Forum Discussion

whacka_moley's avatar
whacka_moley
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015

Need Help with New Converter

So here I am. Again.

Well the other day it rained and while I was gone the converter (I am assuming. It's the box that is hidden in a wooden box near the wheel well) burnt up. Now my lights and heater are not working, so I need to get a new converter. We don't have a battery and never have, I will note. This means we are plugged in 24/7 and I cannot see traveling with our trailer in the future. I would like to ask you all if you can tell me what converter I need to buy. Cheapest would be best as I am a college student.

The converter that fried:
Power Source Battery Charger Power Supply
40 amp
Model PC40
Input
100-130 v
30-80HZ
565 W

Output
12v DC
40 amps
Maximum

I haven't found this particular converter online (I'm assuming it is ancient). Since we are permanently plugged in it would be nice if we could upgrade to get the most bang for our buck. Thank you for any help in advance as I am in a tizzy here!

4 Replies

  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2015
    Your old converter is basically just a power supply. A more modern converter would have three or so stages of output to enable battery charging. The power supply I linked to will make cleaner (in the electronic sense) than a typical converter. The Meanwell power supply delivers the same voltage as your old converter so would run all of your 12V devices (heater, lights, etc.).

    I'd assume that your rig is pretty old since that converter hasn't been sold for years. You may have had only a small fuse board containing two or three fuses. My older Starcraft was similar.

    I mentioned the Meanwell power supply since it is a known good quality, fits your power requirements, and would save some money vs. a converter.

    For the amount of power you require for your 12V devices, a large computer supply would be close to delivering what you need.
  • whacka_moley's avatar
    whacka_moley
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2015
    Would straight power be more efficient/give better electricity? And how would that work since I need the converter to make my heater and lights work? Also, I dunno if the fuse panel blew or not. I will ask.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2015
    If you're never going to be on the road and will never have a battery, you could get by with a straight power supply. You don't say if you had a 12V fuse panel but if that burnt up too, you will probably need one.

    power supply

    fuse panel

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