Aftermarket converter/charger
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9547
Printed Date: 28 Jun 2025 at 1:47am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Aftermarket converter/charger
Posted By: Mtn Ascender
Subject: Aftermarket converter/charger
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2017 at 6:18pm
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Who has purchased and installed one? Do you like it? Pro/cons? Maybe I'm jumping the gun here as I haven't even dug around too much on my new to me Rpod yet but I'm assuming it's a fairly weak or low amperage unit installed from the factory. Educate me a bit please  .Thanks |
Replies:
Posted By: frogpod
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2017 at 9:05pm
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The factory converter is good.....It has a charger built in that recharges the battery when hooked up and also converts the 110 volt power to 12 volt to run the 12 volt system when plugged in. Are you thinking of an inverter to add? An inverter changes 12 volt to 120 volt and allows running small 110 volt appliances while not connected to shore power. Appliances like an air conditioner, the microwave, and even a coffee maker or other appliance with a heating element take more power than an inverter can develop....unless you get a really big one which is not worth it as it will immediately drain the battery. . ------------- Leo and Tami with Coltrane the Jack Russell Terrier 2010 Rpod 171 2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2017 at 6:49am
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I would just recommend checking the output of the 12 volts (at the battery) with a voltmeter when plugging into shore power once a year (spring usually) and verify that the charger is trying. Also, when the battery has been charged (day or two??) check again and it should be maintaining at a lower voltage. That's it. No need to buy a more expensive unit unless the OE one fails. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: Mtn Ascender
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2017 at 6:51am
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just thinking of replacing the factory unit with something like this: http://www.adventurerv.net/powermax-amp-converter-power-max-pm345-p-28097.html?gclid=CK-17PGM9NICFQe2wAodkUcBhw&utm_campaign=partsfeed_ppc&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=Froogle - http://www.adventurerv.net/powermax-amp-converter-power-max-pm345-p-28097.html?gclid=CK-17PGM9NICFQe2wAodkUcBhw&utm_campaign=partsfeed_ppc&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=Froogle Typically the factory units charging rate is very low and low=hours to charge. |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2017 at 7:57am
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I've never had any trouble with mine and I don't recall anyone on the forum ever complaining about the charge rate on theirs. I have heard it described several times as a very good converter/charger. I have no idea how the specs would compare with what you're looking at, but unless you just want to spend the money, it's hard to see why this would be necessary.TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2017 at 11:31am
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I wouldn't bother, as mentioned the ones that come with campers are decent now. 15 years ago I would agree with upgrading. It is likely the factory charger is already around 45 amps like the one you linked to. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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