Converter/Charger Amp Output

[Thudman]

Need an opinion from you electron wizards, pls.

The 2007 Adventurer Specs call out 55 Amps output for the Converter/Charger. If that unit was to be replaced, should the replacement be 45 Amps or 60 Amps? Those are the two aftermarket choices given (not 55 Amps), other than the OEM unit.

If a 45 Amp unit was to be installed, what would be the ramifications?

Thudman

[Thudman]

Need an opinion from you electron wizards, pls.

The 2007 Adventurer Specs call out 55 Amps output for the Converter/Charger. If that unit was to be replaced, should the replacement be 45 Amps or 60 Amps? Those are the two aftermarket choices given (not 55 Amps), other than the OEM unit.

If a 45 Amp unit was to be installed, what would be the ramifications?

Thudman

[John_Canfield]

I'm not a wizard but I do have an opinion There are two considerations:

- the charging issue

If you are boondocking and run your batteries way down (not a good idea), the higher amperage charge rating will get your batteries topped off a little faster (45 amps vs. 60) if you run the gen set to power the charger.

I believe that 45 amp charging capability is fine for hanging around the campground use.

- the 'converter' issue

Here you are asking the converter to keep up with all of your 12V loads in the coach. 45 amps is plenty!!

If you like to boondock, go for the largest unit you can find. Otherwise I say 45 amps should be fine.

[rick_od]

If you know what guage wire runs between the battery and the converter we would be able to answer your question exactly. You can definatly install anything that is rated for lower than your existing. Remember, a unit spec'd for 60amps means 60amps for charging AND RV use, which means if you have a bunch of lights and a tv on, the converter may only be charging your batteries with 50amps. BUT, it has the potential to charge at 60amps with nothing in the RV on, so you need to find the wire guage size before upgrading.

[troth]

thudman, a basic rule of thumb is "you get what you pay for...". With that in mind, I'd opt for a converter that also has a "Smart Charger", like the Intellipower w/ Charge Wizard. It can desulfate your batteries and keep them in top condition. -Unlike a "regular" converter that simply drops to a trickle charge (eg- Parallax and others).
Just my 2 cents.

[Thudman]

troth:
That's what I just bought & installed. Works great so far. Wish I had not waited 3+ years.

Here's my thought: This new unit is a 45 Amp. New Adventurers (& others) call out 55 Amps in their Spec (but I do not know the mfr of the new unit). If it's still Parallax/Magnatec, I want to replace it w/my IntelliPower 45A unit (w/extended 3 yr warranty) in a newer Adventurer (maybe in a yr or 2). IntelliPower makes a 45A & next one up is 60A. To be conservative, I'd go w/the 45A, since I do little boondocking, & full-time w/shore pwr. With my luck the 5 Amp difference would smoke a wire :-/

Wadda ya think? "Just my 2 cents"...Do ya want change?

Thudman

[troth]

I think that's a good plan Thudman.