#30 amp travel trailer converter how to

Here are some converter-chargers you may want to take a look at (from Amazon):Īs a side note, there are inverter-converter systems available right off the shelf! They are called: “Inverter/Chargers” and even though they are a little pricey (about $800-$1000+), if you add up all the components that your RV electric system will require, it should come up to be about the same (although, if size matters, this one is more compact).įollowing pure sine wave inverter-chargers are in the 2000-watt range (which suits most small to medium-size RV): In this video you will find out the exact setups of this type of system: In order to really get the most out of your RV and enjoy it, you need to have a complete power system set up, which should include an inverter, converter, and maybe some solar panels. Here is a quick infographic that you can save for future reference. This Power Factor Compensation system is an electrical circuit that employs 120 volts Alternating Current (AC) input in a highly efficient way, generating about 90 amperes of Direct Current (DC) output while withdrawing current which is mandatory for running a 65 amperes power converter. These new conversion systems have a temperature compensation feature along with an exclusive Power Factor modification system. The RV electric system has evolved and now it requires more power than ever! In order to meet the requirements of modern RV systems, many manufacturers started to provide power converters with the capability of 80 amperes to 90 amperes. You can ignore AC voltage needs for now, but if you are planning to use them off the batteries, you may need this information when you will decide to get an inverter (changed DC into AC). Write down how much power every single one of your DC (Direct Current) devices will consume (in amps) and after adding up everything that you will be running at the same time or figuring out your highest consuming item, you will have a clear picture of how much amperage you will need out of your converter. Write down how long any of your devices will be used and will that be at exactly the same time. List all the devices that will need DC power (include RV battery as well). List all the devices that will require Alternating Current (AC) to be powered by. Write down what kind of DC-consuming lights you will be using (they could be LED or incandescent). You can determine the size of the power converter to be used in the RV by following the steps below: If the information provided is in watts, use this formula to convert them to amps: In order to find out the amperage of your devices, you can simply check the small metal plate on it, a sticker, or the owner’s manual. As far as battery charge goes, converters use only a small portion of amperage for this (about 3 to 5 amps), but you need to add it as well. Your converter’s needs basically come down to how many amps your 12-volt DC-powered devices will draw at about the same time.

#30 amp travel trailer converter how to

How to calculate the size of the RV power converter? Solar panels produce DC power right away and it will be supplied to your batteries and in some instances, you will need an “inverter” if your appliances require AC power to work on. If you are employing solar power for your RV electricity needs, then charging your batteries will not be a problem. Laptops and cell phones (usually come with a converter built-in).Smaller accessories and sensitive electronic devices may require DC power to work on:

When you hook it up to outdoor shoreline power or a generator, it will be able to convert this AC voltage current into DC (Direct Current) in order to run your most sensitive electronics that require this kind of power and charge your RV battery for future use.Ĭommon examples of AC (Alternating Current) usage are: Every RV power converter is scaled for a particular range of amperes (for instance, 30 amperes, 45 amperes, and 55 amperes) and that means, a power converter of 45 amperes is capable of running 45 amperes worth of 12 volts applications.Ī converter is a vital part of any recreational vehicle electric system. The ideal size of the power converter (sometimes called “charger”) for the RV system directly depends on the applications that you need it for. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE READ MY EARNINGS DISCLAIMER. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT WILL REWARD ME MONETARILY OR OTHERWISE WHEN YOU USE THEM TO MAKE QUALIFYING PURCHASES. What Size Power Converter do I Need for my RV? DISCLAIMER: AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.