Upgrading our power converter/inverter

Sorry,I always thought it was easier to read and my eyesight isn't what it used to be...not SHOUTING...AND MY CAPS LOCK KEY IS STUCK ON

As an aside, many people consider a post in upper case as SHOUTING. I do know it makes for more difficult reading.

As far as the subject, I fully agree with others that a modern converter would be a great improvement. How great depends on your camping style. If you always have hookups it is not as important as it would be if you sometimes camp without hookups.

I ONLY RECENTLY DISCOVERED WHERE THE ONBOARD BATTERY WAS. EVERY TIME WE UNPLUGGED FROM SHORE POWER AND STARTED OUR TREK ABROAD, THE FRIG WOULDN'T AUTO SWITCH TO GAS. THE BATTERY WAS TUCKED UP UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE, BOLTED IN PLACE WITH NO EASY ACCESS TO CHECK WATER OR HOOK A BATTERY TENDER TO SO IT WAS DEAD. I REPLACED THAT AND I'M ADDING A TENDER FOR TIMES WE'RE NOT PLUGGED IN TO SHORE POWER AND OVER THE WINTER. THE INVERTER/CONVERTER PANEL MAKES SENSE TO ME AND I UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM I JUST WASN'T SURE I COULD REPLACE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER OR IF I HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE POWER DISTRIBUTION PANEL. I COULD USE A FEW MORE AMPS OF POWER SOMETIMES.

Don't confuse the converter/charger unit with the 120VAC -12VDC Power Distribution Panel.

Most of the time the Converter/charger sits in the bottom compartment of the Power Distribution Center and all you have to do is just replace the 120VAC wires going to the Converter/charger unit and the two or three wires associated with the 12VDC output cables.

Hopefully you won't have to replace the Power Distribution part where the Circuit breakers and ATC fuses are located..

This is a WFCO Power Distribution Center with things removed showing this... The bottom compartment is where the converter/charger unit is located...





NOTE this is generally how the RV Trailers are setup. The MOTORHOME type units are a bit different as they may come with an installed POWER INVERTER where this is most often an option item for the trailer folks... The POWER CONVERTER/CHARGER and the POWER INVERTER are two different animals

Roy Ken

papK wrote:
DON,
I'M PRETTY GOOD WITH MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL STUFF BUT WHEN I LOOK AT THYE "GOB" OF WIRES GOING INTO AND OUT OF THE POWER CONVERTER AND INVERTER PANEL SYSTEM IT LOOKS LIKE IT WOULD BE A NIGHTMARE TO CHANGE OUT.

.
You don't necessarily have to change out the distribution panel when upgrading converter - you can just disconnect the existing converter (likely hidden under metal panel if it's a Magnatek which many older rigs used) and hook up the new converter if you have a convenient location. Lots of "how to" articles/threads on the net. If you choose to change out the distribution panel it's not that hard - just ID the wires, take pics, and go slow.

1980's Class C likely has a simple Converter rather than an Inverter or Converter/Inverter. A converter is the device which takes 120 volts and converts it into 12 volts - used to charge the house batteries and run various 12 volt devices (fridge, lights etc) in RV.
.
The older Converters are easy to upgrade and the new ones are quieter and tend to prolong the life of the batteries. Many upgrade to something like a Progressive Dynamics 9200 series - in my Class C I installed a 9245 which is a 45 amp version. You might consider calling Randy at BestConverter.com - he can provide free advice and is likely familiar with your current setup.

DON,
I'M PRETTY GOOD WITH MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL STUFF BUT WHEN I LOOK AT THYE "GOB" OF WIRES GOING INTO AND OUT OF THE POWER CONVERTER AND INVERTER PANEL SYSTEM IT LOOKS LIKE IT WOULD BE A NIGHTMARE TO CHANGE OUT.

2 routes to consider:

1. replace the oem converter with a modern 3 stay unit, such as a Progressive Dynamics or an Iota. Add a stand alone inverter.

2. purchase a hybrid inverter/charger.