Converter for 1988 Excella

[crios]

We need to replace the Univolt converter in our 29' Excella. After reading a few forums, I'm looking at an Inteli-Power 9200 series 45 amp. Am I making the right decision?

I am a bit confused, since we use 30 amp power. But since 45 amp is the smallest, I assume this is the way to go.

Thanks.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by crios

We need to replace the Univolt converter in our 29' Excella. After reading a few forums, I'm looking at an Inteli-Power 9200 series 45 amp. Am I making the right decision?

I am a bit confused, since we use 30 amp power. But since 45 amp is the smallest, I assume this is the way to go.

Thanks.

45 amps is very border line for your Airstream.

Ideally, you should be in the 55 to 60 amp category.

Never, plan on using any charger in excess of 75 to 80 percent of it's maximum rating.

Andy

[Skatiero]

We have an 89 excella and replaced the univolt with a 60 amp intellipower. It has been great!

[idroba]

I have a friend with an 87, 31' Excella and we replaced the Univolt with a PD intellapower 9245 and it is fine. For a few dollars more you could get the 9260 with a little more capacity, but it is probably unnecessary, unless you use those big "cloud" 6 or 8 bulb ceiling lights all the time. They eat up power like crazy.

Your 120 volt power is 30 amp capacity, the 12 volt side is completely different and at 12 volts the amps go up by a factor of 10 vs. the 120 volt side. Don't worry about it.

[Skater]

I'd go with the 60 amp version. Our '95 30' Excella has a 55 amp converter from the factory, and I wouldn't go smaller. See what yours has now (should be marked on the panel somewhere) and get one at least that large. My B190 had a 32 amp converter, but I put a 60 amp replacement converter in it... that was overkill. The 45 amp model would've been just fine in that situation.

Also, as idroba said, the 30 amps you plug into is completely different. Basically, a 45 amp converter can produce at most 45 amps of 12 volts DC power. That's 45*12= 540 watts. 540 watts in 120 volt power is only 4.5 amps, using the same (voltage*amps=watts) formula.

So of the 30 amps you plug into at a campground, your 12-volt converter would be drawing at most 4.5 amps @ 120 volts (well, a bit more than that because conversion losses - but you get the idea).

[crios]

Great advice. Thanks, everyone.

[RTurnConn]

Originally Posted by crios

Great advice. Thanks, everyone.

So what did you decide to do, since you got mixed reviews? 45, 55 or 60?
Good thing you didn't ask what converter we like the best!
I have a 30 amp (univolt) in my 85 and will be replacing it with a 45 amp Progressive. My advisor, a guy who restores vintage units thought the 45 amp would be fine.
Go figure!

[crios]

The weekend I was going to get the converter the alternater in my truck went out. So I'll wait until next month to get the converter. (I have to drive to Dallas to get it.) I'll go with the 55 or 60 amp unit.