Purchase of convertor, auto trans switch, surge protector

Are you full hook-up or do you go off grid a lot? If the former, you just need a simple converter that can do 13.6ish volts and enough amps for your 12v systems, usually a 55 amper will do.

If the latter, then the size and type of converter needed depends on your battery bank size in AH, your generator size to be able to run the amps size of the converter, and how long you run the generator.

Also might matter what voltage charging specs your battery type has, whether the converter can do those voltages. An adjustable voltage converter is best for that consideration.

Converter will depend on style of use and what equipment you have. Do you expect a fast recharge on generator? What size generator? How many batteries? What is the existing converter rating? May need to know the wire size to the battery if you expect to go large.

Auto transfer switch will depend on the circuit rating. Branch circuit 15/20 amp? Main power 30 or 50 amp?

Surge protector I recommend Progressive Industries full EMS. Need to choose 30 or 50 amp the match the RV. Need to decide on hardwired or portable.

Have Onan 5500 propane generator
50 amp service
1 ea gp 24 deep cycle battery


Bad convertor is a WFCO model wf-9865
Bad switch is Suregard model 40350-rvc 120/240v 50ha 60hz
Thanks

This will do the job if all you want is a replacement that actually works like it is supposed to. I doubt you need a 65 instead of this 55, but they also have a 75 amper.

https://www.amazon.com/PowerMax-PM4-55-MBA-Replacement-Converter-Distribution/dp/B075JRR1FJ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1539108982&sr=8-7&keywords=PowerMax+converter

A 50 transfer switch is available here

http://www.bestconverter.com/Boondocker-50-Amp-Transfer-Switch-BD-ATS50-The-quiet-one_p_437.html#.W7zyfVKWxLM

The manual for it is here (AFAIK it is the same unit)

http://host.aws60.com/~powerma84jsdoer/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/PMTS-Install.pdf

Max saturated charge on a group 24 is about 38 amperes. A 55 would allow a 17 amp surplus to run hotel loads. Being permanently connected is key. A power pole princess would do fine with a minimum size unit.

BFL13 wrote:
This will do the job if all you want is a replacement that actually works like it is supposed to. I doubt you need a 65 instead of this 55, but they also have a 75 amper.

https://www.amazon.com/PowerMax-PM4-55-MBA-Replacement-Converter-Distribution/dp/B075JRR1FJ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1539108982&sr=8-7&keywords=PowerMax+converter

9865 is a deck mount. You need the full box.
Boondocker BD1260C (60 Amp 4-Stage Converter/Charger) $159

The 50 amp transfer switch listed above is fine. For extra heavy duty there is the PD53-100 for 2x the price.
http://www.bestconverter.com/100-Amp-Transfer-Switch_c_195.html

For surge and voltage protection: (get the 50 amp)
http://www.bestconverter.com/RV-Power-Protection-EMS_c_194.html

Or buy direct:
http://www.progressiveindustries.net/our-products

Get the full EMS not the low cost surge protection only.

Thanks for the correction on the type of converter. You don't want the older model shown in time2roll's link. The 60 amp LK is much better than the older PM3/4 type. Has adjustable voltage.

You might get a Boondocker version of the LK anyway, if your order that one time2roll linked, but you might still get the older one actually shown. The LK is better and less money here:

https://www.amazon.com/Powermax-PM3-60LK-Converter-Battery-Charger/dp/B01N4L1B6P/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1539118309&sr=8-8&keywords=PowerMax+Converters

If you ask Randy at bestconverters which model you would really get, and he offers the new one, then it might be worth the extra price since he has a three-year warranty instead of a two year.

It is hard to tell where things stand with these things at bestconverters right now, while they transition to the new models. I think Randy is calling an LK, an "LC" , but it is not too clear.

Here is how to operate the LK's adjustable voltage mode if you switch it to that mode from its automatic three stage mode. You can switch it back and forth to suit your needs. Para 9

https://powermaxconverters.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PM3-12V-LK-Manual-2018.pdf

Stude55Dog wrote:
Need to purchase convertor, automatic transfer switch and surge protector. Need input on what are best economic investments. To go on Infinity 37' 5th wheel. Appreciate all opinions and guidance. Thanks

COnverter: Progressive Dynamics 9200
ATS: Most of 'em are very good
Surge Protector: Progressive Industries HW-30/50c (the number depends on if your RV is 30 or 50 amp) HW means Hard wired Optional is PT instead of HW (portable) but I really like HW

Optional.. If you want a big inverter to power TV. Microwave and such Well I just replaced my prosine with a Xantrex Freedom 2000 xc 2000 watt pure sine inverter + 80 amp converter.. Now I like the 9200 so much I disabled the converter in the Freedom.. Same as I did with my Prosine.. but it's easy to restore (menu option) if I need it

Why buy a 9260 for $60 more and it doesn't even have an adjustable voltage, just three set voltages to choose from?

Also the Boost stage with a PD does not seem to hold constant amps very well, but tapers somewhat instead, and it doesn't even start at its advertised amps, but maybe 5 amps less, according to many posters on here. Wasting gen time as a result, by not holding constant rated amps for the whole Bulk stage.

A very few posters have managed to get their PDs to do better by using very fat and short wire to the battery bank, but the "other brands" manage to hold constant amps in Bulk without any fuss.

Brand loyalty is one thing, but "love is blind" is no excuse IMO.

With a single group 24 I doubt this is very far off grid and in the need of a specialized adjustable voltage converter. For the described use I would specifically avoid the adjustable.