I was given a 12 Volt DC converter from an RV. I really don't understand what it does, and can't imagine why I need it.
I have a large number of 12V items in my conversion, but everything will come directly from my 12V batteries.
What is the purpose of the converter?
Should I use it in my conversion?
Dave
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l6uE1_nsYcI/UKelmlBPf6I/AAAAAAAACJw/pmIJHOb6CZw/s1440/IMG_20121117_095137_163.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eMO2_D6B8H8/UKelmQzn8hI/AAAAAAAACJs/380fJLad27A/s1440/IMG_20121117_095206_334.jpg)
Rv's have a small battery bank and most use those because they are a charger also and the 12v load pulls directly from the unit not the batteries when plugged into 110v
They still use that type today fwiw some of that type unit are good units with filters and fuse panels built in it is a call on your part where to use it or not but a battery charge will do the same thing but the 12v load come through the batteries those units work even without batteries
good luck
Many of the DC converters will ruin batteries if left connected long term. They do make converters that are three stage so they won't ruin batteries.
You would be better off just using a 2,000 watt inverter with three stage battery charging. More accurate and have read many posts of problems converters have. I've had my Trace 2,500 watt inverter for nearly 20 years without any problems and the bus is plugged in all the time. Good Luck, TomC
What they said. Even a 2 amp continuous charge WILL boil out even large batteries/banks. A fully automatic multistage charger/inverter is best. A fully automatic single stage charger that turns completely off when charged is second best. Any charger that only tapers to a trickle is the last choice to leave hooked up continuously. Most (older) converters fall into the last category.
Don 4107 now MCI 5B too!
Progressive is a good brand check the model number some even have a battery temp sensor they are not all bad. It all depends on economics using what you have or doing a top notch inverter big battery bank and costly cables JMO
Our GM came with a converter/charger. We use it to charge the start batteries when it is in storage. It has a big charger in it. We have it on a timer so we can make it charge for an hour and shut off.
Don and Cary
Progressive does make some good converters/chargers. I highly doubt the one pictured is one of the better ones. Progressive has a Charge Wizard add-on that makes it a four stage charger.
Thanks guys... that's what I needed to know.
It went directly to the trash can.