Forum Discussion

mjeggum's avatar
mjeggum
Explorer
Aug 14, 2017

Electric Control Panel

Converter failed in my small travel trailer.
Clearly the converter charged the battery through the same wires that 12v items drew from the battery. (Weird for my simple mind.)
So, why not replace the converter with a simple battery charger?
I now have a available 110 circuit breaker to wire it to.
And wire 12 volt side of the charger to the 12v "hot" and neutral posts?
Do I need to only use such a charger when no 12V items are drawing power? (Can use the circuit breaker as an on/off switch.)
Retired, looking for a cheap simple solution and if it's one I understand, that's a bonus.
  • mjeggum's avatar
    mjeggum
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2017
    Thank you for the replies.
    I'll go with the flow here. Have ordered a total control unit to replace mine. Not just a good battery charger.
    Mike
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Aug 15, 2017
    While a low cost battery charger may get you through in a pinch... replace the converter with a converter. These are designed to be permanently installed and run 24/7.

    Portable charger has other issues such as some produce higher voltage than your RV is designed, some turn off when battery is charged, others cycle on-off depending on battery level of charge. Very few produce 35+ amps like your converter is rated.

    Post your current converter for best replacement options. DO NOT get a WFCO.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Aug 14, 2017
    korbe wrote:
    My converter runs my 12v things when my battery is removed but still connected to shore power. Will a charger do that?


    No or at least not very well and a charger may hurt those DC items because it has so much AC in it. You would need something better than a charger, you would need a DC power supply which is costly.
    I suspect you will go through a lot of expense, work and bother only to eventually get a new converter.
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2017
    My converter runs my 12v things when my battery is removed but still connected to shore power. Will a charger do that?
  • drsteve's avatar
    drsteve
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2017
    A battery charger of equivalent output to your converter is not much cheaper than replacing the converter.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Aug 14, 2017
    That wiring is normal and I cant thin of a better way to do it.
    You could just use a battery charger but hey are not as clean of power and may introduce hum in the radio or odd effects with the lights. It may also not keep up with demand if your running enough items.
    If you do this I would disconnect (not just turn off) the converter.
    Personally, I would get a new PDI converter that will take good care of the battery and never have to think about it again.

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