Update converter?

[j54mark]

I have an '85 Sovereign with, so far as I know, the original converter. And it still works. It does have, and always has had a easily noticeable hum.

So, are any of the newer units quieter in operation? Is there one that anyone can recommend in particular?

[cwf]

yes.

Like so.. http://www.parallaxpower.com/4455tc-...nverter-4455tc

[CBWELL]

I have had very good luck with Progressive Dynamics PD9245 units. I have installed them in both my old '76 and in the '94 I have now. Several friends have installed in their rigs and are very happy. Good luck with whatever you decide on purchasing. It will be a great improvement over the original!!!

[uncle_bob]

Hi

There are a *lot* of good converter chargers on the market. Unless you decide to go super cheap, it's tough to find a rotten one.

Twenty years on a converter is a pretty good "lifetime". Once you get to 30 years you probably should think about replacing things like this. There also may be other things you need to look at. I would step back and look at the entire electrical system before I replaced it bit by bit....

Bob

[Jim & Susan]

Call Randy at Bestconverters

Great advice and the most likely the best price you'll find. Customer service second to none.

Jim

[j54mark]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi
Twenty years on a converter is a pretty good "lifetime". Once you get to 30 years you probably should think about replacing things like this. There also may be other things you need to look at. I would step back and look at the entire electrical system before I replaced it bit by bit....

Bob

It did seem likely that we are well past the "Use By" date.

I am also wondering about the old fuse box. I have never had an issue with it, but still... 32 years. Any suggestions?

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by j54mark

It did seem likely that we are well past the "Use By" date.

I am also wondering about the old fuse box. I have never had an issue with it, but still... 32 years. Any suggestions?

Hi

The "usual list" of suspects (in no particular order):

1) Battery location and size
2) Solar (or not)
3) Inverter (or not)
4) 12V LED lighting
5) USB charge ports
6) Battery monitoring ( = charge state monitor from Victron or somebody else)
7) Battery type (AGM, Flooded, Lithium, fusion reactor ... )
8) Dedicated charger for storage / cutoff switches
9) Fuse pannel with "modern" fuses
10) Converter size and type

That's just a quick list. I'm sure I left something out.

I would not worry a lot about the fuse panel. They pretty much last forever. If you are going to expand things, then indeed you may need a new panel. In some cases it's a major pain to swap out the panel.

Bob

[j54mark]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

The "usual list" of suspects (in no particular order):

1) Battery location and size
2) Solar (or not)
3) Inverter (or not)
4) 12V LED lighting
5) USB charge ports
6) Battery monitoring ( = charge state monitor from Victron or somebody else)
7) Battery type (AGM, Flooded, Lithium, fusion reactor ... )
8) Dedicated charger for storage / cutoff switches
9) Fuse pannel with "modern" fuses
10) Converter size and type

Most of these things I will let the kids decide for themselves. But with the need for new batteries it seemed a good time for a converter upgrade.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

In some cases (but not all) swapping the converter gets you into (re) cabling. That's what makes some of the other stuff worth thinking about.

Bob

[slowmover]

I’ve installed the PD with Charge Wizard several times. Won’t say it’s best, but it’s cheap and reliable. Far better than stock.

Circuit breakers get old. Worth it, IMO, to replace them. 1985 a long time ago. And RV park voltage being what it is, best to eliminate that problem.

Speaking of which, old-timer, have a look at the thread on the EAZ-Start [sp?] A/C unit start capacitor. There’s an upgrade should generate thanks without end.

And while we’re at it: LED exterior & interior lamp replacement. Especially the running lights.

Break-away switch is a 3-5/yr item to replace. And Inland Andy’s favorite: waste tank roof vent gaskets. (And on his site he has a link for checking axle ride height. Parked, is what kills the rubber).

[j54mark]

Originally Posted by slowmover

Break-away switch is a 3-5/yr item to replace. And Inland Andy’s favorite: waste tank roof vent gaskets. (And on his site he has a link for checking axle ride height. Parked, is what kills the rubber).

I had forgotten all about the breakaway switch and had never heard of an issue with the roof vent gaskets. But it makes sense.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

If you have low voltage breakers rather than fuses, by all means, replace them.

Bob

[j54mark]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

If you have low voltage breakers rather than fuses, by all means, replace them.

Bob

I do have breakers. Any advice on what to use instead?

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by j54mark

I do have breakers. Any advice on what to use instead?

Hi

I'd go with blade type automotive fuses. That way the panel pretty much lasts forever. A fuse kit is easy to stash if you happen to blow one.

Bob