Location of converter

[KarlB]

I’m undecided as to where I should install my PD4045ka converter.
I have three potential locations
1. Under the closet, wheel well area. I’m not sure there is enough room...
2. In the front storage area by the fridge.
3. Under the furnace.

Any ideas from the experienced fgrv’ers out there would be greatly received.

[keekers]

I installed mine curb side just under where the bed is. Very easy to get too and the wiring has lots of room by the wheel well.

[David Tilston]

From the manual:
https://www.progressivedyn.com/wp-co...glish-Only.pdf
Cut mounting hole to approximately 10 3/4” wide X 7 1/4” high.

But the face is actually larger. From:
PD4045 45 Amp Inteli-Power Mighty Mini Power Center
Dimensions 12.25W x 8.875H x 5.625D

Is there actually 8.875 inches of vertical space under the furnace? The wheel well is behind there as well, and I am not sure that there would be 5.625 inches of depth there.

[KarlB]

Thank you! Yes that would work well!
I’ll tape my template there and check that out.
Shore power right there as well.
Thanks David.

[k corbin]

The converter should not be located under the furnace. That is because it could cause the converter to overheat which will damage it. Read your manual, it stresses the importance of being installed properly to prevent over heating. Putting it next to a primary source of heat is not a logical choice.

[KarlB]

Thank you. I realized that while thinking this over. Yes this would most certainly damage the converter.
I’ve decide to locate it curve side of the dinette bench by the closet.
Karl

[k corbin]

There are other restrictions on where converters should be located. Read the manual, create a list of the criteria. Analyze the potential locations using the list. Adding a few extra feet of wires is not a major obstacle compared to putting it where the converter or safety is at risk.

[KarlB]

True. Thanks, I’ll review the manual. I think by the dinette bench will be right. But I’ll give it a few days to think about this.
Karl

[David Tilston]

Karl, Have you already purchased the converter? If not, take a look at this thread:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post325467
The progressive dynamics PD4645 used is meant to install in other converters, with more primitive electronics. That is why he used a cold air return register for his cover, since it does not come with one. He made some choices that I would do differently, like how he mounted the fuse board. I think I would have gone with something like this instead:
https://www.progressivedyn.com/rv/ac...ibution-panel/
Also, I would have installed two, maybe three push button breakers for the AC circuits. They would be drilled into the fibreglass, near the converter. These ones are handy for being both AC and DC:
https://www.amazon.ca/Blue-Sea-Syste.../dp/B000K2MAPG

But this approach would be more costly. The PD4045 goes for less:
https://www.amazon.ca/Progressive-Dy...eywords=pd4045

Then the PD4645:
https://www.amazon.ca/Progressive-Dy...eywords=pd4645

Also the PD6000 is not free:
PD6000 DC Distribution Panel

Trillium installed the converter under the furnace in both the 1300, and the 4500. This may not be the best place, but heat rises. After 40 years of this installation, many still work.

[Markz]

I installed my new converter next to the wheel well and filled the space occupied by the old converter with a switch panel.

[Casita Greg]

Somewhere in an above post I read where somebody installed it on the "curb" side, which would not be the best choice for a location. Ideally, you want to install it on the street side (driver's side) of the trailer.

All your RV, Trailer, and Motor-home manufacturers ALL mount the utility hook-ups on the driver's side for a reason. All the campground utility hook-ups, (water/power/sewer,) are standardized as to where they are placed relative to the "campsite," and they are all set on the driver's side when you are in a camp site. Unless you like having to route, (and shorten,) your shore power cord by inconveniently having to run it either under or around your trailer, I'd suggest sticking to a spot located on the driver's side for your installation.

[KarlB]

Originally Posted by Casita Greg

Somewhere in an above post I read where somebody installed it on the "curb" side, which would not be the best choice for a location. Ideally, you want to install it on the street side (driver's side) of the trailer.

All your RV, Trailer, and Motor-home manufacturers ALL mount the utility hook-ups on the driver's side for a reason. All the campground utility hook-ups, (water/power/sewer,) are standardized as to where they are placed relative to the "campsite," and they are all set on the driver's side when you are in a camp site. Unless you like having to route, (and shorten,) your shore power cord by inconveniently having to run it either under or around your trailer, stick to a spot located on the driver's side.

Thanks for the reply. My power cord is already on the curb side so I mounted the converter on that side already. I’ll have to deal with an extension cord then. Now if I had to do this again... that would certainly be the logical solution for sure.
Thanks for pointing this out. Hum yes; everything else is in the drivers side.
Karl

[KarlB]

Originally Posted by keekers

I installed mine curb side just under where the bed is. Very easy to get too and the wiring has lots of room by the wheel well.

Thanks
I finally installed it there as well. I will keep an extension cord in the camper should I need to reach the power outlet at the campsites.
Karl.