Power Converter For Campers: Cost And Benefits

A power converter is an essential component of a camper's electrical system. It converts 120V AC power to 12V DC power, which is compatible with low-voltage electrical systems and batteries. The cost of a power converter for a camper depends on the size and type of batteries, with prices ranging from $150 to $450 for smart power converters. The PowerMax PM3-55LK is a popular option, priced between $120 and $150.

How much does it cost to replace an RV power converter?

The cost of replacing an RV power converter varies depending on the amperage. While some converters cost well over $1,000, a typical converter ranges from $100 to $400.

For example, a 55-amp converter from PowerMax costs $149, while a 75-amp converter from the same brand costs $165.88.

It is important to know your required amperage before purchasing an RV power converter, as buying the wrong converter can result in paying double the cost.

Additionally, consider the cost of installation, as you will likely need to pay for another installation if you buy the wrong converter.

What is the difference between an RV power converter and an RV inverter?

The price of a power converter for a camper or RV varies depending on its amperage, ranging from $20 to well over $1,000. A typical converter will cost between $100 and $400.

Now, here's an explanation of the difference between an RV power converter and an RV inverter:

An RV power converter is a crucial component of the 12-volt electrical system, enhancing your comfort while camping in your RV. It converts 120-volt AC (alternating current) power to 12-volt DC (direct current) power, allowing you to charge your RV's 12-volt battery bank, which powers fans, vents, and lights. The converter also powers the RV's DC needs when plugged into shore power or a generator. It is important to note that a converter is usually included as standard equipment in RVs.

On the other hand, an RV inverter is not always installed in RVs. It performs the opposite function of a converter, taking 12-volt DC power from the batteries and inverting it into 120-volt AC power. This enables you to use 110-volt electrical sockets and appliances such as TVs, hairdryers, microwaves, and coffee makers. Inverters are particularly useful if you plan to boondock or camp without access to shore power, as they allow you to run AC appliances directly from your batteries.

In summary, a converter is essential for charging your RV's batteries and powering DC appliances, while an inverter is useful for powering AC appliances when not connected to shore power. Both components work together to efficiently manage power in your RV and provide flexibility in using various appliances during your camping trips.

What is the difference between an RV power converter and an RV battery charger?

The main difference between an RV power converter and an RV battery charger lies in their functions. An RV power converter changes the 120-volt AC power to 12-volt DC power, which is compatible with the low-voltage electrical systems and batteries. The power supplied by the converter can take the place of the power from the batteries and can also recharge them. On the other hand, an RV battery charger is used to recharge your battery bank. It is crucial for maintaining the charge of your batteries and plays a key role in the electrical system of your RV.

RV power converters are essential for any RV, camper, or trailer. They are integrated into the RV and automatically start working when shore power is engaged. They are also capable of accommodating different battery chemistries. While an RV battery charger is not necessary, it is a convenient addition, especially if you want to use devices that require higher AC voltage when not connected to an AC power source.

RV power converters are typically located near the batteries but can be placed anywhere. They will always be connected to the main wires coming off the batteries. Sometimes they will be stand-alone boxes, and other times they will be integrated into a fuse panel or breaker box.

The cost of an RV power converter varies depending on the amperage, with higher amperage resulting in a higher price. A typical converter will cost approximately $100-$400, while some converters can be well over $1,000.

RV power converters and battery chargers are both crucial components of an RV's electrical system, ensuring a steady power supply for all your RV needs.

Do I need an RV power converter if I have shore power?

Shore power is a term used to describe plugging your camper's electrical system into a 110v plug to either recharge the batteries or power the camper's electrical system directly. If you have shore power, you can charge your house batteries, and you can also run power-hungry devices like electric space heaters or air conditioners.

An RV power converter is critical to the 12-volt electrical system, which dramatically increases your comfort while RVing. A 12-volt battery bank powers your RV’s 12-volt system when not plugged in, giving you power on the go. While the battery stores energy, you need a way to charge it, and that’s where the power converter comes in.

Having an RV power converter installed in your RV allows your electrical system to convert 120-volt AC power to 12-volt DC power. This process enables you to charge your RV’s 12-volt battery bank, which often powers fans, vents, and lights in your RV. Whether you’re connecting your RV to shore power or a generator, you need a converter to charge your battery bank.

In addition to charging the batteries, the converter powers all the DC needs of the RV when plugged in. It “converts” 120V to 12V. The power supplied by the converter can take the place of the power from the batteries and can also recharge them.

The converter's fan runs when trying to charge the battery or when the combined load of 12v items gets great enough that the fan has to come on. The fan in the converter is running because the converter is working really hard to keep up with the 12-volt current demands.

So, to answer the question, yes, you do need an RV power converter if you have shore power. The converter is what allows you to charge your battery bank and powers all the DC needs of the RV when plugged in. Without a converter, your battery bank will deplete, even when connected to shore power.

How do I know what size RV power converter I need?

The size of the RV power converter you need depends on the DC amperage you require. RV power converters have maximum DC amperage ratings based on the amperage the power converter can provide. The converter's amperage draw will fluctuate based on the loads applied. So, the more appliances, accessories, lights, etc. being used, the larger the load. Should the converter's maximum output be exceeded, any additional power draw will come from the battery.

To determine the size of the RV power converter you need, check the 12V devices that you use regularly and take note of the amperage rating of each appliance, device, etc. Consider the appliances you'll be running together so that you'll understand the amps you'll be drawing at one time.

If your device(s) don't list their current requirement in amps but instead their power requirements in watts, you can do some conversion. The formula is: Amps = Watts ÷ Volts.

You'll also need to consider the size of your battery bank and the type of batteries you have when determining the size of your RV power converter. A 100Ah battery requires at least 10 amps to charge effectively. So, if you have a 400 Ah battery bank, you'll need a charger that can supply at least 40 amps. Don't go too high, though. Supplying too great a charging current can cause your batteries to "boil", reducing their power output and lifespan.

However, lithium batteries charge at a higher rate, so a 100Ah lithium battery is capable of charging at between 50 and 100 amps. If you have a lithium battery bank, you'll want a larger converter to take advantage of the faster charging. Plus, lithium batteries require different voltages for their charging stages, so a lithium-compatible converter/charger is required.

In general, the larger the RV, the larger the converter that's needed to meet the DC loads drawn from lights, appliances, etc.

Frequently asked questions