What kind of inverter/power supply should I buy?

[coairstream]

I have a 1972 Tradewind that has to old school univolt? What kind of inverter/power supply should I buy? The most bang for the buck?

Thank you,
Cody

[n2916s]

I believe what you are asking about is a converter (what the old Univolt was). Using 115VAC a converter produces 12VDC for lights, appliances and to charge the batteries.

An inverter is, essentially, the opposite -- uses 12VDC to produce 115VAC -- handy to watch tv, use the satellite receiver... when boondocking.

I have a Progressive Dynamics unit with the built in "Charge Wizard". I have the 60 amp unit which meets all of my needs. The Charge Wizard simplifies battery maintenance -- it won't overcharge your batteries and has a a mode that helps with sulfation.

I am sure there are other equally dependable units out there as well.

mike

[Aviator]

I have an Iota that I purchased from Randy at Bestconverter.com. He is a member of the forum and has a lot of good information on his site. It's worth the electrons to check out.

[munimula]

I have the Intili-Power in both of my rigs. Very pleased. If you go this way I highly recommend the Converter Status Remote Pendant. See...

intelipower - Google Product Search

[azflycaster]

I installed an Inteli-Power 9245 with the Remote Pendant in my Trade Wind a couple of years back. I like it and my battery likes it too.

[68 Overlander]

Cody,
Any multi stage unit will be MUCH better than the univolt including the the Parallax units that airstream has used for years. Look for anything 3 or 4 stage (4th stage being a silly desulfation mode that does little) with the exception of Iota that at least does a full charge cycle during storage every week.

[Ag'71]

I have a 1971 Overlander that I am about to take on my maiden voyage (if we have any sort of warm day). Since I have some cold days to do some work, I KNOW it's time to replace the original Univolt. The old unit is not charging my battery and it hums too loud right under my pillow! Soooo, what unit do you folks recommend? And, is it very hard to replace given I am a novice with electronics (pretty handy, though)? If you think I can do it, does it come with explicit instructions or can I find them somewhere on a thread in the forums?
Thanks for your help!!!

[68 TWind]

I bought an Iota 45 amp from Randy at BestConverters.com (on his recommendation as to my needs and his experience). So far, I have been very happy with the unit. Might want to give Randy a call, he is very helpful.

[ck21084]

I just purchased a 60amp Xantrex true charge2 with remote panel and temp sensor. I have not recieved this yet but from what I hear they are very good. This unit is some what more than most units but I already have several Xantrx products with great success.

I would suggest calling randy @ bestconverter.com however you will pay for his expert info as his prices seem to be slightly more than others.

Just my .02

[jm2]

Originally Posted by ck21084

I would suggest calling randy @ bestconverter.com however you will pay for his expert info as his prices seem to be slightly more than others.

Just my .02

I would agree on both counts, however,

based on my own firsthand experience, Randy's expertise & knowledge is worth the increment....

best,

[LI Pets]

I think he'll price match, call Randy at BestConverters.com

In this economy who would turn biz away

[Globie64]

Thanks for the reference to Randy- I'm hoping there is a way to easily swap out the old Univolt- mine works but I'd like to add a solar panel to help keep the battery topped up, and wondering what can of worms I'm opening