AIMS 1500 Watt Inverter/Charger Opinions

[thuynsm]

I am looking into this unit and was curious if anyone had any opinions or experience using it: http://www.invertersrus.com/inv1500wc.html.

Basically I have a 300amp hour auxiliary battery bank and am looking for both an inverted and a charger but have a very limited budget. Will this device be sufficient for charging the batteries when the vehicle is not running? If I am running a 12V load off the aux batteries will this keep them topped off when connected to shore power? I understand that the AC power will "pass through" powering my devices when plugged into shore power, but am not sure about the DC load.

Thanks

[daveb]

What is best for charging is a multi stage smart charger. The unit you posted about will work fine just that it might have a tendency to overcharge is some circumstances. High end chargers also monitor the battery temp which can be critical during hot weather. If price is a goal, having a standard inverter/charger is OK, you just have to take some precautions. Also that inverter is a modified sine wave type. Great for most everything except high end electronics. I would like to have something similar as a backup inverter. Maybe down the road you can spring for an upgraded version.
Dave.