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Old 07-25-2016, 08:12 AM   #1
studentofbudo
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Passport 2810 - converter to inverter

hey all, got a question...and yes, im a newbie here... lol.
been doing alot of reading and was curious of modifying the converter charger to an inverter charger is worth doing.....and if so, what one is worth buying.

i can do the work, just want to know if this is worth doing. would be kinda cool to be able to charge the tablet while dry camping without having to have the generator going thr entire time.. lol.

any help/direction would be great!!
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Old 07-25-2016, 09:00 AM   #2
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Seems to me that it would be much less expensive to just get an car charging cable for the tablet. Larger batteries and the cost of inverter and the fact that you still have to charge those batteries does not seem cost effective to me. JM2¢, Hank
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Old 07-25-2016, 10:07 AM   #3
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i do understand that, but, im not necessarily worried about the extra cost. im more interested in the ability to use the 120v plugins when not pluged in, and not using the generator 100% of the time. the tablet statement was simply an example.

i am just wanting to know the if an inverter charger is better than the converter charger, and if so or not, why. just trying to understand a few of the things out there for these trailers.
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Old 07-25-2016, 10:11 AM   #4
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The converter is needed to convert 120 volts AC to 12 volts DC to be able to charge the batteries in the trailer. An inverter is used to make 120 volts AC from 12 volts DC, two separate components, so unless you have a need to be off the grid a lot, along with solar panels and the associated electronics, just use a small charger in your vehicle, or just charge while your generator is running. If you do a lot of dry camping, maybe the solar and heavier batteries would be the way to go.
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Old 07-25-2016, 10:13 AM   #5
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You will still need the converter to supply 12v when you are plugged into shore power so all you need is to add an inverter and batteries large enough to supply the watts that you think you will need and the length of time you want that power to last.
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Old 07-25-2016, 10:53 AM   #6
studentofbudo
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then what does an inverter charger do? my trailer has a converter charger...
example:
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/e...ger-120vac.htm

i know what a regular inverter is, but, does this act like an inverter when not plugged in is what im trying to figure out.
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Old 07-25-2016, 05:51 PM   #7
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Converter/chargers take 110VAC and convert it to 12VDC to charge the battery(s) and supply 12VDC to the trailer.

Inverter/chargers also take 110VAC and convert it to 12VDC to charge the battery(s) and supply 12VDC to the trailer. They also have an internal inverter and when switched, will provide 110VAC to whatever is wired into that circuit.

Very common to see these in the larger class A motor homes, with household refers. They are large and take a bit more than novice knowledge of electrical to install. We have installed a couple in fifth wheels in the basement, and they take up some storage room. IMO, if your not going to have multiple batteries to power it, save your money.
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Old 02-20-2021, 04:11 PM   #8
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studentofbudo - what did you ever do, did you get a inverter?

if so, how did it work?
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