Converter Recommendations

[pete42]

A couple(2) of instances where the WFCO started making a loud squeal, one (1) fan failure another (1)unknown which was not the fan, fan (1)running contentiously and one(1) just plain noisy (probably fan related), electronics board failure (quit working) couple (2)of instances.

wow I count 8 failures in your post with a failure rate like that it's a wonder they remain in business thanks for the swift reply.
and Merry Christmas to you.

[Shadow Catcher]

One thing to remember is there are a lot of them out there, as there are a lot of "American" converters genuine junk (also made in China) so statistically you will hear more complaints of marginal quality. But there are also a lot of PD's and you don't hear of problems with them. I am a fan of buying from manufactures in the US, if the quality is there. Customer service is also a big issue and PD came through.

[afreegreek]

If you want specs, you have to tell us your energy budget for the trailer. A low watt unit like my WFCO 8725 would not be suitable for a trailer with electric heating, cooling, and cooking.

Google WFCO Converter and Progressive Dynamics to see if one of their units will fit your budget (monetary and power).

I chose the WFCO based on recommendations on this forum, and the knowledge that my electrical requirements are low. I can run my trailer lights and ventilation for 4 days without exceeding my battery's discharge recommendations.

<Chas>

I'm confused by your post.. a converter turns 110v into 12v, an inverter turns 12v into 110v.. so if you're running off a battery you're using an inverter.. or am I missing something?

[mikeschn]

How about a power supply? We've been using Pyramid power supplies, and have been very happy with them...

For example...

https://www.google.com/search?q=pyramid ... 66&bih=596

http://www.vminnovations.com/Product_29 ... upply.html

Mike...

[GuitarPhotog]

If you want specs, you have to tell us your energy budget for the trailer. A low watt unit like my WFCO 8725 would not be suitable for a trailer with electric heating, cooling, and cooking.

Google WFCO Converter and Progressive Dynamics to see if one of their units will fit your budget (monetary and power).

I chose the WFCO based on recommendations on this forum, and the knowledge that my electrical requirements are low. I can run my trailer lights and ventilation for 4 days without exceeding my battery's discharge recommendations.

<Chas>

I'm confused by your post.. a converter turns 110v into 12v, an inverter turns 12v into 110v.. so if you're running off a battery you're using an inverter.. or am I missing something?

No, I'm not using an inverter. In my trailer, everything (lights, ventilation, and phone charger) runs off 12VDC, even when plugged into shore power. When plugged into shore power, I also have 120VAC available. When I'm not plugged into shore power I do not have 120VAC.

I mention my energy budget because the WFCO is only a 25W unit. My battery is a 55AH deep discharge battery, therefore I can use about 25AH before exceeding my battery's discharge recommendation.

Is that clearer?

<Chas>

[bdosborn]

The term converter can be confusing because because some people use the term to refer to a combination charger/inverter unit or 12V only power supplies. Converter size shouldn't be based on your trailer loads but instead on the battery size, if you're refering to a battery charger. Most battery manufacturers recommend the converter be sized at 10-13% of the battery capacity for maximum battery life.

Trojan Battery Information

Some good converter names are:

Battery Tender
Promariner
Progressive Dynamics (PD)
Iota
Xantrex

Most RV converters (PD, Xantrex, Iota ) start at 30 amps which is a little big for your battery and kind of expensive. The good news is that they are all 3 stage smart chargers and would work just fine even being bigger than the recommended size.

BTW, this is where some people get sideways when sizing solar arrays. Most PV forums will recommend a 10-13% of battery capacity size for the array, which is usually pretty big/$$$. It's more important to size the converter at 10-13% for max battery life for teardrops that see mostly weekend use.

Bruce

[Vedette]

Thanks for the names Bruce.
And thanks to everyone for your responces to this thread.
I do want to change AC to 12v when a "Current Bush" is available.
And have a couple of direct Ac outlets, again only available when plugged into an AC source.
Do not really need an "inverter" as I won't be converting my 12v battery power to AC.
Good Roads
Brian

[glenpinpat]

I use an elixir industries 25. I have never had a problem with it. It cost about 160.00 new. I hooked it up myself. It will run most things and has a trickle charge for a battery.

[Vedette]

Thanks I will add to my list to check out.
Brian

[Vedette]

I have checked out the elivir 25 and the WFCO and looks like it might be the best deal for what I want to do with it.
Thanks

[Shadow Catcher]

The Elixir is a single stage converter/charger made in China putting out 13.6 V.

[Vedette]

Is that good or bad??
Should I buy the WFCO instead of the Elixir?
I was lead to believe they where the same except for the case??????
Brian

[Shadow Catcher]

Go for a Progressive Dynamics or WFCO. You do not want a single stage converter it will shorten the life of your battery.

[Wolfscout]

I have the WFCO 25 AMP CONVERTER WF8725P DC/Electric Converters
$97.95 /


http://rvpowerpartsplus.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=46&zenid=58c5fc7142e93c9c04e0f96721f4728f

I've had it powered up now for over 6 months. Once I got the wiring straightened out. Not a single peep or murmur of trouble. I'd do it again in a heart beat. I have plenty for what I do. Dorm fridge, microwave, ac, and coffee pot with MP3 stereo and electric heat. My 110v gage has never been below where it needs to be.
My rig may not be high quality as some.. but it's more than up to the task of what I will put it through in the months and years to come.

[Vedette]

Thanks, I did not notice the single stage vs three stage thing and was obviously mislead about them being the same.
Brian