update 35 yr old power converter in bigfoot

[roamingcamera]

I just installed a Coleman Mach 15k AC on my 1985 17' Bigfoot.

When I tested it through the original power center, eventually the 15A breaker kept tripping.

So, I assume I need to install a new power center/converter charger ?

Also, I want an intelligent battery charger so my batteries are safely charged.

My AC will pull up to 16 amps

refrigerator: 5-10 amps

water heater 12 amps


Anyone have suggestions?

Will I need to change the outside plug to the 30 amp for campgrounds?

I'm looking at something like 4 stage "Smart Charger" ? is that a good choice?

[Franswa]

my 97 came out of the factory with a rooftop AC unit with it's own dedicated breaker and it was 20A (red breaker in the pic)

somewhere along the line the AC was removed and a maxxair fan installed in its place (AC wire and circuit abandoned)

that breaker now controls one double plug outlet that my charger is plugged into (I no longer have a converter)...in the future I plan on adding a "hot rod" to my propane water heater and it will be plugged into the same outlet

[Byron Kinnaman]

Circuit breakers can be replaced with a larger value provided the wire is of sufficient size.
Converter for battery charging, expensive way to go. An inexpensive Battery Minder will keep the battery charged without over charging.

Need to change 30 amp cord NO.

[Carl V]

François,

Does your Genius charger just needs to be plugged in and it will automatically start to charge, or do you have to press a few buttons to power it up then select battery type, amps, whatever, to set it up?

I'm looking at "smart chargers" to replace my old converter but all the ones I've seen need some button pushing.
I'd like something like a real converter, where you simply plug it in and it starts charging, no user action needed.

I guess I need a smart charger for a dumb user!!

[Joe MacDonald]

I changed out my converter for a PD 9130( i think that was the model) with a separate charge wizard, i replaced an old converter that had no smarts. the install was relatively easy, took about 4 hours and I am pleased with the results. the charge portion works fine, and i find that a 30 amp charger is all I need. with the addition of Air, you might need a 30 amp inlet cord, i didn't, still have just a 15 and it seems to be fine.

Joe

[David B.]

Originally Posted by Carl V

François,

Does your Genius charger just needs to be plugged in and it will automatically start to charge, or do you have to press a few buttons to power it up then select battery type, amps, whatever, to set it up?

I'm looking at "smart chargers" to replace my old converter but all the ones I've seen need some button pushing.
I'd like something like a real converter, where you simply plug it in and it starts charging, no user action needed.

I guess I need a smart charger for a dumb user!!

Carl, you should check out the CTEK MULTI 7002 which is what I am using.
CTEK Multi US 7002 Review - (PROS & CONS)
Dave & Paula

[Carl V]

Originally Posted by David B.

Carl, you should check out the CTEK MULTI 7002 which is what I am using.
CTEK Multi US 7002 Review - (PROS & CONS)
Dave & Paula

Thanks Dave.
Sure is a good charger. I'm trying to figure out if it's a "plug and charge" design or if it has to be turned on manually, modes selected, etc everytime it is plugged in. I'm reading different comments on this.

There was a Progressive Dynamics 9260 in my local classifieds a couple weeks ago. Seller wanted $125 for it. That's less than half the price they usually go for. It sold overnight. Seller said they regularly has some for sale, and he will contact me if he has another PD converter in the 30A range. That 9260 was a 60A converter, way overkill for my needs, but the price was right. PD still sells this model, it has the "Charge Wizard" integrated into it.

[David B.]

Carl, I know that initially I had to "set it up" by selecting AGM, and amps desired mode, and when I turned off the AC power to it but left it connected to the battery, it retained the settings when I restored the 110 volt power. I believe though if you disconnect it from the battery and AC power, you will have to reset everything again.
Dave & Paula

[Franswa]

they both look like they work the same....mine does not have to be reset either....it starts up again at the same setting....making perfect for my use: install it and forget it

both units appear to put out the same ...around 7A
both do not require a fan for cooling (important to me)
both double insulated....water resistant...mount anywhere

not sure if I will ever need all the settings (12/24V....AGM...lithium...power supply only...etc etc) but I mounted mine so it can be easily taken out of the trailer to use on something else/somewhere else...

retail where I live was 149....got it on sale for 100...

[Carl V]

Ok guys, good to know, thanks for the details.