Help needed in converter size

[Newman39Fan]

I am a rookie in electrical so I need some advice in converter size. After much research, and many good reviews on this site I have decided on a converter/charger from Progressive Dynamics. But I don’t know which one I need. Here are the choices:

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

My primary need for a converter is to run a car radio. Most if not all of my camping will be at a racetrack. I don’t want to drain the battery with the radio so I will have a generator and converter for this purpose. However I don’t want to just get minimum powered converter just to run a radio in case I am at a campground and always plugged in. So worse case scenario, if I am running everything at once, which size should I choose? When I say running everything, this would include the following – 2 interior lights, fantastic fan, galley light and radio.

Thanks for the help

[parnold]

There are some real electrical geniuses on this site, and I'm sure they will chime in, but those all look like super overkill to me. Most people are using 80 to 110 amp hour batteries, and getting a couple days out of them, which means over the course of several hours of usage, are only drawing 40 to 55 amps. Let's say 6 hours a day of lights, etc, which means typical usage is in the 3 amp range. Even if you multiply by a factor of 6 for my poor math, that's less than 20 amp draw. I've seen threads where they recommend a computer power supply for your converter.

[Newman39Fan]

If that is the case then the 45amp should work. It is only $129, so it seems resonable since it is also a charger and will fit my needs. Running a radio for 8 hours a day will drain the battery too much to not have one

[Nobody]

Paul is correct, the 45amp will work but it's super overkill. I seriously doubt if the max load you mention (lights, fan, radio) will draw more'n 6-8amps. The 45amp converter you reference means up to 45amps at once, that's a lotta power consumption. I have an American brand 20amp power converter with battery charger & up to 5 12vdc circuits. I run a double bulb galley & cabin light, 2 reading lamps, 2 porch lights, an automotive stereo w/CD player, & 2 12vdc outlets. Very seldom more'n 3 or 4 of 'em simultaneously but I've also used both 12vdc outlets at the same time for a DVD player (with sound played thru my stereo) & to charge my cell phone battery. Think I paid less than $50 for the charger on eBay in 2006. There's an identical model in brand 'Centurion' I think.

[Shadow Catcher]

We have had the 45A
One of the advantages of the Progressive is that quickness and intelligence for charging the battery. When we go up to Lake Superior Provincial Park I will have a 2400W generator and figure an hour or two now and again if the sun does not fully charge the battery should be sufficient.

[8ball_99]

I bought one of those like in the picture above for my Cargo trailer.. American 20 amp Paid 35 for it on ebay.. I've ran 3 lights, fantastic fan, water pump, and my radio cranked wide open with out missing a beat. Thats everything I have in the trailer..

[TPMcGinty]

I bought one of those like in the picture above for my Cargo trailer.. American 20 amp Paid 35 for it on ebay.. I've ran 3 lights, fantastic fan, water pump, and my radio cranked wide open with out missing a beat. Thats everything I have in the trailer..

I have one too. Will power a lot of stuff and works great!

[bdosborn]

Most battery manufacturers recommend the C/8 rate for maximum prolonged charging amps (Amp-hr Capacity/8 ). A typical 12V deep cycle battery has a 120 amp-hr capacity so the highest recommended charge rate would be 15 amps. Add in the other stuff you want to run and a 20 amp charger would be perfect. However, the smallest size that Progressive Dynamics makes is a 30 amp. The C/8 rate isn't a hard and fast rule however, its the guideline for maximum battery life. Most of the big RVs use a larger than recommended charger for shorter recharge times, at the price of a little battery life. The PD is an excellent charger and you'll have good results with it, even though it's a little larger than you need. I have a PD-9140 charging two 6V batteries (220 amp-hrs) and I'm on my first year of use. I'll let you know how they hold up.

Bruce