Super Simple AC System vs PD4045

[DWT77]

I have read numerous threads on AC and DC systems. In the not so distant future I will have to make a decision on how I want to run my electrical. I have been going back and forth between a simple AC system vs PD4045. Below are two threads that I thought were very informative. I am building an Off Road Teardrop trailer and for the most part I will be boon docking. I am also looking at taking an extended trip possibly up to 6 months in the trailer so I am sure I will have opportunities to use shore power as well. Some of you that have had teardrops for a while what are your thoughts between the two?

All of my lights will be LED and ran off 12v
120v will only be needed to charge laptop, possibly a blender, charge the battery when connected to shore power, and the 120/12v ARB freezer. ( I am thinking 2 120v outlets in the galley and 2 interior)
I plan on installing a solar panel and eventually having a Honda EU200i generator for extended off grid outings
I do have a 7 pin connector on the Jeep and I am debating charging while in tow but not sure yet or if it is even needed.
Going to have an AGM battery

1. Did you install a simple AC system and eventually wished you had gone with a system like the PD4045
2. Do you find the ease of just hooking up to shore power and letting the PD4045 automatically transfer power over the better option?
3. Do you think a simple AC system with some sort of a relay/automatic transfer switch to charge the battery when connected to shore power is just as good?
4. Did you install a PD4045 and determined you didn't need to spend the extra money on the unit and a simple AC would have been fine?

Super Simple Electrical System
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=37732

Progressive Dynamics PD4045 install
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=59874


Thanks in advance for the info/help

[GuitarPhotog]

I installed a WFCO 8035 converter first, and replaced it with the PD4045 after the WFCO failed twice.

I didn't consider a simpler system because I knew up front that I wanted a battery for those places with no hook-ups, and I wanted a sophisticated 4-stage charger to go with an AGM deep cycle battery. The auto switch over is handy, but the ease of installation, warranty, and popularity here convinced me that a "all-in-one" system was the way to go. Unfortunately the WFCO warranty was not up to the job and I got a Progressive Dynamics system. And never have regretted it.

I have an 80 W solar panel with a Morningstar charge controller, and a connection to the tow vehicle for charging on the road. My lights are all LED and run off the 12VDC, as does my fan. I don't use 120VAC for anything unless I have shore power, and rely on a couple of good ice chests for cold storage. My solar panel easily replaces the nightly consumption with 4-5 hours of moderate sunshine.

My $0.02 worth.

<Chas>

[Shadow Catcher]

We spend about a third of our time boondocking and our tear came with a PD4045. I added a 185W high voltage panel and a Morningstar MPPT controller. Our tear is at the far side of elaborate and all of the 12V circuits are in use and double 120V circuit beakers. It is amazing how many things use current the battery charger for the camera, the WiFi hot spot, cell chargers... We use the 120 for the AC a electric fry pan, the hot rod in the water heater...
Plan on more than you think you need.

[Socal Tom]

I have a hybrid system. I use a PD 9245, it does converting and charging duty. It comes with a cord, so you just plug it into an outlet if that works for you. I added a small fuse panel to distribute the 12v power. I have 2 x 120v outlets inside, with 2 x 12v power outlets and a set of USB charging outlets.
In the galley I have 2 more 120v and 2 more power 12v outlets. I need to add an exterior 120v out let to power the AC. The PD 9245 could fit easily into the super simple 120v system.
Tom

Sent from my Lenovo A7600-F using Tapatalk

[DWT77]

I installed a WFCO 8035 converter first, and replaced it with the PD4045 after the WFCO failed twice.

I didn't consider a simpler system because I knew up front that I wanted a battery for those places with no hook-ups, and I wanted a sophisticated 4-stage charger to go with an AGM deep cycle battery. The auto switch over is handy, but the ease of installation, warranty, and popularity here convinced me that a "all-in-one" system was the way to go. Unfortunately the WFCO warranty was not up to the job and I got a Progressive Dynamics system. And never have regretted it.

I have an 80 W solar panel with a Morningstar charge controller, and a connection to the tow vehicle for charging on the road. My lights are all LED and run off the 12VDC, as does my fan. I don't use 120VAC for anything unless I have shore power, and rely on a couple of good ice chests for cold storage. My solar panel easily replaces the nightly consumption with 4-5 hours of moderate sunshine.

My $0.02 worth.

<Chas>

Thanks for the feedback. Between what you said about the ease of hookup and warranty that makes sense.

[DWT77]

Plan on more than you think you need.

That is true too. I will look into a couple more outlets

Thanks

Wayne

[DWT77]

I have a hybrid system. I use a PD 9245, it does converting and charging duty. It comes with a cord, so you just plug it into an outlet if that works for you. I added a small fuse panel to distribute the 12v power. I have 2 x 120v outlets inside, with 2 x 12v power outlets and a set of USB charging outlets.
In the galley I have 2 more 120v and 2 more power 12v outlets. I need to add an exterior 120v out let to power the AC. The PD 9245 could fit easily into the super simple 120v system.
Tom

Sent from my Lenovo A7600-F using Tapatalk

I will look into the PD 9245. I don't think I have seen that one yet. I was planning on running some 12v and USB outlets as well. Like Shadow Catcher said I should probably plan for more than I need.

Thanks

Wayne

[noseoil]

We went with the PD4045 due to the air conditioner's power consumption when needed. If we didn't have the AC in place, a 12 volt system with the AGM battery & 100 watt solar panel would have been fine for everything. It's handy to have both 110 & 12 volt systems though, due to ease of use when on shore power for the galley. Otherwise, we use an inverter to grind coffee in the morning & propane for brewing. It's the best of both worlds.

[DWT77]

We went with the PD4045 due to the air conditioner's power consumption when needed. If we didn't have the AC in place, a 12 volt system with the AGM battery & 100 watt solar panel would have been fine for everything. It's handy to have both 110 & 12 volt systems though, due to ease of use when on shore power for the galley. Otherwise, we use an inverter to grind coffee in the morning & propane for brewing. It's the best of both worlds.

I think I will go with the PD4045. If I ever decide to add an air conditioner (climate right) everything would be installed already. Thanks