theresa
1K Member
from Northern Maine ~ Proud new owner of Lola, a 1960 Shasta Airflyte and Pearl, a 1962 Mobile Scout
Posts: 1,055 
Likes: 347
Currently Offline
|
Post by theresa on Sept 17, 2020 9:21:56 GMT -8
I had initially planned to run my electrical system without a converter. I have the battery and a maintainer, and was just going to use that for my three simple 12V needs (sconce lights, LED light, and Fantastic Fan). But I'm second guessing that now and thinking I might want to put in a converter in case the buyer ever wants to expand the 12V system. Does anyone have a simple, inexpensive but adequate one they've used and loved?
|
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Sept 17, 2020 9:46:27 GMT -8
I wouldn't skimp on a converter. Buy a well known brand that the company will stand behind. Converters can cause troubles in a trailer, including fires. 45amp is plenty for a vintage trailer.
I've had problems with WFCO converters and don't recommend them.
|
|
oakback
Active Member
Posts: 263 
Likes: 55
Currently Offline
|
Post by oakback on Sept 17, 2020 11:08:09 GMT -8
I use a Progressive Dynamics converter, and there is a lot of information online about these units (which led me to buying one). The only complaint I've heard (and I agree with) is that the instructions/wiring diagram that come with the unit are terrible, but luckily folks have provided better diagrams that are easily found online.
|
|
shastatom
Full Member
I can chase women or fix campers, I choose to fix what I understand........... campers.
Posts: 745
Likes: 419
Shasta 54,57 1500 58 Airflyte
Currently Offline
|
Post by shastatom on Sept 17, 2020 17:51:49 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Sept 17, 2020 19:16:21 GMT -8
I learned about WFCO (World Friendship Company if that tells you anything) when I was an RV tech. They had multiple problems and were difficult to get parts for. That was a few years ago, but the converter portion wasn't great. Never had one catch afire tho. They are installed in almost every lower end RV made.
I like to keep my 110 and 12 volt separate, instead of in the same box. I don't like the looks of a WFCO in a vintage trailer either. Progressive Dynamics are easy to install and last a long time. (to me the instructions were fine) I normally install a 9245 in my trailers unless it has a maintainer. Depends on what the owner wants in the way of power.
Progressive Dynamics makes the Intelli power 4000 series Mighty Mini Converter that is similar to the WFCO above. If I were going all in one, that's what I would buy.
Either type will work. Check prices and styles.
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 575
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Sept 17, 2020 19:28:17 GMT -8
Cry once, buy a Progressive Dynamics converter, and don't look back.
John
|
|
|
|
Post by ramblingamblinman on Sept 18, 2020 7:04:21 GMT -8
Cry once, buy a Progressive Dynamics converter, and don't look back. John That sums it up. And the PD converters have 4 stage charging which will take better care of your battery. Check out bestconverter.com They are an excellent source for converters and other stuff. |
|
|
|
Post by wisconsinjoe on Oct 3, 2020 8:31:36 GMT -8
I'm planning to place my electrical stuff under the street side dinette seat where shore power comes in. I will use a sealed deep cycle marine battery. I notice the converter/chargers have a fan to dissipate heat. Is it important to have a fresh air vent into this compartment.
Also, does this Progressive Dynamics converter also serve as a fuse block for all my circuits (two 120 volt and maybe four 12 volt)? Does it mount on a wall or the floor? Can it be mounted on the other side of the shore power inlet (so those wires come directly into the unit)?
|
|
John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 575
Currently Offline
|
Post by John Palmer on Oct 3, 2020 9:17:26 GMT -8
Progressive Dynamics is a company that offers many different products, I use their simple 9245C converter. It's basically just a "smart battery charger", and I leave it plugged into my home 110v AC 24/7. It maintains my deep cycle battery, and does not boil the water out of it because it floats back and forth charging only when the battery requires. The largest advantage with this over a small (Battery Tender) battery maintainer is it has a 45a capacity versus a 2.5a capacity. Note, the HF maintainers are only .25a capacity.
I like to have separate stand alone electrical AC an DC systems in my trailers because it makes testing and trouble shooting much more simple. I don't want to have one item completely fail and loose all of my electrical. By having separate systems you have a second chance. It's the same reason you want to have circuit breakers to control different circuits, you do not place all of your lights, and 15a receptacles on the same circuit. My PD9245C just manages my battery charge when I'm plugged into shore power. The tow vehicle charges it driving down the freeway through the seven way plug. Some of my trailers are equipped with solar panels which recharge the battery when off grid (through a solar controller).
Yes the controller's have a cooling fan. Mine does not come on very often. Just leave a space (window) so air from the under seat area can move to the area under the kitchen cabinet. It does not generate enough heat to need to be vented to the outside, IMO.
John
|
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Oct 3, 2020 10:45:42 GMT -8
I put a round vent plate on the side of the dinette near the converter. That gives it plenty of air. The PDy converters I use do not have 12 volt fuse blocks. I like my systems separate as well and much easier to reach if repairs are needed. The converter can mount almost anywhere (with ventilation) but I'm not seeing mounting it on the wall as the wire lugs are on the end rather than the back. I place the 12 volt fuse block near the converter and usually run 3-4 circuits off that. <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/50413113411/in/dateposted-public/" title="006 e New converter (2)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50413113411_7f558462f8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="006 e New converter (2)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/50413113351/in/dateposted-public/" title="006 e New converter (4)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50413113351_5b485cfa35_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="006 e New converter (4)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Whites are grounds, On the main fuse block main stud, red positive from converter and out to battery. 3 circuits to the trailer lighting, pump and Fantastic Fan. <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/50413113366/in/dateposted-public/" title="006 e New converter (3)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50413113366_50bea7281e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="006 e New converter (3)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> NOTE: The above was lighter weight wiring for use with a maintainer. For the PD converter, the wiring would be heavier per installation instructions. <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/50412417118/in/dateposted-public/" title="006 e Dinette wiring (1b) (2)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50412417118_5c36fb0e78_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="006 e Dinette wiring (1b) (2)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script> |
|
|
|
Post by wisconsinjoe on Oct 5, 2020 5:35:14 GMT -8
Progressive Dynamics is a company that offers many different products, I use their simple 9245C converter. I Yes the controller's have a cooling fan. Mine does not come on very often. Just leave a space (window) so air from the under seat area can move to the area under the kitchen cabinet. It does not generate enough heat to need to be vented to the outside, IMO. John Thanks yet again John. I always know where to look for advice. |
|
