Converter/Battery Charger

Tony B wrote:
OK, so a Converter is another word for battery Charger

Not exactly.

CONVERTER is made to comply with NEC to be permanently installed and supply power on a continuous 24/365 basis. Yes it will supply a voltage that will charge a battery. Some multistage are excellent chargers. The voltage profile is also set to accommodate the loads of an RV while it charges the battery.

BATTERY CHARGER is generally made to charge a battery only. Additional loads are generally not considered in the charging profile. Most are for temporary use and do not really have chassis ground etc for permanent install. Many shut off power when done. Others provide continuous float. Others switch back on and charge at some voltage set point. Some will equalize the battery and exceed what is a safe voltage for RV equipment. A few could be used as a converter.

Coach-man wrote:
A convertor is not a battery charger! A battery charger "senses" the voltage in the battery and adjusts accordingly, all to bring the battery up to its capacity without "boiling" it! A convertor is like the alternator in your vehicle, the alternator feeds 12 volt electric to the accessories in your vehicle, the battery "smooths" out the voltage so when you turn on your headlights, other things will not drop in voltage. Yes it does charge if the battery is low, but that is not the primary function. And there are higher end convertors, that will charge sense what kind of battery you have and ensure that the battery will not be overcharged.

Are you sure about that, might be wording, but this is a converter with intelligent charger.

Progressive Dynamics (PD9260CV) 60 Amp Power Converter with Charge Wizard



Progressive Dynamics (PD9260CV) 60 Amp Power Converter with Charge Wizard
by Progressive International
4.8 out of 5 stars 186 customer reviews
| 64 answered questions
Price: $174.00 & FREE Shipping
Note: Not eligible for Amazon Prime.
In stock.
Estimated Delivery Date: Wednesday, July 27 when you choose Two-Day Shipping at checkout.
Ships from and sold by Johnson's Surplus Store in easy-to-open packaging.

60 Amp Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power 9200 Series Converters with built-in Charge Wizard will recharge your RV's battery to 90 percent in 2-3 hours
Many converters only have one charging mode, 13.6 volts, which can result in battery boil-off
Boost Mode: Rapidly brings RV battery up to 90 percent of full charge
Normal Mode: Safely completes the charge or maintains the charge
Storage Mode: Maintains charge with minimal gassing or water loss during periods of non-use or storage

Veebyes wrote:
A converter/ charger is a much more basic & cheap device compared to a multi stage charger commonly found in boats.

I'm puzzled over this statement. My last 3 5th wheels have had Progressive Dynamics PD9180 (with Charge Wizard) or PD9280 converters. These are multi-stage converters with boost, normal, float and desulfation modes. What makes this a "much more basic and cheap device compared to a multi stage charger commonly found in boats"? What will a boat charger do that a PD9280 won't?

Rusty

Thanks for clearing that up.
I think I will pay a few extra bucks and stick with the marine stuff. Much better for battery health. I actually do own an old 12V DC Power Supply for my HAM radio.

Boats as a rule do not have converter/chargers. They usually have a charger or possibly an inverter/ charger. Huge difference. In RVs the converter works like a 12V power supply to the 12Vpower system. A converter/ charger is a much more basic & cheap device compared to a multi stage charger commonly found in boats.

Just when I thought I had it all figured out. Thanks Coach-man.......I think.

I was kinds caught off guard when I saw the price of a converter at less than 1/2 what my 30A 3 Bank Cattery charger cost. I thought maybe it was because mine is rated for marine service. Now I know.

Thanks again - really.

A convertor is not a battery charger! A battery charger "senses" the voltage in the battery and adjusts accordingly, all to bring the battery up to its capacity without "boiling" it! A convertor is like the alternator in your vehicle, the alternator feeds 12 volt electric to the accessories in your vehicle, the battery "smooths" out the voltage so when you turn on your headlights, other things will not drop in voltage. Yes it does charge if the battery is low, but that is not the primary function. And there are higher end convertors, that will charge sense what kind of battery you have and ensure that the battery will not be overcharged.

Yes, the 12VDC batteries are recharged by the truck alternator via the +12VDC feed in the trailer umbilical. This is important to us as our RV has a residential fridge that runs off a 1500 watt pure sine wave inverter when we're towing, so the truck's charging system keeps the RV's batteries topped up.

Depending on the size of the 5th wheel, the cost and the size of the inverter supplied (if applicable - most 5th wheels won't have inverters unless they have residential fridges), you may have 1 each 12 volt battery, 2 each 6 volt batteries wired in series, or 4 each 6 volt batteries wired in series/parallel.

Rusty

RoyB wrote:
Here is a typical 30A Electrical Configuration setup........Roy Ken

Roy

Does the 12V system ever get recharged from the PU truck alternator while going down the highway?

What is meant by the Towing Vehicle trickle charger?

How many house batteries are typically used for a 5Th wheel?

Thanks in advance

OK, I finally got it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A converter is a Battery Charger and 12V DC Power Supply all in one.

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. LOL