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Old 03-28-2019, 08:36 AM   #1
RubyCJ
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12 Volt Converter output

Picked up a 1991 Wilderness camper for my daughter in really good shape. Has a couple issues though. First is the hot water tank was removed and bypassed. I'll be looking for one of those.
When testing out the 12 volt lights and furnace there was no battery hooked up but was connected to 120 AC and nothing 12 volt wise worked. Found a battery and hooked it up and all works fine.
So question is, in this old of a camper is that normal or should the converter run the 12 volt stuff without a battery when plugged into 120 ac
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Old 03-28-2019, 04:33 PM   #2
BuxCamper
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Older campers had a switch to go between 12V from the converter or the battery.
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Old 03-30-2019, 05:48 AM   #3
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Thanks, found the converter under the stove. Tested on bench a d no 12 volt output.
Any reason not to get a low budget $100 replacement?
Thanks
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Old 03-30-2019, 06:01 AM   #4
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Converter should run all the 12V stuff even without a battery. If the trailer has a slide then you need a battery installed along with the converter to operate it.

Best reason NOT to cheap out is how many do you want to buy? WFCO is top notch and has a very low failure rate.
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Old 03-30-2019, 12:30 PM   #5
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The best reasons I can think of for a like-for-like replacement
1) It will mechanically fit where the old one was
2) It will power the equipment in the trailer as designed. Other brand replacements, you'll have to compare output power etc.
3) It will wire in exactly the way the original did, so you won't have to make additions or modifications to any wiring.
4) Lastly, it keeps your trailer "standard" which helps preserve resale value.
Some people think that customizing their things adds value. To me those customizations are a big turnoff when buying secondhand stuff.
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Old 03-30-2019, 03:54 PM   #6
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When considering the purchase of a converter, Higher amperage can be a worthy upgrade.
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Old 03-30-2019, 07:34 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RubyCJ View Post
Thanks, found the converter under the stove. Tested on bench a d no 12 volt output.
Any reason not to get a low budget $100 replacement?
Thanks

I've always found that cheaping out on electronics is a costly mistake...money wise. On the electronics of an RV is is not only costly from a money perspective but can be extremely costly in lost time, confusion and buying unneeded parts. Go with the good stuff.
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Old 03-31-2019, 06:30 AM   #8
RubyCJ
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Thanks for all the input.
Amazon has a higher output (55 watt) unit than the original (40 watt)
WFCO WF-9855 55 Amp Deck Mount Converter
Price is not bad $135
Think we will go with that one for peace of mind
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