boat I had a 20+ with 425 ah house and 250 ah start. It worked ok but it was on almost all the time. Keep in mind the 40 ah rating is the total for the unit so if you are charging two banks that's 20 ah per bank. And if three banks are being charged that’s 13.3 ah per bank.Due to the length of the round trip I ran #4 wire the 25’. Tinned #4 was $3.19 ft. at West Marine a bit pricey. Also don’t forget to put an inline 30 AMP fuse in each of the legs to the battery banks. I installed them near the charger.So far everything is working just fine. I had no trouble with the 20 but it was underpowered for the job it was doing.Hope this helps.Vinny