Forum Discussion

petervicich's avatar
petervicich
Explorer
Feb 20, 2014

What type of transformer/converter should i get?

Hi all,

I am traveling to south america, so in many countries (or at least my final destination, Peru) the current is 220, so I should get a converter from 220 (wall outlet) to 110 (Camper), how much wattage should it be able to handle so it can charge the baterries and run properly?

Thanks in advance for the tips and info!

Peter

10 Replies

  • petervicich wrote:
    It says in the charts that Mexico is 120/127, my camper says it should be conected to 110, would that need a converter?
    MX is fine but check voltage is actually 110 to 129 before you plug in. Use a monitor or EMS to watch for fluctuations.

    Consider a Xantrex Truecharge battery charger that works fine on 90 to 250 volts 50 to 60 Hz. 20a should be fine but will not run the air conditioner.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    If traveling to Mexico there is one of the autoformer companies that makes a buck/boost box, (most of them are boost only) not sure which brand does both, Franks or Power Max (Checked Franks and it only boosts, does not buck could not find a listing for Powermax)

    Did find this though.. Sounds like it might do the job.. But.. Well.. Make your own judgement, this is a 6KVA unit, max consumption (100 amps times 120 volts = 12000 or 12 KVA) on a motor home.. If you are 30 amps (3.6KVA) this one will do the job, it also takes care of the 240 volts common in some countries, Can not fix 50 Hz though.
  • petervicich wrote:
    It says in the charts that Mexico is 120/127, my camper says it should be connected to 110, would that need a converter?

    No sweat.

    The standard for your camper is really 117V ± 10 %.

    105 to 129 Volts.
  • 110/120, no transformer needed.
    For 220, I regularly use one of these in Africa with no issues but it may or may not not run your air conditioner. 3000W transformer price is $120
  • It says in the charts that Mexico is 120/127, my camper says it should be conected to 110, would that need a converter?
  • As previously stated, there are different standards used in different countries.

    This chart shows the voltages and plug styles used throughout the world. Note that some countries have changed their standards, and some have multiple standards.

    See: Chart
  • Your 120v items will not work on 230v. If you can run off battery power just get a 230v RV converter (&battery charger) and plug in with a separate cord. Be sure to have the proper Schuko or other plug adapter as needed.

    DLS 240-45 (220 VAC 12 VDC 45 Amps) $265

    You could run 120v stuff from the batteries and an inverter. You may need extra batteries for a large inverter. Air conditioner is pretty much no go.

    Also consider about 200 watts of solar to keep the battery charged if power proves unreliable or you are between outlets for a couple days.

    http://electricaloutlet.org/

    You may also want to figure out propane refill connections. Maybe a non-issue.
  • Parts of south America is also 50 cycle. Make sure what ever you find can handle 50/60 cycles.
    It is going to be hard to find a "travel" adapter for 30 amp.
  • If you have a 30 amp service and want to use it to full capacity that would be 3,600 watts. Just the battery charger and refrigerator may be anywhere from 300 to 2,000 watts depending on the size of your converter and how low your batteries are.
    Either way, the transformer to make this happen is going to cost several hundred dollars.
    One option would be the X240 autotransformer that Outback Power sells.
  • What is your RV input service aka the main breaker rating in the circuit breaker panel?
    30 amp?, then you need at least 4000w capacity
    50 amp? Then 12000w capacity
    Most are rated in kva not watts