Recommendations for 110v - 12v Converter ?

[Alfred]

Hi Gang,

My tentative plan is to use 12v lights/accessories in the camper, when I build it, using a 110v-12v converter, but leaving the option to add the battery down the road. Historically, we have done most of our camping where they have outlets available.

What do you recommend for obtaining a converter? Most of the ones I've found on an internet search have either been expensive ($150-$250), or too small/cheap $3.00 for 110v to 12v socket.

2nd option would be to just wire it 110v and buy a couple of the $3.00 converters, but that precludes being able to install a battery later.

I did see this on Ebay?
NEW 20 AMP 110 V- 12V AMERICAN RV POWER CONVERTER
http://tinyurl.com/253lkz

Here's another one, but again a little more expensive...
25 Amp WFCO RV Trailer Power Center Converter 35 45
http://tinyurl.com/38zu46

Are either of these what I need?

What would you all suggest as the most cost-efficient option or source for a workable 110v-12v converter?

Thanks, Al in Asheville

[TPMcGinty]

Alfred, Here is a site that sells the one that Mike put in the Generic Benroy for $60. I hope this helps:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_4201_Pyramid+PS21KX.html

[madjack]

Al. I would seriously recommend the WFCO, since it is also a 3stage battery charger....second choice would be the first convertor you linked to...I am going to use the Deltrans 5a 3 stage charger/switching powwer supply over a battery to supply my 12vdc needs........

TP, keep in mind that the power supply you linked to is great for powering 12v appliances but it is not a good charger, since it is unregulated and can cook a battery dead........
madjack

[TPMcGinty]

TP, keep in mind that the power supply you linked to is great for powering 12v appliances but it is not a good charger, since it is unregulated and can cook a battery dead........
madjack

Madjack, Sorry. I didn't realize that you could get a converter that was also a battery charger. I thought you had to buy them seperately. Thanks for straightening me out. Now I know what I need to be looking for.

Tim

[madjack]

TP, most all converters are also battery chargers(some are 3 stage some are not)...most 12v power supplies are not chargers and can cook off a battery because they are unregulated....I plan on using a http://www.batterymart.com/p-battery-te ... arger.html Which is a 3 stage battery charger AND a switching power supply(see tech pdf)...this will be used over a battery to provide all the 12vdc power I want or need,,,by the way, a converter can be used with or without a battery......
madjack

[Alfred]

I plan on using a (Deltran Battery Tender Plus)...this will be used over a battery to provide all the 12vdc power I want or need,,,by the way, a converter can be used with or without a battery......
madjack

Hey MJ -

That is great info. I found several of these NEW on Ebay for around $42 (Edit - These are the 1.25amp models) and free shipping. They don't make it clear in the ads, so just to clarify, you can use this unit as both a power source and as a charger, or do you have to have a battery for this unit?

AL in Asheville

[TPMcGinty]

Alfred, I looked on e-bay and couldn't find the 5 amp Deltran at all, let alone for $42. I could only find the 1.25 amp Deltran. Can you point me in the right direction?

Tim

[halfdome, Danny]

Al. I would seriously recommend the WFCO, since it is also a 3stage battery charger....second choice would be the first convertor you linked to...I am going to use the Deltrans 5a 3 stage charger/switching powwer supply over a battery to supply my 12vdc needs........

TP, keep in mind that the power supply you linked to is great for powering 12v appliances but it is not a good charger, since it is unregulated and can cook a battery dead........
madjack

Jack I looked at that pdf didn't see anything about switching power supply. Are you saying your putting in a switch something like an A/B switch and bypassing the battery when power is available? I got a new replacement for my 5 amp model a couple weeks ago and it works great and charges to only 13.5 volts not almost 17 volts like the bad one. Danny

[Alfred]

Alfred, I looked on e-bay and couldn't find the 5 amp Deltran at all, let alone for $42. I could only find the 1.25 amp Deltran. Can you point me in the right direction?

Tim

Here's my search, but you're right, it looks like they are the 1.25 amps.
http://tinyurl.com/ysfn4u

AL in Asheville

[TPMcGinty]

Here's my search, but you're right, it looks like they are the 1.25 amps.
http://tinyurl.com/ysfn4u

AL in Asheville

Darn! I was hoping you found a deal!

[Alfred]

This one sold on Ebay for $35.00

RV 110 V- 12V CENTURION 3000 POWER CONVERTER
EBAY - http://tinyurl.com/2rsh8j

110 V- 12V CENTURION 3000 POWER CONVERTER

AS PULLED FROM A JAYCO POP UP TRAILER WORKS GREAT
U JUST GET THE UNIT

[madjack]

Al...as best as I can come up with, is that you will have to use this over a battery...it is only a 5A charger and the battery will supply any power over that point...

Danny, if you look on the second page of the PDF, under "general description" it states that it is a "high frequency, switching power converter that has a true DC output at a maximum power output of approximately 70 watts"...........
madjack

[jhouk2000]

I wish there was a way to save threads so I can find them later. I am far away from needing a converter.


MadJack, Can you give us a summary of how to install and how it works after you use this one?

[Ken Fincher]

[quote="jhouk2000"]I wish there was a way to save threads so I can find them later. I am far away from needing a converter.

There is alot of times I will save a page that I do not want to lose by adding it to my favorites file I do have a folder just for teardrop forum pages in my favorites which makes it even easier to find what I am looking for.
Keep us all up to date on your building progress.

ALFRED
If it was me I would run wires for both 110v & 12v while you are building your td it would be alot less work then doing it down the road.
Alfred feel free to check out my Teardrop Construction pages on my web site and if you have any questions I'll try to answer them.

And remember there is no such thing as a stuppid question.

Ken F.
The Sin City Teardropper
( www.VegasTeardrop.com )

[madjack]

I wish there was a way to save threads so I can find them later. I am far away from needing a converter.


MadJack, Can you give us a summary of how to install and how it works after you use this one?

...first off you can save any thread by hilighting the URL and right clicking and save to bookmarks or favorites(depending upon browser)...you can also bookmark an individual reply by hovering your cursor over the little paper icon, just to the right of the posters username and right clicking and saving.....

...there are plenty of excellent wiring diagrams in the electrical section so I won't get into that...BUT...for the 120vac side we use some pushbutton, panel mount circuit breakers form waytekwire.com ...they are about the size of a matchbook and cost less than 3bucks apiece...one for the cabin120vac and one for the galley(including the charger)...in the past I have used a cheapy 3stage charger from WallyWorld...mainly to prove the concept. The Deltrans is a much better charger, that is shock and vibration resistant and designed to be hardwired into the system. Simply wire the charger to the battery. Go from the positive(+) side of the battery directly to a 30A fuse, then to a master cutoff switch(3bucks from Harbor Freight), then to a fuse block(8circuit from waytek...around 10 bucks). The charger is on, anytime you are plugged into 120vac and will keep the battery topped off while in use........
madjack