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Choose the Right RV Power Converter For Your RV?
Power converters are responsible for regulating the number of volts while charging or supplying DC in your RV. Let’s go over the Best RV Power Converters available today so you can pick which one is right for you.
With several manufacturers of these appliances competing for the more massive chunk of the market, it is up to you to decide which brand has the best features regarding your electrical activities.
5 Best RV Power Converters Reviewed
When shopping for converter chargers, key things to look for are ease of installation, safety, and efficiency. Electricity today is an essential part of life. For you to keep your fridge, television, and radio powered while enjoying some time away in your motorhome, you must get a converter charger.
It is essential to mention that a single converter can be available in different sizes, but all uphold the exact features. This is common with converters that want to offer a range of Amps. Some RVs require more electricity while others are smaller hence low power consumption. However, the number of appliances you want to power should help you determine which size to carry home.
Find out which RV power converter fits your power needs. Here are the 5 best RV power converters reviewed:
Powermax Pm3-55 Power Supply Converter Charger
Keeping your appliances powered while enjoying some time away from home in your RV with power max three. With three nominal voltage output levels of 24V, 48V, and 12Vdc- 22Vac, this converter will keep your RV battery a long life. Depending on what you need to get powered, you can always minimize energy use by using the lowest voltage when not powering many appliances.
Usually, there are some risks in using electricity even at home, leading to overload or short circuits. When equipping your RV using Powermax Pm3-55 Power Supply Converter Charger, however, you do not have to worry about your appliances getting roasted. That is because this power supply converter charger comes with an electronic current limiting system that will power down automatically.
This converter operates quietly in a wide range of outputs and comes with a cooling fan giving you peace of mind. The Powermax Pm3 has a convenient deck mount for secure and firm installation. Buying this product will provide value for your money because this power supply converter can continuously produce an output of 55 amps.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Two-year warranty
- Available in 3 sizes
- Automatic shutdown feature
Cons
- The fan can be noisy
WFCO WF 9855 Amp Deck Mount Converter
According to Amazon, the WFCO WF9855 Amp Deck Mount Converter is one of the best converters for RV. Designed for RVs of all sizes, this power converter can produce DC power ranging from 35 to 70 Amps. This should be able to keep all your appliances powered or charged for as long as you want since the converter produces a steady and reliable power supply.
When operating from your motorhome, your battery does the most, and keeping it powered or charged is one of the things you need to do. With the WFCO WF9855 Amp Deck Mount Converter, however, your RV battery will be at its best health all the time. That is because this converter comes with an innovative 3-stage charger that ensures the longevity of your battery.
Converters are known to heat up, and most of them are fitted with a cooling fan, which can never be too discreet. The noise is reduced because the cooling fans installed here only work when it is necessary. Such a versatile converter will make your time on the road closer to the experience you get when at home.
Pros
- DC connections make it easy to install
- Wider Amp range
- Quiet
Cons
- Installation instructions are not very clear
Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV Inteli-Power 9200 Series Converter/Charger
The Progressive Dynamics Converter/Charger is packed with features that make it one of the most durable and efficient converters in the market. For you to save money in the long run, the converter has a reverse battery protection system that enhances your battery’s longevity.
It is also safe to say that this is one of the safest you will ever find in the market and even comes with a battery management feature. This allows it to continuously check your battery’s status or voltage and automatically make the recommended changes. Because electricity seems to have a mind of its own, it is vital to ensure that your appliances are protected.
That is why the Progressive Dynamics Converter/Charger is equipped with dynamic limiting and high voltage protection features that reduce high volts that can fry your electric appliances. When the power supply becomes too low, the converter will automatically shut down to accumulate power. Compared to most RV converters, this is one of the units that will keep your appliances functioning for longer since it has several protective features.
Pros
- Battery management system
- Easy to install
- Several safety features
Cons
- It has a noisy fan
IOTA Engineering Converter and Charger
IOTA is one of the longest-serving companies in the RV converter manufacturing industry and is known for its crisp DC power with every unit. The IOTA Engineering Converter and Charger is yet another remarkable motorhome converter that will leave you impressed and your battery fully charged all the time.
That is because it is equipped with an automatic system that turns off when your battery is fully charged, a future that comes in handy more so if you need to leave the battery charging overnight. The IOTA Engineering Converter and Charger are designed to be durable, plus it takes a short time to install and operate it.
Since RV power converters are known to overheat and get overloaded at times, this converter is no exception, only that it has an automatic shutdown feature that takes care of either of the threats. This feature also goes a long way to ensure that your battery is safe and serves you for a long time. The IOTA Engineering Converter and Charger are ideal for happy people when their RV battery is fully charged, even when not in use.
Pros
- Current limiting feature to prevent overheating
- 3-step charging system (automatic)
- Compatible with lead-acid RV batteries
Cons
- Cables overheat sometimes
Powermax PM4 55A 55 Amp RV Converter
For a company with over 14 years of experience in making converters for RV, the Powermax PM4 55A 55 Amp RV power Converter is yet an outstanding performer from Powermax. Equipped with all the vital features that will keep your motorhome powered up and safe all the way.
When it comes to installation, you will need only a few minutes to get this converter up and running, thanks to the built-in mounting flanges. The Powermax PM4 unit is available in three sizes ranging from 35Amp to 100Amp; therefore, you have the freedom to choose according to your motorhome size and the amount of electricity you require.
Another remarkable feature of this unit is that it comes with a smart current limiting feature that will shut down in the case of an overload. Because your battery is part of your electrical system and an important one for that matter, the Powermax PM4 ensures that it is protected using its reverse battery protection feature. This unit comes with an AC cord for a regular 110/120V outlet that cuts down the cost of buying them separately.
Pros
- Automatic shutdown feature for safety
- Easy installation process
- Durable
Cons
- The fan is noisy
Recommendation: Know that the above-listed RV converters are rated highly by buyers making them the top choice for many. However, it’s recommended that you conduct extensive research more so if what you are looking for is missing from our list. While doing so, you will want to pay much attention to the brand which you are buying.
What is a Power Converter, and how does it work?
A power converter can be described as an electric circuit that optimizes the voltage being fed into it to suit the desired load. That is why power converters are common with electricity sources whose energy production cannot be regulated from the source.
The power converter’s work is to transform this energy so that it has the right voltage and frequency/Amp. Typically, many people use solar panels to power up their motorhomes, and the converter plays the role of transforming solar energy into usable electricity.
Most of the power converters you will come across will have at least a 3-stage charger. This allows you to increase or reduce the amount of power you want to be flowing within your motorhome. However, it is good to know that the way a converter work entirely depends on the features it has. Don’t forget the general job of any power converter to transform energy into a more usable form.
Types of RV Converters
There are two main RV converters for you to consider, Namely buck converters that work as a step down for voltage while stepping up the current. Boost converters, on the other hand, tend to boost energy while stepping down the current. Both converters supply DC to DC. Below is a comprehensive table showing more details about the two types of RV converters.
RV Converter Type | Features | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Boost Converter (step-up) | Works by boosting the voltage (input to the load) while stepping down current | Steps up voltage without a transformer
High efficiency because it has a single transistor Continuous input current |
High peak current flows on the transistor.
It is hard to stabilize the regulator because the output voltage is sensitive to change. |
Buck Converter (step-down) | Works by boosting current while stepping down the voltage (for the load) | Simple configuration
Least number of elements High efficiency |
Discontinuous input current
Polarity reversal is not possible. Unidirectional current output |
Best features for RV Converters to run appliances while camping:
When setting out to get a power converter for your motor home, you may want to consider the six features below. When searching for the best RV Power Converters, make sure they have these qualities.
- Durability – an excellent converter should be capable of serving you for a long time so that you don’t keep spending on converters.
- Installation – most RV converters in the market will have to install themselves because they are designed to be easy to install. That is because you are the only person who understands how you need to power your appliances.
- Noise – although many converters have noisy fans, some are less noisy, and you will want to consider these.
- Performance – this includes the amount of power output the converter can produce. Many converters for RVs have three-stage charger converters that alternate the voltage being converted into three levels.
- Size – most RV converters are sized according to the output (Amp); however, you should consider the amount of power you need before minding the size because you might have a small RV but tons of appliances you want to power up.
- Automatic shutdown – most RV converters come with this feature because it comes in on the other hand, especially if you need to charge while doing other things like going to the store. It also goes a long way to ensure that there is no overload or short circuit.
Tip: Before you start looking for a converter to install in your motorhome, consider your budget. This should help you make the best choice since it narrows down your research to a particular cost bracket. You should also know that an expensive RV converter does not mean the best performance. Find out the type and if it has all the features you require.
RV Power Converter FAQs
This entirely depends on the available space in your RV and the number of appliances you want to get powered. Don’t forget that the bigger the converter, the more its output and vice-versa.
When your converter is not offering you a steady flow of power, then it has a problem. Also, if it produces noise other than the fan spinning, then you might want to check it out.
You could test your converter at the shop if you bought it in a real store since they have the right testers. If you bought one online and would like to test it, you will need to install it in a complete circuit.
Your RV converter is most likely to be stored inside one of your exterior storage compartments, specifically your electrical compartment.
Your RV converter can never work without a battery since it does not produce power but converts it.
Best RV Power Converters Conclusion
Nothing beats a good time in your motorhome away from home, and for you to enjoy the full experience, you need to carry the comfort of your home along. With the appropriate converter, you should be able to keep your computer, phone, television, and radio on without any extra charges. Now that you know what the Best RV Power Converters are for your RV, you should be able to use electricity without disruption.
Safety Note: Please be careful when buying a converter for your RV because many people have been misled into buying counterfeit converters, and we all understand what the dangers might be. To avoid being a victim, confirm if the dealer is genuine. The last thing you want is for your motorhome to start experiencing electrical problems.
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