The Best RV Converters for Your RV Power System

Do you need to replace your RV converter due to its fan not working? Are you having trouble finding the best RV converter to replace it? You’ve come to the right place. I’ll walk you through this entire process to ensure it ends with a smile on your face.

You’ll be able to pick out the perfect model because I’ll cover all the relevant topics about these devices. As a result, you’ll have everything needed to make a smart and responsible choice about what one fits your needs.

I’ll even offer a few suggestions of my own by reviewing 12 top-tier models. These talks will provide a better sense of what someone should be looking for in an RV converter. You’ll soon know more than you thought imaginable about these devices.

Let’s now get this process started and find the perfect option. I promise reading this article will be worth every second of your time.

10 Best Converter for RV Reviews

It’s time to jump into those product reviews I mentioned earlier. These reviews will end up being pivotal resources and should make your life a lot easier during the search. It might even turn out that one of these options is the perfect model for your needs.

1. WFCO Arterra WF-8955-MBA 55 Converter

This next model from WFCO is one of the most trusted RV converter upgrade options available. It gains this status by being a dependable and durable converter for RVs, mobile homes, campers, or even travel trailers.

Its dependability comes from its top-tier construction, which was constructed out of the best materials. There’s no reason to believe this model won’t be working effectively for many years. In other words, this device won’t be a short term investment. It’ll instead maintain your battery for years to come.

You should also be quite impressed by it being a suitable RV power converter replacement for various power centers. This ability comes from its compact, flexible design that can fit into a wide assortment of situations.

The product’s install process was another highlight for me. It only takes a few minutes for me to get this device situated correctly. This model was then ready to start supplying my RV devices with clean DC power right away.

I was pleased with the product’s ability as a battery charger, as well. It had no issues maintaining the battery’s charge and condition. Plus, it’ll extend the lifespan of your rig’s battery to ensure you don’t need a replacement anytime soon.

These abilities come from its effective three-stage charging system. In fact, this system is why the product should have no issues providing exactly what an RVer’s looking for in the right RV converter charger.

It’s also worth stating that this model comes in five variations. This amount of choice ensures the product will be able to help the widest audience possible. It’s another way WFCO tried to meet the needs and wants of whoever might want to buy this device.

2. PowerMax PM3-45 RV Power Supply Converter Charger

Our first product would be a perfect RV converter replacement for your factory unit. It comes with many great features to ensure your rig’s 12V devices get the power they require. A few good examples of them are the unit’s built-in three-stage charging system and adjustable supply modes.

These two features will ensure your devices get clean DC power, while fully charging and maintaining any battery type. It makes this converter become an ideal fit for usage on an RV, boat, automotive, and any other situation where it might be needed.

You should also love this product’s temperature-controlled fan cooling. This addition will ensure the converter doesn’t overheat and provides long term use. It’s features like this one that makes sure the product ends up lasting more than a year or two.

The product’s easy install process was another appealing trait for me. As you may know from my other reviews, I’m not great at these tasks. I have a habit of messing them up in striking ways. But installing this device was a simple and straightforward task.

Other buyers seemed to express the same feeling when I contacted them about their experiences. Therefore, I’m willing to bet anyone reading this article should have no issues installing it.

I was pleased with the product’s overall design, as well. This device seems well-built and fitted with a few protection features to ensure your safety. These features include thermal protection, overload protection, and reverse polarity protection.

The product’s price tag isn’t too shabby, either. It should fall right into your budget ranges without any issue. Many buyers might even find themselves thinking this product ended up being a complete bargain buy.

3. WFCO WF9855 Amp Deck Mount Converter

WFCO’s WF9855 55-Amp Deck Mount Converter is another option capable of offering clean and reliable power for your rig’s electronic devices. This WFCO converter can even provide clean DC power without filtering from a battery, which is always a winning trait.

Another winning trait would have to be its low noise operation. Honestly, I couldn’t even tell this thing was running when it was doing its job. You can attribute this feature to the product’s cooling fan that only runs when necessary.

I’m also pleased to report that this product doesn’t interfere with any kind of signals, such as TV or radio. Due to this, you can still enjoy the basketball game or horror film when this product’s running without any issues.

The product’s install process was relatively easy, as well. In fact, it plugged right into place with only needing a few wires to connect. It was easy enough that it only took a couple of minutes to get everything situated.

After being installed, you can then enjoy its 3-stage battery charging feature. This aspect will maintain your battery while the device provides clean power to your 12v devices. It has proven to be effective, too, as many buyers were quite pleased with its performance in this area.

You should find the product’s overall construction to be another appealing trait. It comes with fully insulated DC connections for safety and protection purposes. Its open-top design certainly ensures its using process is simple, as well.

It’d be wise not to sleep on this product being electronic current limiting, either. This aspect makes sure the product will shut down when an issue presents itself. These issues include overloading conditions or short circuits. Due to this, you can use the product without any fear of something going wrong.

4. Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV Inteli-Power 9200 60-Amp Converter

Anyone looking for the top-rated travel trailer power converters should seriously consider this Progressive Dynamics converter. It’s a favorite among rig owners because it has proven to offer safe, filtered DC power to all lighting circuits and 12-volt devices inside a rig with ease.

You can also benefit from its various built-in protections. One of these is the product’s reverse battery protection, which will prevent any damage stemming from a lousy battery lead connection. It’s an essential feature to ensuring both your battery and this converter remain useful for a long time.

Another one of these protections is the product’s low line voltage protection. As might’ve guessed from the name, this aspect will prevent any damage from occurring due to low voltage irregularities for safety purposes.

It’s just another way to ensure the product works effectively without causing any problems. The product’s electronic current limiting feature will help in this regard, too, by lessening its output voltage before it reaches max capacity.

The device’s built-in charge wizard was another fantastic feature. This aspect is a microprocessor, which is designed to monitor the voltage within your rig’s battery. It’ll help ensure that your battery gets recharged safely and quickly. In fact, this device will make sure you never have to worry about battery drainage again.

It’s also worth noting that this converter has a speed intelligent cooling fan. In other words, this fan will only activate when necessary. It’s capable of providing this benefit because it monitors your converter’s temperature. Sounds pretty cool, right?

5. PowerMax PM4 100 Amp Power Converter

PowerMax’s PM4 100 Amp Power Converter is one of the most trusted power converters for RV on today’s market. It gained this status due to the top-tier results and enhanced durability offered by its heavy-duty design.

This heavy-duty design comes with various features, which make the converter capable of supplying clean DC power and charging your rig’s batteries. One of these features is the device’s built-in smart charge, which ensures everything will run smoothly.

It even features a four-stage charging process that has made this product a favorite among rig owners. This process ensures your batteries stay charged and never comes close to becoming drained. It’s just another useful, convenient dynamic provided by this model from PowerMax.

As for built-in protections systems, this model comes with those, too. It features thermal, overload, and reverse polarity protection systems. Each of these will help make sure the product’s usage doesn’t result in a dangerous situation.

The level of safety is further displayed by this product being CUL and UL certified. These certifications are what every buyer should be looking for when buying an RV converter. After all, they mean the product has been through rigorous testing and has shown to operate safely.

I should also note that this model is quite versatile. This converter has been known to work in RVs, boats, automobiles, or anywhere else an RV 12-volt converter would be useful. Honestly, it’s easily in the running for the top-rated RV power converter.

You’ll like the product’s price tag, as well. It should fall comfortably within your budget ranges as long as they’re realistic. It’s not the lowest priced model here by any stretch, but it falls somewhere in the middle and offers great results. This combo sounds like a pretty good bargain to me.

6. IOTA Engineering 45-Amp Converter and Charger

If you need to replace an RV converter battery charger, look no further than the IOTA Engineering 45-Amp Converter and Charger. This model is easily one of the most useful power converters/chargers available.

It’s capable of providing high-quality power to your rig’s battery because of features like its switch model technology. You also benefit from its proven ability to fulfill the power needs of rigs with even the highest energy usage rates.

The device offers an automatic 3-stage charging process to ensure your batteries remain carefully maintained. In fact, this product can charge any type of 12-volt lead-acid batteries, which makes it an extremely versatile device.

You should also love its low operating temperature, which ensures the product’s fan won’t come on too often. It will reduce the noise level by a significant amount. This attribute makes sure a rig owner can enjoy the benefits of the product without getting a headache. It’s a situation that should sound ideal to almost everyone reading this article.

The converter’s tightly controlled regulation will help in this regard, as well. This feature will ensure the device can only supply max current for a specific amount of time. Due to this, there’s a lot less chance of the fan coming on, which keeps the operation noise to a minimum.

Its built-in safety protection features don’t hurt its chance, either. These features should ensure this product works without providing any dangerous situations such as overloads or fires. If these conditions do seem likely, the device will shut down due to these protections.

Another thing worth mentioning is the product’s low price tag. This 45-Amp converter is among the lowest-priced options on our entire list. I was downright shocked when I first saw it because of the great features it still provided.

7. AIMS Power CON120AC1224DC 75-Amp AC Converter

AIMS Power’s CON120AC1224DC 75-Amp Converter is a suitable choice for a lot of situations. For instance, it can work with many battery types, such as open lead-acid, AGM, Gel, and LiFePO4.

In each of these situations, this device has shown a sufficient ability to keep those batteries charged and prevent them from becoming drained. You can attribute its results to the device’s three-stage smart charger, which features a variable charging voltage algorithm.

This aspect will maximize your battery’s lifespan and keep them capable of working for a long, long time. I was also impressed with this product’s adjustable charge current control that allows a buyer to charge smaller batteries safely. It’s just another aspect that shows this product’s versatility.

You can use this product without any sense of worry, as well. This lack of concern will come from many built-in protections. These include over-voltage, under-voltage, over-temperature, short circuit, and reverse polarity protections.

Each of these protections ensures the device will safely turn off when an issue is detected. Therefore, you won’t have to experience a dangerous situation like a fire. These types of features are a necessity in any power converters for RVs.

This RV converter’s installation was much easier than I imagined, too, which is always a welcomed trait. I wasn’t the only person who felt this way, either, as many other buyers reported easy install experiences.

Its durable design was another real standout feature for me. This product shouldn’t have any problems lasting more than a few years. In fact, many other buyers were shocked about how well it was able to hold up even in the worst conditions.

8. Progressive Dynamics PD4645V Inteli-Power 4600 Series Converter

Is your RV converter not charging your battery effectively? You should look into buying this model from Progressive Dynamics. It features a 4-stage charging system that will charge and maintain your battery to meet your needs.

You can also expect this device to extend your battery’s lifespan by a large margin. Its usage will end up saving your money by killing the need for a battery replacement any time soon. What more could a person want in an RV converter?

It’s features like this one that make the model an ideal upgrade or replacement for those old factory units. The product having an easy install process doesn’t hurt matters, either. This entire process will only take a few minutes, which makes it a rather simple device to operate.

It’s worth noting that this RV converter’s wiring diagram was easy to follow during the process, as well. It actually made things much easier, which isn’t always the case. Some other brands tend to make these diagrams a real hassle to follow.

After the install, the product will then provide reliable DC power to all your RV’s devices. You can also choose from its four operation modes that allow a user to control the entire process based on their likings.

This trait makes it one of the smarter ways to keep your rig’s battery working effectively. It’s just a useful and ingenious product from Progressive Dynamics. You shouldn’t be surprised to learn it has a rep for being very durable, too, based on other buyers’ experiences.

9. PowerMax PM4 55A MBA RV Converter

PowerMax’s PM4 55A MBA RV Converter leaves off right where our prior models from this brand did with its own set of great features. One of them is the product’s ability to provide 55 amps of DC power to all your rig’s key devices and light fixtures.

There’s no reason to believe it won’t be able to handle all your electrical needs. It also helps that this device has a built-in smart charge like some of our prior models. This particular one has a 4-stage charging process to ensure your battery remains taken care of at all times.

You should find this product’s cooling fan quite impressive, as well. It’s one of the few out there that has a reputation for being quiet. You won’t have to endure a constant headache-inducing noise level that usually comes from other models.

As for its safety protections, this product is fully equipped in that area, too, which should ensure safe operation. These protections include thermal, overload, and reverse polarity to make sure nothing dangerous happens with the device’s usage.

Buyers should feel confident in these protections because they’re backed and certified. Both UL and CUL approved this device as a safe, functioning RV converter. I know I sleep better knowing that when this product’s onboard my rig.

The model happens to be rather low-priced, as well. I could easily see bargain buyers jumping at the chance to buy this model considering the features and cost. Honestly, you could do a whole lot worse than purchasing this device from PowerMax.

If those features didn’t sell you, the product’s durability should be the final incentive. This product’s design has continued to receive praise from every buyer I’ve encountered. I have no doubt it will be charging my battery and distributing power for years to come inside my rig.

10. WFCO WF-8965ANPB WF-8900 Series Power Center Converter

Our last product prides itself on its user-friendliness with its many practical features. One of them happens to be its open-top design, which makes for easy use. It also ensures the install process is straightforward and goes smoothly.

Honestly, this product is one the best when it comes to having an easy install process. The included directions were straightforward and the entire task was done in a few minutes. I couldn’t ask for much else from WFCO when it comes to this area.

But these attributes aren’t the only notable thing about this converter. I was also impressed with its fully insulated DC connections. These features will ensure the product has an extra level of protection and help keep everything running safely.

Its electronic current limiting design should help in this regard, as well. This attribute will make sure issues like short-circuiting or overloading don’t occur. Both of these problems can lead to some dangerous situations nobody wants to endure.

The product’s capable of offering 65 amps of clean DC power without filtering from your rig’s battery or batteries, which is always a good thing. Due to this, it shouldn’t have a single problem making sure your rig’s devices are powered adequately.

As with our prior WFCO products, this model won’t cause any interference with your TV or radio signal. This aspect means the device can be running, and your movie won’t be disrupted in any way. You can just sit back, relax, and let the converter do its job.

The product’s cooling fan was another winning trait with its low noise level. I’m not going to bore you again about my preference for this feature, but it remains a necessity in any top model. Otherwise, these devices could end up making a person go insane.

Go Power! GPC-45-MAX 45 Amp Converter/Battery Charger (Outdated)

People looking to buy converters for campers or RVs shouldn’t overlook this option from GoPower. It features a compact, practical design, which makes the model a perfect fit for the conditions offered within motorhomes and other rigs.

You also have to love its useful charging ability that comes from the product’s 4-stage charging process. This method has proven to be effective at charging wet cells and flooded batteries fully without a single problem occurring.

It was designed for battery banks, which means it can handle charging multiple batteries. In fact, it’s excellent for any battery banks featuring a maximum of six batteries. This aspect makes the model quite versatile and capable of working in many situations.

The device’s install process was much quicker and simpler than what I’ve endured with other models, as well. It’s a trait that comes from the before stated compact design, which allows it to fit into small spaces with little trouble.

I was rather pleased to see this model’s low price tag, too, which enters the bargain arena. As a bargain buyer myself, I was thrilled to get the chance to buy something of this much quality at a low price like this one. It’s easily one of the best deals on our entire list.

Customer service was another area where this model impressed. I had a few questions about the install process and called them when installing the product. They responded to my questions with thorough and detailed answers, which made everything easier.

This outcome isn’t something I usually encounter when doing product research. It was a refreshing change of pace and shows GoPower cares about their clients. Honestly, it makes me think I can trust that their product will keep providing me great results for years.

Furrion 60-Amp Power Converter for RV (Outdated)

If you’re looking for a converter to charge a lead-acid battery, Furrion 60-Amp Power Converter for RV should be a perfect fit. This unit features many charging modes that are designed specifically for these types of batteries. In fact, it will extend and maintain the life of your batteries by a significant amount.

The product’s built-in microprocessor is another appealing feature worth stating. This aspect will monitor the battery voltage. It will then adjust the converter’s voltage based on the info to provide ideal charging situations.

It’s a useful and intelligent way of keeping your RV’s battery in peak condition. The many protection measures will help with this area, as well. This particular model comes with short circuit, thermal, over current, and voltage protection.

As a result, the device should be prepared to deal with whatever dangerous situation happens. These protections should help ensure reliable and safe performance for many years by increasing the product’s durability.

I was also happy to see that this model came with a standby mode. This feature provides an auto-recycle charge, which will keep your battery fresh during those periods where it might not see much usage. It’s a great addition to ensure a rig owner never finds themselves with a drained battery.

The product coming in two different sizes was a nice touch, as well. It will make sure more people can enjoy the great results provided by it. After all, having multiple sizes means it can meet the needs of more situations.

It doesn’t hurt that this model has a compact design, either. This aspect allows it to have a much easier install process and capable of fitting into more areas. It’s just another feature that shows how convenient this product is compared to rival models.

RV Converter Buyer’s Guide

Finding the best RV converter will come down to many key factors. This section will discuss them in length to ensure you can proceed responsibly. In other words, these talks should end up having a massive impact on your final choice.

Output Size

Output size happens to be measured in Watts and is one of the most vital factors when making this choice. For instance, the amount of power needed to power your rig’s devices will have a large impact on what size converter would best suit your needs.

A person who installs a converter that’s too small for your rig’s power need runs the risk of overloading it. This mistake is easily avoidable, though, by calculating your required wattage beforehand.

The process consists of calculating your RV appliances’ overall consumption and wattage numbers. You then add 15 percent to offer a bit of a cushion. The total result will tell you what converter size is needed for your rig.

Converter Types

As you might expect, there are many types of RV converters available. This amount of variety comes from there being a lot of rigs with varying power consumption levels. Therefore, a buyer must know the difference between all of them to make a rational buying choice.

I’m going to help you by going over each of them. These talks should make it clear what RV converter type would be ideal for your needs.

Multistage Converter

An RV owner who wants a unit capable of charging various batteries should consider getting this converter type. These devices represent a big upgrade over those older models, which featured a single-stage design.

These units will instead offer a more advanced system that makes it a better fit for today’s RVs. You can also expect these models to provide safe DC voltage output and quick, efficient charging time. I’ll explain more about its working process in the “What does a converter do on an RV?” section.

Deck Mount Converter

Deck mount converters are a useful type because these devices can be mounted wherever a person might want. Most people find it helpful to place them on the sidewall for practical purposes.

Some RV owners find it more useful to place them in other areas. These include inside the cabin, under an RV seat, or anywhere else where it’d be possible to redirect the rig’s power supply. But in any case, this mounting process shouldn’t take much time or effort.

Distribution Panel Converter

Rig owners looking to get a more useful converter to replace their factory unit should consider this type. Distribution panel converters don’t make the process for replacing these old units a hassle, either. You can even place them in the same spot.

I should note that these products will come with a large panel, as well. You’ll also love their low noise level, effectiveness at charging batteries, and their ability to reduce energy lost by a vital amount.

High Output Converter

RV owners burdened with a high power usage should buy a high output converter. These devices are useful in this role because they won’t become overloaded from trying to deal with your high power needs.

You can also expect them to offer peak levels of durability and performance. In fact, these devices will deliver up to 80 amps or even 90 amps to meet your large power needs.

I should mention that using a converter that can maintain and charge batteries is quite convenient, as well. This benefit becomes quite evident when those summer months come around, and the AC always needs to be running.

Safety Features

Safety onboard an RV isn’t all about following precise rules and wearing a seatbelt. It also comes down to the overall quality of the devices installed in your RV. As a result, you must make sure to buy a unit with safety features.

One of the safety features to look out for is overload protection. This aspect will shut down the converter when too much current is flowing through its wires. If this weren’t around, the overload would likely result in a terrible fire, which is something nobody wants to endure.

Your Rig’s Appliances

Before buying a converter, an RV owner has to consider what devices are onboard their rigs. For example, high-powered tools like irons and microwaves will need a model capable of offering an equal amount of power. This unit would then be able to supply them with clean DC power when it’s needed.

It’s details like this one that makes it essential to construct a list of your RV devices before starting this process. I should also mention other appliances like power tools or coffee makers will have different needs than smaller non-heating ones.

This matters because it translates into needing a higher peak rating. As a result, buyers should keep this in mind when trying to find an affordable, top-tier unit. It’s just another thing that needs to be taken into account to find the perfect option.

Product Efficiency

As many RV owners know, energy loss can cause a rig owner a great deal of money over time. This issue isn’t what you want to endure during your RV trips. It’s also worth mentioning that summer heatwaves tend to evoke higher energy usage by forcing people to turn on their ACs.

This issue is where having the top-rated RV converter comes into play. These devices will come with many energy-efficient aspects to help cut down energy loss. In most cases, convertors will produce heat during its conversion process. Buying the right converter will help lessen this energy loss.

Battery Power

Battery power will be another vital factor to consider before making a final choice. Due to this, a buyer needs to do a few simple calculations to determine what is their expected battery power.

Don’t worry; these calculations will be quite easy.

You just divide the power consumption of all your devices in amps and then divide that total in watts by 12. This outcome will provide the answer to what is your battery power.

These products often use battery power even when they aren’t connected to rig appliances, as well. I suggest switching them off rather than having them connected when outside the rig. This action is another way to keep energy costs down.

Operating Time

Your rig’s battery capacity will determine the RV converter’s operating time, which will be measured in Amps per hour. You must consider your RV devices’ total wattage, as well. Divide the battery’s Ah rating by the total electric current your unit needs to power the rig’s devices at once. The answer will be your unit’s operating time.

RV Converter FAQs

Our FAQ section will attempt to answer any remaining questions or concerns inside your mind. It’ll be the preverbal last piece to this rather confusing puzzle. Due to this, these discussions should make this puzzle a lot more clear.

What does a converter do on an RV?

RV converters are devices used to convert 110-volt household (AC) power into a 12 DC power or battery power. At the same, this device will also charge your rig batteries. These two aspects make it a handy tool to have on your RV trips.

Moreover, every time an RV owner uses electricity or a generator, these converters will decrease 120-volt AC power into usable 12-volt DC. This process ensures that the unit will be capable of offering enough power to all the 12-volt devices inside your RV.

A person who doesn’t plug into a source of electricity would get the necessary power from the rig’s battery. This power would then be used to power all these devices inside your rig. In this situation, the converter will ensure the batteries of your RV don’t get drained.

It’s able to offer this protection because these devices charge the battery, as it’s being used. Therefore, it maintains the battery’s power to prevent drainage from ever happening. This ability alone should be enough to convince you of its value.

I would also like to mention that getting a multi-stage converter could be excellent for any rig owner reading this article. In fact, this idea should become especially appealing to a person who values a converter’s charging function.

But these products work a bit differently than other types. These devices usually perform their charging through four stages. The first happens to be bulk, which is the central portion of the cycle. This stage works to bring your rig’s battery to a 90 percent charge.

Your next stage would be absorption. This one works in tapering the charge’s amp lower and proceeding to charge the battery’s remaining percentage slowly. The next space is float, which ensures your RV’s batteries continue to get topped up at low voltage.

This continuous usage of volts is essential to prevent your batteries from losing electrolytes. A multi-stage unit’s last stage is called the equalize. This stage works to supercharge the batteries’ voltage. It will get rid of accumulated sulfur that might end up killing the battery plates.

Benefits of using an RV converter

Many benefits come from using an RV converter. This section will talk about a few to ensure you realize why buying a top-tier one would be a wise move. You can then decide whether upgrading yours is something you’d like to do.

Ensures Your Rig’s Devices and Fixtures Work Correctly

One of the main benefits is the ability to ensure your rig’s electrical fixtures and devices run correctly. These devices include things like laptops, televisions, microwaves, and much more. You know, everything that makes living on a rig bearable.

These converters can offer this amazing benefit through distributing power throughout your rig safely and adequately. It sounds like something you’d want controlling your rig’s electricity, right?

Charges RV House Batteries

As I’ve stated in prior sections, RV converters will ensure your rig’s house batteries remain fully charged when plugging into shore power. It also will promote a full charge to the battery while a generator is running.

But it’s important to know that these products have a rather low charging current. This issue means a converter won’t be able to charge up a drained or low charge condition battery. Situations like these would require an independent or high-output battery charger.

Prevents Your RV House Batteries From Draining

A top-tier RV converter will also ensure your house batteries never become drained. This benefit comes from its ability to convert incoming 120-volt AC power into 12-volt battery power. You can expect the same conversion to happen when you connect your rig to shore power or a generator.

Offers Even Distribution of Power

RV converters will offer an even distribution of power to all the DC and AC circuits within your rig. You can attribute this benefit to the unit taking the main power from a generator or shore line and distributing to these many circuits. The actual distribution is helped by those individual switches located on the breaker.

RV converter and inverter: What is the difference?

The difference between RV converters and inverters stems from their primary purpose.

RVers can utilize a camper power converter to change AC voltage to DC voltage. They can power the motorhome with residential electricity this way.

In reality, converters don’t see as much use on RVs as inverters. Inverters are much more common because they convert DC to AC voltage. So any device that requires 120 AC power to run will need an inverter to work effectively onboard your camper.

In either case, RV owners will likely need both devices. So it’s essential to have a high-quality inverter and converter for camper trailer use when traveling. If you do, there won’t be a situation that your rig isn’t prepared to encounter.

Are all RV converters the same?

Power converters for travel trailers aren’t all the same. It would make our lives much easier if they were, but it’s sadly not the case. Instead, these devices are built for specific amperage ratings that dictate how much power they can handle.

For instance, most RVers will have to choose between a 30 amp power converter for RV and a 50 amp RV converter. You’ll need to decide based on your rig’s requirement.

Amperage isn’t the only thing to separate converters from each other. In addition, certain options will only work on specific battery types. For example, a common question RVers will often encounter is whether they need a converter for lithium batteries or for AGM batteries.

Furthermore, some converters will have more advanced construction than others. These choices are what we call an RV smart converter or RV multi-stage converter. You can expect their multi-stage process to offer better protection against issues like overcharging.

Should I leave my RV converter on all the time?

It would be best if you didn’t leave an RV converter on all the time. If you do, it could boil your rig’s house batteries and cause them to malfunction. But an RV multi stage converter charger with a voltage control or protection feature will avoid this issue.

For instance, the voltage control can shut off the converter when it senses a specific battery voltage, thereby protecting your power bank from getting damaged. Anyone who forgets to turn off devices should get a converter with this feature.

We even have a few options mentioned in our product review section. My favorite of the bunch would have to be Furrion’s 60-Amp Power Converter for RV. It’ll monitor your battery’s voltage to prevent any issues.

How long do RV power converters last?

High-quality RV power converters shouldn’t have any trouble lasting a long time (around six years).

I see no reason these devices couldn’t work for that long with proper maintenance or care. Your option’s manual should detail everything you’d need to keep a 12V converter for camper use in good shape.

It’ll cover tips about troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. Trust me; this manual isn’t one you want to lose or not read, like with so many other products. So please, familiarize yourself with it to ensure you know everything about your electric converter for camper use.

How to choose the right size?

Choosing the correct size will come down to understanding the power requirements of what devices you’re trying to operate. As a result, you should consider the continuous power ratings and surge power of these devices.

You should make sure the continuous rating is high enough to handle all those loads when these devices are all running at once. It’s also essential to make sure the converter can handle the initial surge of these loads, which might start at the same time. I suggest making your choice based on your devices’ amps and watts, as well.

How much is a converter for an RV?

The cost of an RV converter will change drastically from product to product. It could be anywhere between $120 and $300 for a brand new, top-tier unit. It’d wise to make a budget based on what you’re willing to spend and want in one. This budget should then lessen your choices to a more manageable level.

How to install?

Installing an RV converter won’t be as tricky as a person might think. In most cases, this process will consist of the following seven steps. But before starting, please read the converter’s manual to confirm there aren’t any special directions.

• Ensure your RV’s is disconnected from shore power. It’s also essential to remove the power cord from its accompanying outlet. People using generators will need to shut them completely off before this install process
• Next, use a wrench to disconnect the coach battery’s ground cable.
• Remember, RV converters will dissipate heat. You’ll need to select a location that allows this process to happen. Ensure there’s enough room for its cooling fan to function, as well. Mount your new converter using the side holes, which will be found in the brackets or flared panels.
• Follow the manual’s directions about the electrical connection. Make sure to remember that the average model will have four terminals in total. Two of these will be for the 110V wires, which come from the shore power’s source. One will be for the coach battery’s hot wire. Lastly, you’ll have one for a white 12V negative ground wire.
• Move onto reestablishing the negative connection, which belongs to the coach battery.
• Connect your rig’s cord to the shore power’s source.
• Test the converter using a voltage meter. Use this meter to check the ground wire’s and DC’s terminals output.

Conclusion

After reading this article, I guarantee picking out the best RV converter will be simple. It’s just a mere exercise of using what you’ve learned and applying it during the search. From there, finding the right model will be a piece of cake.

But if you do find some more trouble or have some further questions, please let me know in the comment section. I want to ensure this process becomes as easy as possible. So, feel free to ask anything, and I’ll make sure to answer each one with a detailed response. Thanks for reading!

Dane Heldt

Hi, I am Dane Heldt, a full-time RVer since 2016. I am always passionate about building and joining an RV community where people share their love for RV lives. This blog is a dream of mine, as I can finally share my experiences to help people who want to start living differently. So, feel free to reach out to me!