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Jimbee's avatar
Jimbee
Explorer
Mar 12, 2019

55 Amp Converter Question

Hey All,

Our camper spec sheet says it came with a 55 amp converter. Just curious, 55 amps of what? Is that maximum charger output for charging the batteries?

Thanks!
  • SailingOn wrote:
    You might think therefore that if you have a 100 amp-hour battery bank which if 50% depleted, this converter will recharge it in an hour or so.
    It doesn't work out that way,.
    It's like filling a jug with water. You can fill most of it with high pressure, but not that last 10%.

    Doing a lot of dry camping you rarely get 100% charge without solar.
  • You might think therefore that if you have a 100 amp-hour battery bank which is 50% depleted, this converter will recharge it in an hour or so.
    It doesn't work out that way, actually taking much longer. As the battery nears a full charge its resistance increases so it will accept less current, regardless of the peak output of the converter. Assuming that other 12V loads aren't large, using a higher output converter won't make much difference.
    See The 12 Volt Side of Life
  • enblethen wrote:
    It is total output of the converter. A portion may go to the 12 volt DC devices connected and then the remainder goes to the battery.


    YEP^^^^

    Total amperage converter is capable of supplying to DC Dist Panel (Fused load) and Charging of batteries
  • It is total output of the converter. A portion may go to the 12 volt DC devices connected and then the remainder goes to the battery.
  • Yes, 55 amps @ 13 volts to the battery. About 6 amps on the 120v side.