Basic Converter suggestion for New build Fiber camper - Fiberglass RV
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Old 03-28-2021, 04:16 PM   #1
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Basic Converter suggestion for New build Fiber camper

Hello all: I am seeking and suggestions on a Basic Converter / charger,
it will be used to convert power to 12v when on shore power, and charge and maintain the battery, either while plugged in to the tow vehicle, or 120v.
Sadly, last year was a tough year for many including myself. I sold my Trillium, (for a bargain) and am already missing it, as Spring is about to begin.
The price of the fabulous Fiber trailers have gone up immensely, and a bit out of my budget, so I am building a Fiber trailer from the shell and parts I have found from the ashes of the Hymer Trailer company, Unfortunately the
company went Bankrupt, but many parts were available for awhile.
Therefore I am seeking advice for a converter, will not be installing A/C,
just a 3 way fridge, sound system, and a few electrical outlets...to power various items, lights (LED) coffee maker, toaster etc...
Any advice would be appreciated!
Thank you, keep well...Ian G
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Old 03-28-2021, 06:12 PM   #2
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Put in a power control center like a PD 4135, which I put in my 1977 Trillium. Gives you several 120v AC circuits along with several 12v DC. New ones can be bought on eBay for around $130. Seller must have picked up a pallet of them!
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Old 03-31-2021, 01:05 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thrifty bill View Post
Put in a power control center like a PD 4135, which I put in my 1977 Trillium. Gives you several 120v AC circuits along with several 12v DC. New ones can be bought on eBay for around $130. Seller must have picked up a pallet of them!
Bill, Does your PD 4135 have a multi stage battery charger?
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Old 03-31-2021, 05:55 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by David Tilston View Post
Bill, Does your PD 4135 have a multi stage battery charger?
Answer here: https://www.progressivedyn.com/rv/po...charge-wizard/
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Old 03-31-2021, 07:51 PM   #5
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I installed the PD4135 on my Boler 17. Yes the PD4135 has a three stage charger. My only complaint with the PD4135 is that it does not have a 12 volt negative bus bar, nor does it have terminal posts/connectors for the 12 volt positive circuits. Instead just 12 volt circuit wires dangling out the back.

On my Trillium 4500, the PD4135 would NOT fit in the original converter location. Instead I installed a PD5000 power distribution panel (fit into the same tight space), and a separate 12 volt charger (could have instead used a separate deck mount converter/charger in this setup).
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Old 03-31-2021, 08:13 PM   #6
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I had to modify the hole for the power center and I bought a separate ground buss bar. Buss bars are available at low cost on Amazon and Ebay. I do wish it had been included.

I put my PD 4135 in the same location as the PD6911 on my Trillium 1300. As I recall, the PD 4135 was a little taller and a little narrower (its been a while).

I was going to install a WFCO power center instead. It was about $15 less, but had mediocre reviews and lower capacity. The PD is made in USA, while the WFCO is made in China. The WFCO has the same size cut out as the PD4135.

To fill the gaps on the side of my 4135, I used small pieces that I had cut out above and below the 4135. You have to look closely to see it as they are just set in place.
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Old 04-07-2021, 09:53 PM   #7
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WFCO is junk,don't bother. The PD unit should be nice. Buss bar? go to Home Depot, You will find them hanging on the rack. Screw it to the floor behind the panel, hook it up. If you want neater wire ends, get a Ferrule kit and crimpers to make "solid" ends that won't get the "frizzies" with wire strands.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R6QQ7MW...ing=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H950AK4...ing=UTF8&psc=1

Charles
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Old 04-08-2021, 10:46 AM   #8
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This is what I did. I did clean it up some.
It is also a good idea to make a list of what goes where and keep a copy back there as well as in that folder you made for the camper's other stuff...
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