Converter Upgrade

Well, I've upgraded once already, from a non-battery charging capable converter to a Todd Electronics 30 Amp Converter/Charger. Its been working without problem, but it doesn't really have any kind of smart charging system to monitor the charge state the batteries are in, rather it simply puts out a constant 13.6 volts, unless you flip the bulk switch, then it charges them at 14.4 volts instead, not exactly healthy for ones batteries to be at that voltage for long periods of time.

I finally decided that the Todd Converter had to go when I discovered the output voltage would go up when used on the generator if I ran another appliance at the same time.

Following sage advice I'd received over the years in regards to 3-stage converter/chargers, I decided to shop for my replacement unit at bestcoverter.com. Generally, Randy has the best prices on RV electrical system components and you can't beat the personal service or free shipping.

My range of unit choice was a tad limited by my budget, however, given that I only had roughly a $100 free to put towards this upgrade. My two contenders were the WFCO 9800 Series 35amp Deckmount Converter-Charger - $114.95, and the Progressive Dynamics IntelliPower 45 Amp Deckmount Charger - 159.97.



In the end, two things wound up settling me on the WFCO unit. 1.) Price, 2.) Wattage Used.

My Champion Generator puts out a max of 1200 watts continuously, 1500 watts on a surge with a max amp rate of 10. The Todd Converter I was retiring consumed 400 watts. The WFCO unit consumed 600 watts, the PD unit consumed 725 watts.

Before they were call RVers they called themselves Trailerites

Here's another step back in time, from trailerite.com, please, visit their website to view all of the wonderful content about the birth of a life-style!

(All content below belongs to trailerite.com, reposted as a tempter to encourage you to visit their site! I didn't create it and I don't own it, but by joe, its helluva good)

Trailerite.com celebrating the rich and adventurous history of RVing.

The RVing lifestyle has its beginnings in the early 1900s.

Not long after the rise in popularity of the automobile folks began building trailers similar those used today to pull behind their cars and hit the open road.

Sometime during those early days these travelers adopted the name 'Tin Can Tourists' probably because of their tin can like trailers.

After WWII returning veterans looking for inexpensive housing that spurred the interest in travel trailers.

Beware of small critters at high speeds

Now, being the Redneck that I am, I have to admit that I am a member of the Possum Squishing club, having unsuccessfully tried to extend the lives of two separate possums by driving to avoid running them over, only to have them make a taliban run at one of my heavily loaded rear tires.

I can only come to the conclusion that there's something in the DNA of Possum's that makes them highly attracted to offroad tires.

Fortunately, I can officially say that I've not had this happen:

140 mph Autobahn - Deer vs BMW

I don't recommend opening the link above if you're the slight bit squeamish. Personally, I don't think it was a deer, the fur looks alot more like that of a Fox, but please, don't ask me how one successfully fits a small small animal into the intake on a car.