Forum Discussion

marquette's avatar
marquette
Explorer
Jun 06, 2016

Best $100 converter.

I need a new converter and only have about $100 left in the budget. Because of size limitations I only have a 1 battery system. Group 29 115 Amp hr. I have 10 LED lights, Maxx Fan Deluxe, range vent hood, Dometic 110v/gas fridge, furnace and new Shurflo water pump. I have no AC appliances because we seldom camp where there is electricity. I use a 2000w generator to recharge the battery. My dead converter was a B-W 6325. The trailer is a 1987 Serro Scotty I am rebuilding. So far the 3 converters/power center I have found around $100 are the Boondocker Powermax PM3-35, WFCO 9835, and the WFCO 8735 Powercenter. Any input on which of these is good or any others I have missed?
  • marquette's avatar
    marquette
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2016
    I went with the PM3-35 because it seemed like the best deal for a little less than $100. Time will tell if it was a good choice.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2016
    Mmmmmmmm....

    Makes sense. Spend a ton of money on a 12-stage converter that doesn't charge well even on the primary stage, and will never see anything but that 1st stage. If the RV saw time connected to a power pedestal that's different. But for battery charging, use a battery charger. The OP says he has a hundred bucks to spare. Care to offer more suggestions for a POS converter that would never work right........?
  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2016
    The PowerMax converters are knowm to have a high failure rate. Can't believe anyone would save a few bucks over the tried and true and excellent rated PDs.
    It seems that after the Wfco fiasco, people would learn.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jun 07, 2016
    WFCO in general is well known to get stuck in 13.6 volt normal mode vs the "3 stage" charging they claim.
    PM-35 seems to actually work as expected.
  • marquette's avatar
    marquette
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2016
    I checked Craigslist and nothing there. I would say converter because they are usually listed as deck mounter converter or power center/w converter. Why the PM-35 vs WF 9835?

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