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Old 08-19-2008, 07:06 AM   #1
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Converter advice needed

My wife is replacing the carpet in the 86 and in the process I removed the sofa - thus giving good access to the elctrical 120 AC to 12 DC converter. It appears to be original, a "Triad ?" 50 amp unit - a bit more modern than the old "Univolt" in the 75 AS. Even though it is working properly should I replace it with a more sophisticated one?

I've read here that a "3 stage" charger/converter is desireable to increase battery life. I'm not sure that I need a 50 amp converter as I'm planning on changing to LED lighting. I did install a "Intellipower 9200" 55 amp unit in the 75 when the univolt quit - very quiet untill the fan kicks in.

I appreciate any advice/experience that you'd care to share.

Thanks,

Whit Nash
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Old 08-19-2008, 07:27 AM   #2
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The 9200 would be good for your newer coach as well. Just because it's a 55 amp converter, doesn't mean you have to use it all...
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Old 08-19-2008, 08:54 AM   #3
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Replace it if you can. This stuff is only going to get more expensive as time goes on. Your battery(s) will love you for it.
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Old 08-19-2008, 10:16 AM   #4
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Replace it if you can. This stuff is only going to get more expensive as time goes on. Your battery(s) will love you for it.
The Intellipower 9200 is a superb piece of kit. It does that thing that the best essentials do, exactly what it says on the box. I found one (new) on eBay for $ 160
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Old 08-19-2008, 10:19 AM   #5
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i also have a 1986 - what is the value in replacing the converter? Thanks.
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Old 08-19-2008, 10:27 AM   #6
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i also have a 1986 - what is the value in replacing the converter? Thanks.
Your batteries need to be properly charged to keep them going and to assure long life. This is done with a 3-stage charging system consisting of an initial 'bulk' charge, followed by a 'tapering' charge where the voltage tapers from the high rate of the bulk phase, and finally on to the 'float' charge where a minimum of voltage is added to the batteries to maintain their voltage.

These chargers are fully automatic and read the battery voltage and provide charging voltage accordingly. The old style 'Univolts' and single voltage converters like the Triad will boil your batteries if left on due to their single voltage charging mode.

A new converter is one of the best investments you can make in your trailer.
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Old 08-19-2008, 11:33 AM   #7
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Try "converter" + "amp" into the ebay search engine. I found this as an example.
eBay Motors: RV Inteli- POWER CONVERTER 12 volt NEW 60 amp W/ wizard (item 270266933480 end time Aug-25-08 20:48:11 P DT)
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Old 08-19-2008, 04:21 PM   #8
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I might add that it is important to get the "Charge Wizard" which is sold separately (I think around $30). It plugs into the converter.
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Old 08-19-2008, 04:33 PM   #9
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I might add that it is important to get the "Charge Wizard" which is sold separately (I think around $30). It plugs into the converter.
Charge wizard is built in to the 9200 series, there is a "remote pendant" which tells you what charge mode you are in, I don't know if it allows you to override the automatic stage selection of the converter.
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Old 08-20-2008, 06:59 AM   #10
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Thanks for the information - a new converter is on my list.
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Old 08-21-2008, 07:18 AM   #11
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Thanks

Thanks guys - the Intellipower gets moved today. Heading to Maine the first part of next week. Hope that the repair on the water pump fixed the leak, always some job security!

Whit Nash
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