12V power supply & charger

[BC Dave]

thinking out loud .... In the "my electrical plan" sticky; the more complex 12V systems have a 110V RV style -to 12V power supply & charger; Ive been thinking about adding one to my electrical system since I have 4 small halogen lights and a Coleman 12V electrical cooler that I like to power in my stealth CT; along with 2 small computer vent fans. I'm seeing some 35 amp units for about $89 on amazon; or I could I use a smart battery charger? and or a computer power supply; anyone with a lot of experience?. Currently I'm plugging in a little 12V 0.8 mili amp transformer that works for one light or fan at a time ... BUT I'v already burnt 2 of them out, by forgetting to unplug when I connect the deep cycle battery ... suggestions on where and how to install? Cheers BC Dave

add
Halogen 10w = o.5 Amps / light or less
Computer fans = 1 amp or less
Coleman Cooler about 5-7 amps

[Dale M.]

You probably need to total up all the power all you devices consume IF they were all on at once... This can dictate how complex a DC converter you may need.... Some 120vac to 12vdc supplies are just that 12 volts, most 12 volt accessories (auto and trailer) actually run at 13.5 to 14 volts DC... This will limit what converter (battery charger) you can use...

Yes best alternative you can probably get is unit that will convert 120vac to 12vdc and charge battery simultaneously... Most likely a unit designed for RV or off grid use... Computer power supplies and plug in to wall transformers are a never ending source of grief and clutter in a build...

Dale

[bobhenry]

I was given this ac to dc converter when a buddy scrapped out an old pop up. I am sure they are around........

can be wall or cabinet mounted to get them out of the way but conveniently located.

[BC Dave]

.... Some 120vac to 12vdc supplies are just that 12 volts, most 12 volt accessories (auto and trailer) actually run at 13.5 to 14 volts DC...

Yes best alternative you can probably get is unit that will convert 120vac to 12vdc and charge battery simultaneously... Most likely a unit designed for RV or off grid use... Computer power supplies and plug in to wall transformers are a never ending source of grief and clutter in a build...

Dale

Yes - This seems to be the consensus & conclusion most have come to in on line discussions; best to get a dual use supply & charger

Bonberry - Thanks for the pic; yes older unit; does that say 3.0 12V amps? that's a very low output; it would not run the cooler at 3 amps

Heavily recommend any of these guys as they get good reviews everywhere. Long term as well.

http://www.progressivedyn.com/power_con ... _9200.html

I run a 60 amp version in my trailer and a 45 in my dual battery FJ. Far more than I currently use, but there's always room for growth

Cheap chargers can damage your batteries

http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index. ... ic=44841.0

[BC Dave]

In searching around I decided to, as Nike says "Just do it"; I bought on Amazon on line.

Powermax 110 Volt to 12 Volt Dv Power Supply Converter / Charger for Rv Pm3-45 (45 Amp) by Boat and RV Accessories.

For $93 +13 shipping

I've looked at this on amazon a couple of times and seems to be the best value / use / total power ever needed at 45W.

13.2 Vdc range "float" mode
13.6 Vdc range "absorption" mode
14.4 Vdc range "bulk" mode
UL and CUL Approved
Reverse Battery Protection

Let me know your thoughts ... Cheers BC Dave

[bdosborn]

I was given this ac to dc converter when a buddy scrapped out an old pop up. I am sure they are around........

can be wall or cabinet mounted to get them out of the way but conveniently located.

Ahhh, an old battery boiler. They can be had for super cheap but they're expensive in the long run as they don't maintain a battery the way a modern smart charger charger does.

Bruce

[MtnDon]

Those don't put out enough current to quickly recharge a depleted battery and yet they put out too much to leave connected longterm to a charged battery; hence the term Bruce used. Better to be junked than used.

[BC Dave]

I was given this ac to dc converter when a buddy scrapped out an old pop up. I am sure they are around........

can be wall or cabinet mounted to get them out of the way but conveniently located.

Ahhh, an old battery boiler. They can be had for super cheap but they're expensive in the long run as they don't maintain a battery the way a modern smart charger charger does.

Bruce

ok you referring to the old tent trailer transformer bobhenry posted not the

45 amp power max I just received; looks like a good unit for 93 bucks! Tested it on a light; works and is putting 14.7 V out at idle (seems high actually ...) the unit is about 10" x 10"; larger that I expected I thought 6X6".