Ok after installing my new LEDS and
Getting a battery monitor.
I now know that my POWER CONVERTER is not poviding power to the battery.
Installed an ELIXER converter in 2005 went bad in 2007 they replaced it, now 2009 went bad again.
So I am wondering what everyone is using out there.
I do travel backcountry road so need something that will work well and last.
I boondock so most power comes from SOLAR Panels but like to plug in sometimes on the road and at home to chill down the fridge and keep the battery up.
So any info would help alot. Do not need a large one 20 AMPS will be fine.
THANKS DAVE

Progressive Dynamics

These really work well, I use a 45 amp model with have a built in smart charger check on Ebay

Looked around seems like a good converter.
Does anyone know if it has circuts for both 120 v and 12 v
The ELIXER has 120 circut brakers and 12 volt blade fuses I like this panel but do not to replace it every 2 years.
THANKS DAVE

This is a tough question... Scamp used American for years with most people getting good service from them, But I know of several people who have had them fail repeatedly.
Mine is flawless after 6 seasons, but it would be tough to recommend any particular brand since failure rates depend on load, care and luck and are not very well documented.
Here are a couple of hints for long converter life though...


1] Evict the dust bunnies every couple of years!

2] Be sure that the converter is mounted in a well ventilated area.
Some sixteens have them under the side dinette with no vent. if yours is
there, simply add a vent under the seat.

3] kept the area behind the converter free from stored items that could block
ventilation and cause overheating

4] Check for fan operation regularly ..... even better and maybe overkill, add power ventilation to the compartment ( it can be 110V if you choose since the converter only works on shore power!)

As you can see , my point is that HEAT is a converter's worst enemy!

I ordered a Xantex XDC-40 (40Amp) from www.bestconverter.com . These units have been used in a host of upgrades (some of which are referenced on the website). It is fan cooled (temp controlled) with front intake - exhaust, very well built, small, fairly quiet, and powerful. I know Randy will be glad to help with ideas and advice on this matter. He shows a conversion using a WFCO power converter (3 stage), but I'm not sure about the cooling Vs the Xantrex. If there's sufficient space, I would go Xantrex for the cooling aspect.

if you boondock most of the time, consider...none.

Make a fuse and distribution panel for your 120v, and on the rare occasions you are plugged in, use a good battery charger for your battery, run everything else directly off the land line and your 12v stuff, off the battery.

It does not sound like from your style of camping, that a converter is even needed. Why invite more expensive systems to break down into your rig?

GINA you did it again.
I think I will take the ELIXER panel that I have, remove the charging unit and make it a distribution panel only.
Pickup a Morning Star solar controller SS10-12 or SS10-10 and a new battery charger which I need around the home front anyway.
I like the idea to become more simple.
When on retirement funds this sounds like the best way.
That is why I enjoy this group so much, a group of doers.
Thanks always DAVE

ps if a PD Inteli-power 4035 comes up for sale someplace may just do it but for now this is the best way.

Next project remove the A/C do not use and can remove that much weight.
This is after getting the Solar up and running.