Community Forums

TomL8345 · 02-17-2025, 08:49 PM

I am updating a new to me TT that still has an old school Magnetek Converter 40A. I am planning on upgrading to LiFePo4 batteries while trying to stay on a tight budget.

My plan is to end up with 400W of 12V Solar on the roof, and two 100ah lithium batteries. As I said, tight budget, so my plan is to slowly build the system with a new converter and 1 lithium battery.

Since I know my trailer wiring was built for a 40A converter, I thought I would just go with a 45A replacement. The Vevor RV Converter has a great price and pretty good reviews, but I wanted to get your thoughts here.

Thanks,

Tom

workingonit · 02-18-2025, 04:41 AM

You get what you pay for. Vevor designs nothing, they just copycat all sorts of things. Good luck getting tech help and warranty service.

d23haynes57 · 02-18-2025, 05:04 AM

How do you plan to use the trailer? Will it mostly be used at campground with hookups? Do you need power when no connections available? What will need have power when not connected? Will there be generator use? Refrigerator? Probably the best solution is to save some money and do things right. An Inverter/Charger with auto pass through will take care of charging batteries when generator or shore power is available and then provide power for 120V appliances like TV from battery.

TomL8345 · 02-18-2025, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d23haynes57

How do you plan to use the trailer? Will it mostly be used at campground with hookups? Do you need power when no connections available? What will need have power when not connected? Will there be generator use? Refrigerator? Probably the best solution is to save some money and do things right. An Inverter/Charger with auto pass through will take care of charging batteries when generator or shore power is available and then provide power for 120V appliances like TV from battery.

We will be using the trailer for mainly one week at a time. Sometimes with hookups, but also boondocking for 4-5 nights at a time. When dry camping there will be quiet hours when I cannot run a generator, but I do have a small 2000w inverter generator I can run as well. Our refrigerator has a propane option, the furnace is propane, and I have replaced all the interior lighting with LED. The only AC that I am planning on running are some battery chargers for various devices/tools and some entertainment in the evening. Also there is a CPAP machine, but it will also run on 12V. The Air Conditioning will only be run when I have Shore/dedicated generator power.

Persistent · 02-18-2025, 06:08 AM

Vevor RV Converter

Vevor makes lots of electronics. Please post model number for better advice.

TomL8345 · 02-18-2025, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by workingonit

You get what you pay for. Vevor designs nothing, they just copycat all sorts of things. Good luck getting tech help and warranty service.

How often do Converters go bad? The one in the trailer I am replacing is 37 YO. Aren't even the more expensive units disposable? (Not worth fixing?)

TomL8345 · 02-18-2025, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Persistent

Vevor RV Converter

Vevor makes lots of electronics. Please post model number for better advice.

Vevor GS800RS-45

Persistent · 02-18-2025, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomL8345

I am updating a new to me TT that still has an old school Magnetek Converter 40A. I am planning on upgrading to LiFePo4 batteries while trying to stay on a tight budget.

My plan is to end up with 400W of 12V Solar on the roof, and two 100ah lithium batteries. As I said, tight budget, so my plan is to slowly build the system with a new converter and 1 lithium battery.

Since I know my trailer wiring was built for a 40A converter, I thought I would just go with a 45A replacement. The Vevor RV Converter has a great price and pretty good reviews, but I wanted to get your thoughts here.

Thanks,

Tom

Good plan in general.

However, the two lithium batteries should be bought as a pair or buy one 200 amp hour battery. There are lots of little reasons and a couple of big reasons.

Buying a pair will get better performance overall.

Persistent · 02-18-2025, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomL8345

Vevor GS800RS-45

No search results for Vevor GS800RS-45.

Lots of other house hold products. Not a reliable supplier for RV electronics.

https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=...nverter-tw-12V

Etrailer supplies expert advice for all their products.

TomL8345 · 02-18-2025, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Persistent

No search results for Vevor GS800RS-45.

Lots of other house hold products. Not a reliable supplier for RV electronics.

https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=...nverter-tw-12V

Etrailer supplies expert advice for all their products.

Here is the link to the unit I am considering. https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Convert..._hp_atf_d&th=1

brr1587 · 02-18-2025, 07:06 AM

Your furnace is propane but the fan is 12v and if it’s cold the furnace runs a lot and is a big drain on the batteries.

brr1587 · 02-18-2025, 07:08 AM

Starting with one battery is not recommended. When two or more batteries are use they should all be the same capacity, type and age.

oldenavy · 02-18-2025, 07:12 AM

Bought some Vevor circulating pumps for a lab at work once. Could not get them to stop leaking. No experience with their electric products but from my previous experience, I’d pass if it was me.

IMO Vevor is the epitome of, “cheap Chinese junk”.

d23haynes57 · 02-18-2025, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomL8345

We will be using the trailer for mainly one week at a time. Sometimes with hookups, but also boondocking for 4-5 nights at a time. When dry camping there will be quiet hours when I cannot run a generator, but I do have a small 2000w inverter generator I can run as well. Our refrigerator has a propane option, the furnace is propane, and I have replaced all the interior lighting with LED. The only AC that I am planning on running are some battery chargers for various devices/tools and some entertainment in the evening. Also there is a CPAP machine, but it will also run on 12V. The Air Conditioning will only be run when I have Shore/dedicated generator power.

I'm guessing you have a 30-amp wiring system in the trailer.
I would recommend a 2000-watt inverter with 100-amp charge section, load sharing, (charge reduction when loaded) and a 400 A/H battery bank.
From the existing panel you would have a 20-amp braker, 12-gauge wire go to the inverter and then have the inverter feed a small subpanel. On the panel more the circuits you want on the inverter.
Reason for the 100-amp charger is to maximize charge rate when on generator. 100 amps into a 400-amp bank is a 4-hour charge rate. Goal would be to only need generator 1 to 2 hours/day. 2,000 watts will support your microwave and coffee maker or small toaster. Don't bother using fridge on electric except when connected to campground power.
If you think you may want to run the AC off the inverter, the 2,000 watt may do the job. I would then suggest going with a 3,000-watt inverter, 150-amp charge section, and 600 A/H batteries. This will run the AC overnight. The 2000-watt generator will not run the AC and rapidly charge the batteries. That is why you want the inverter/charger to have load reduction (charger output) ability. 3,000-watt generator would be much better and 4,000 would be ideal. The 3,000 watts with load share would need a 30-amp feed with 10-gauge wire in and out. With some of the 3,000-watt inverter/chargers having a robust 50-amp transfer relay you could have it directly feed your panel. You do need to have a protective over current device before it as it is possible to use an adapter and plug it into a 50-amp receptacle. Anyway, a lot to digest.