replacing converter with conventional battery charger

thanks for the replies. I see better what the issues are.

Yes you can and I recommend something that is designed to be permanently installed and will provide continuous float. Need 10 to 20 amps minimum depending on use and accessories.
Even better would be a multistage converter that is not a WFCO.

x2 on what sch911 states.

An RV converter, ideally, is a high current smart battery charger (at least 3 stage), as well as a clean, low noise high current DC power supply. It's also designed to be stuffed inside a cabinet / hole with very little ventilation.

An automotive battery charger isn't a very clean source of DC, it doesn't need to be just to charge a car battery. It's also designed to operate out in the open and won't last long being closed away in hole.

If your camping season is ending soon and you want to use a charger from the garage for these last few weeks, go ahead, just be mindful of it getting too hot... connect it outside, directly to the battery rather than inside where the old converter is.

seeker7 wrote:
my converter died. it plugs into a stand alone 110 receptical , can I put a conventional multi stage battery charger in its place?

It is "possible" BUT, you will have to baby sit a smart charger.

Unlike the old school portable battery chargers that never turned off, these new modern chargers will turn off when it decides the battery is charged..

It WILL NOT TURN BACK ON if you start drawing the battery down.. In fact most portable chargers will need to be disconnected from the battery then reconnected in order to get it to turn back on..

Not to mention portable chargers WILL NOT TURN ON IF BATTERY IS BELOW 10V (IE dead battery)..

Sure, you can buy a "40A " portable charger for $40 but you will have to mess with it daily..

Some folks do use them but they use one in addition to a converter.

You can get a PD9130 for $150 to start with if money is an issue..

HERE

And down the road you can add the Charge Wizard pendant which enables three stage charging for $25..

If you need a bit more than 30A you can get a PD9140 HERE for $157 and once again down the road add the Charge Wizard..

As another poster mentioned, converters serve two purposes, one to charge the battery and the other is to provide 12V when on shore power.. When on shore power the converter supplies enough voltage and current to keep the battery charged and run the 12V items..

And a converter IS 100% automatic in operation, requires no human intervention.

Yes you can but the converter does more than just charge the batteries, it provides the main 12V load power for your rig. Most are 40A output plus, not going to get that from a generic charger.