Xantrex Freedom 458 12V 2000W Inverter/Charger w/100A Charger
Xantrex Freedom 458 12V 2000W Inverter/Charger w/100A Charger — Product description
The Xantrex Freedom 458 is the 12V, 2000-watt filtered modified-sine inverter / 100-amp charger built for RV use and basic marine installs where most loads are lights, appliances, and tolerant electronics. Built-in transfer switch, 3-stage temperature-compensated charging, and the kind of long-track-record reliability that has kept this model on the market for years.
The Xantrex Freedom 458 is the long-running modified-sine wave inverter / charger that's been the budget-conscious workhorse for RV installs and simple marine setups for years. 2000 watts continuous of filtered modified sine wave AC output, 6000 watts surge for motor-start loads, and a built-in 100-amp 12V battery charger. Modified sine works for the majority of typical RV and basic boat loads (lights, appliances, fans, basic electronics, microwaves, coffee makers) at a meaningfully lower price point than pure-sine inverters.
What modified sine wave actually means. The output isn't a smooth sine curve like utility AC. It's a stepped square-wave approximation that powers most loads fine but doesn't drive sensitive electronics as cleanly as pure sine. Things that work great on modified sine: lights, fans, motors, microwaves, coffee makers, hair dryers, refrigerators, water pumps. Things that may not work or may make weird noise on modified sine: high-end audio equipment, variable-speed motor controllers, some medical devices, sensitive electronics like CPAP machines that require clean sine power. If your loads are simple and tolerant, the Freedom 458 saves you significant money over a pure-sine equivalent. If your loads include sensitive electronics, look at the Xantrex Freedom XC or Freedom SW pure-sine line.
The 100-amp charger is the part that makes this an inverter / charger and not just an inverter. Power-factor-corrected, 3-stage automatic charging (bulk, absorption, float) with temperature compensation through the included Battery Temperature Sensor. Equalization stage is included for flooded lead-acid bank conditioning. The charger handles flooded lead-acid, gel, and AGM batteries with the appropriate setup. For lithium banks, the situation is more nuanced. The Freedom 458 isn't a native lithium charger, and many lithium battery management systems are designed around pure-sine charging profiles. If you're running lithium, talk to us before ordering and check your battery manufacturer's compatibility spec.
The built-in transfer switch is what makes this an inverter / charger and not just an inverter. When shore or generator power is present, the system passes that power through to your AC loads and uses any excess capacity to charge the batteries. When shore power drops or goes weak, the transfer switch flips over to inverter mode automatically. Connected loads on tolerant equipment keep running through the transition.
Power Sharing is the feature that prevents shore-power breaker trips. When you're plugged into a 30-amp pedestal and your AC loads plus the charger together exceed the breaker, the unit reduces the charge current to keep total draw under the breaker setting. The result is no nuisance trips when you start the microwave with the charger running.
Remote control. The Freedom 458 is remote-on/off capable from the back panel terminal. The Freedom Basic Remote is the basic accessory that gives you on/off and basic system status from the helm or salon. The Link 1000 series adds advanced battery monitoring (state of charge, voltage, current, history) and full system control. Both are sold separately and worth the add-on cost on any installation where the inverter doesn't live in a visible spot.
Customizable settings. Through the optional Freedom Basic Remote or Link 1000 panel, you can program charge profiles, equalization timing, transfer voltage thresholds, and other operational parameters to match your specific install. Out of the box, the unit comes with reasonable factory defaults that work for typical RV deep-cycle setups.
Protection. Over-voltage and under-voltage shutdown to protect the bank from damage. Over-temperature shutdown to protect the unit. Automatic overload protection with auto-recovery. Short-circuit protection on the AC output. The unit doesn't include reverse-polarity protection on the DC input, so wire it carefully and use a Class T or ANL fuse at the battery for proper protection.
Install. The unit is hardwired AC and DC. Hardwired AC means dual input (shore + generator) and dual output (to your AC distribution panel). The DC connections are stud terminals taking 2/0 AWG or larger battery cables for full-load 2000W operation. Mount in a ventilated battery or equipment compartment with proper clearance for the cooling fans. Cooling fans are temperature-controlled, so they only run under load or when the unit is hot, which keeps the noise level reasonable in living spaces.
Dimensions: 13.2 inches long, 11.5 inches wide, 7.9 inches high. Weight is roughly 56 pounds shipping. The footprint fits into typical RV inverter compartments without major modifications.
What's in the box. The Freedom 458 unit, the Battery Temperature Sensor, the install hardware, and the owner's and installation guide. Battery cables, fusing, and remote panel are sold separately.
30-month limited Xantrex warranty. Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock units.
Key Features
- 2000W continuous / 6000W surge filtered modified sine wave AC output
- 12V DC input with built-in 100A 3-stage automatic battery charger
- Built-in transfer switch automatically flips between shore/generator and inverter mode
- Power Sharing reduces charge current to prevent shore-power breaker trips
- 3-stage charging with bulk, absorption, and float plus equalization stage for flooded lead-acid
- Temperature-compensated charging via included Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS)
- Hardwired Dual AC In / Dual AC Out for shore + generator + AC distribution flexibility
- Remote on/off capable from back panel terminal
- Compatible with optional Freedom Basic Remote and Link 1000 panels for monitoring and control
- Battery over-voltage / under-voltage / over-temperature / short-circuit protection
- 92% peak inverter efficiency for minimal heat and maximum usable battery power
- Compact 13.2" x 11.5" x 7.9" footprint fits typical RV inverter compartments
- 30-month limited warranty backed by the Xantrex authorized service network
- Long-track-record reliability for RV and basic marine installs at a budget-friendly price point
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Technical specifications
| Title | Xantrex Freedom 458 Inverter/Charger - 2000W |
|---|---|
| Brand | Xantrex |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 81-2010-12 |
| UPC | 647912105630 |
| Weight | 56 lb (shipping) |
| Package Dimensions (L x W x H) | 18.5" x 14.5" x 12" |
| Series | Freedom 458 |
| Continuous Output Power | 2000 W |
| Peak / Surge Output Power | 6000 W |
| Output Waveform | Filtered Modified Sine Wave (MSW) |
| Output Voltage | 120 V AC, 60 Hz |
| Input Voltage | 12 V DC |
| Charger Output | 100 A @ 12V DC |
| Charger Stages | 3-stage (bulk, absorption, float) + equalization |
| Supported Battery Types | Flooded, Gel, AGM |
| Battery Temperature Sensor | Included |
| Power Sharing | Yes |
| Built-In Transfer Switch | Yes (automatic) |
| Inverter Efficiency | Up to 92% |
| AC Input / Output | Hardwired Dual In / Dual Out |
| AC Outlets | None (hardwired) |
| Remote On/Off | Yes (back panel terminal) |
| Optional Remotes | Freedom Basic Remote, Link 1000 panel (sold separately) |
| Protection | Over-voltage, under-voltage, over-temperature, overload, short-circuit |
| Reverse Battery Protection | No (use proper fusing) |
| Cooling | Temperature-controlled fans |
| Unit Dimensions (L x W x H) | 13.2" x 11.5" x 7.9" |
| Includes | 458 unit, Battery Temperature Sensor, install hardware, owner's and install guide |
| Warranty | 30-Month Limited |
Frequently asked questions
Is this pure sine or modified sine wave?
Filtered modified sine wave. That's a stepped square-wave approximation of true sine, not a smooth sine curve. It powers most typical RV loads fine (lights, fans, microwaves, coffee makers, refrigerators, water pumps), but it's not the right choice for sensitive electronics like high-end audio, CPAP machines, variable-speed motor controllers, or some medical equipment. If your loads include any of those, look at the Xantrex Freedom XC or SW line for pure sine wave output. If your loads are simple and tolerant, the 458 saves you significant money.
What loads will 2000 watts run?
At 2000W continuous on modified sine, you can run a typical RV residential refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee maker, or a hair dryer one at a time, plus modest background loads like LED lights and a TV. The 6000W surge handles motor-start spikes from refrigerators or microwaves. Sensitive electronics may not work as cleanly on modified sine as they would on pure sine, so test critical equipment before committing.
What's the difference between Freedom 458 and Freedom XC / SW?
Two main differences. Output waveform: 458 is modified sine, XC and SW are pure sine. Pure sine drives sensitive electronics cleanly and is the modern standard. Modified sine works for tolerant loads at lower cost. Build generation: 458 is the older Xantrex inverter/charger family with 30-month warranty. XC and SW are newer designs with longer warranties and additional features (Generator Support Mode, Xanbus networking, parallel/series stacking on SW). For new installs with sensitive electronics, the SW or XC is the right pick. For RV installs with tolerant loads where price matters, the 458 is still a good choice.
What battery types does it support?
Flooded lead-acid, gel, and AGM with appropriate charge profile setup. The 458 is not a native lithium charger and many lithium battery management systems are designed around different charging profiles. If you're running lithium, talk to us before ordering and check your battery manufacturer's compatibility spec for the 458 platform.
Does it have remote control?
Yes. The unit is remote-on/off capable from the back panel terminal, and it pairs with the optional Freedom Basic Remote (basic on/off and status) or the Link 1000 series (advanced battery monitoring, state of charge, voltage, current, full system control). Both remotes are sold separately and worth the add-on for any install where the inverter isn't in plain sight.
How does Power Sharing work?
When you're plugged into shore power and your AC loads plus the charger together exceed your shore breaker rating (typically 30 amps), Power Sharing automatically reduces the charge current to keep total draw below the breaker. No nuisance trips at the campground when you start the microwave with the charger running. The charger picks back up when AC load drops.
What battery cable size do I need?
At 2000W continuous on 12V, you're pulling roughly 170 to 200 amps from the battery bank under full load. 2/0 AWG tinned marine cable is the minimum for short runs (under 6 feet) between battery and inverter. For longer runs, step up to 1/0 AWG. Plan a Class T or ANL fuse rated 250 to 300 amps at the battery end of the run for proper protection.
How fast does the transfer switch operate?
Fast enough that connected loads on tolerant equipment keep running through the transition. Modified sine compatible loads handle the switch without rebooting. Sensitive equipment that doesn't tolerate modified sine probably shouldn't be on this inverter in the first place, but a small UPS in line solves that case if needed.
Will it work in saltwater marine environments?
Yes, with proper installation. The 458 is widely used in marine applications including charter and recreational fishing boats. Mount in a ventilated, dry compartment, use marine-grade tinned wire, and rinse the install area after salt exposure to keep corrosion off the connections. The unit itself doesn't have marine-specific UL458 certification (look at the Xantrex Freedom SW for that), so confirm with your insurance and surveyor before relying on it for ABYC compliance.
Can I run multiple of these in parallel for more power?
No. The Freedom 458 doesn't support parallel stacking. If you need more than 2000 watts continuous, look at the Xantrex Freedom SW3012 (3000W continuous, parallel-stackable to 6000W) or the larger SW models.
How do I match this unit to my boat?
Size by interior volume and insulation: roughly 1,000 BTU per 100 cubic feet for well-insulated cabins, 1,500 BTU for older boats with limited insulation, and bump up further for boats kept in tropical climates or with large glass areas. Confirm the existing AC mounting footprint and ducting layout match before ordering, and verify breaker amperage on the panel side. Your installer can size the system in 15 minutes from boat dimensions and location.
Is professional installation required?
For RV installs, capable DIY owners can handle it with proper cable sizing, fusing, and ventilation. For marine installs, ABYC-certified marine electricians know the safety and code requirements. The unit handles 170+ amps of DC under full load, which means proper cable sizing and connection torque matter for safety.
