power converter

[Tractorat]

Im probably going to replace the power converter in my TT pretty soon. The old one works fine. But the transformer buzz is finally starting to get to me.

Im used to reliability. Although it has a tell tale transformer buzz, the old one is a 1988 and has never had a problem.

Are the any brands that I should stay away from ? It is the kind that does NOT have the breakers integral to the converter (they are on the wall), and it actually charges (not just maintains) the batteries.

 

[LandShark]

I'm using a Inteli-Power PD9245. Rated for 45 amps. It's quiet and stays cool to the touch and is a stand alone unit. They have units from 30 to 80 amps with several options (remote display).

www.progressivedyn.com

 

[RustyJC]

I've been using Progressive Dynamics IntelliPower converters on our 5th wheels since 2000 - a PD9160 on our 2000 Jayco Designer XL 3610RLTS, a PD9180 (factory equipped) on our 2004 DRV Mobile Suites 36RE3 and a PD9280 (again, factory equipped) on our 2014.5 DRV Mobile Suites 38RSSA. The 9100 series converters had the Charge Wizard accessory added to make them a smart multi-stage converter; the 9200 series converters have this functionality built in. Never a problem with any of them, and the only changeout of batteries was about year 8 of ownership of the 2004 MS. I highly recommend them.

Rusty

 

[Bill Stockard]

I've been using Progressive Dynamics IntelliPower converters on our 5th wheels since 2000 - a PD9160 on our 2000 Jayco Designer XL 3610RLTS, a PD9180 (factory equipped) on our 2004 DRV Mobile Suites 36RE3 and a PD9280 (again, factory equipped) on our 2014.5 DRV Mobile Suites 38RSSA. The 9100 series converters had the Charge Wizard accessory added to make them a smart multi-stage converter; the 9200 series converters have this functionality built in. Never a problem with any of them, and the only changeout of batteries was about year 8 of ownership of the 2004 MS. I highly recommend them.

Rusty

I've experienced similar results with the factory installed PDI converter in our 2003 Lance truck camper. I keep the camper plugged in to shore power 24/7 when stored and have never experienced a "boiled dry" battery from overcharging. I'm on the second Group 29 deep cycle RV battery since the camper was new in '03 thanks to the converter that not only charges the battery and supplies 12-volt power to the RV, but maintains it as well.

Bill

 

[AH64ID]

What is your current converter?

 

[Tractorat]

It is a Magnatek TU-240-2 converter/charger. The placard says the max charge rate is 4 amps.

Being able to charge and maintain is important.

 

[AH64ID]

4 amps seems low.

I would look into the PD9260, since your model isn't one of the ones listed as a direct replacement for the 4655.

 

[Tractorat]

Thanks for the advice. Now I have a question. Im hearing the term "direct replacement". I know the guy at the parts store probably doesnt know what he is talking about. (so I didnt buy anything that day) But when I talked to him the other day, I only told him the tt has a 30 amp service, the breakers are in a panel on the wall, and I want the new converter to charge and maintain the battery. Other than physical size, and the above requirements, what is there about these that would make me want a "direct replacement"?

 

[Bill Stockard]

Thanks for the advice. Now I have a question. Im hearing the term "direct replacement". I know the guy at the parts store probably doesnt know what he is talking about. (so I didnt buy anything that day) But when I talked to him the other day, I only told him the tt has a 30 amp service, the breakers are in a panel on the wall, and I want the new converter to charge and maintain the battery. Other than physical size, and the above requirements, what is there about these that would make me want a "direct replacement"?

You may be confusing your 30 amp 120-volt AC service to your trailer with the converter specifications. Converters are rated by their output at 12-volts DC. A 45 amp converter means it will produce 45 amps at 12 volts DC. It does not affect your 30-amp 120-volt power cable/circuit breakers other than draw a few amps at 120 volts AC to convert 120-volts AC to 12-volts DC.

As far as a direct replacement, PDI makes a direct replacement converter that fits inside a Magnetek converter enclosure; however as posted above, your Magnetek converter may be too old for a direct replacement since it isn't listed.

Bill

 

[Tractorat]

You may be confusing your 30 amp 120-volt AC service to your trailer with the converter specifications. Converters are rated by their output at 12-volts DC. A 45 amp converter means it will produce 45 amps at 12 volts DC. It does not affect your 30-amp 120-volt power cable/circuit breakers other than draw a few amps at 120 volts AC to convert 120-volts AC to 12-volts DC.

Yes I was. Im glad I asked the question.

Since Im just going to unscrew the old converter from the floor, I guess I dont even need to worry about direct replacement. I do need to make sure I get the correct dc rating though.

Thanks

 

[AH64ID]

You should have AC breakers and DC fuses. Are the DC fuses separate from the converter?

 

[Tractorat]

Yes they are. Breakers and fuses are in the wall. So it should just be a matter of getting the correct rating and plugging the new one in.

 

[AH64ID]

What size, and how many, batteries do you have?

 

[Tractorat]

2 batteries, I believe that are group 27 (?)