Converter upgrade

twocarkeys · 03-15-2012, 08:35 PM

My original converter needs replacing and was wondering if anyone knew if it is OK to install a converter rated for more amps than the original. Original is 30 amp and was going to put in a 45 amp. Is that OK, or does it need to be the same.

**JohnB** · 03-15-2012, 08:50 PM

Do you have any pics of your existing fusing setup? And what brand/model of converter you have now? A web link to it if it does even exist any more helps cut down the leg work.

Odds are good that the extra amperage is only going to help provide more internal 12 vdc power to run lights, water pump etc and not necessary more battery charge power pending a few things.

Do you know the wire size in awg from the converter to the battery? And approx how long is it? What amp fuse is protecting this charge line? The voltage drop in the wire may be more your limiting factor then the converter. Sunline gave me a 60 amp convertor however the way it was setup with wire size and length, plus the 30 amp circuit breaker I could never get more then 25 amps into 2, Group 27 batteries.

What size battery do you have and how many?

What brand/model at you looking at buying?

As long as the fusing and battery charge rates/wire size check out, there may not be any issue. But I cannot tell that with out more info to base it on. See what you can dig up and let us know. We can help look for you.

I will be out camping this weekend (yeh!!) so I will not be back until Sunday. However we have several others here that can help too.

UPbuilder · 03-16-2012, 06:34 AM

Having a higher amperage convertor won't hurt anything. You will only use what you use. The only thing you want to make sure of is that you have the right size wire from your batteries to the convertor for charging since the convertor will be able to put more amps into charging.

mainah · 03-16-2012, 12:48 PM

Most converters are wired with a #8 wire it's good for 45 amps. The newer switching charges are capable of rated amps while charging the real gain is time to full charge and far superior voltage regulation. Also a modern charger can be left on as long as you like with out battery damage. As UPbuilder said the charges only outputs as many amps as is need at any given time as much as rated amps or as little as ten's of an amp.