Recently, almost all recreational vehicles use DC in their batteries and AC on the shore power. To tap this power for battery charging, there is a need to be conversant with the best Rv converter for Agm batteries. Logically, the RV converts the alternating current into direct current for battery use.
Assuming that you require a new converter for your ride, consider using the powermax converter because it best suits this function. It uses an incredible three-stage charging tech to provide direct current to different batteries' brands under any circumstance.
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Assuming that you need to purchase a new converter, there are certain features that you should be familiar with to enable you to maximize its use and benefits. They include:
Charging type:
In cases where you need a fast charger, a trickle charger is not suitable for you. Batteries with high watts save your charging time, but contrary to that, they may cause stress to the battery. Always pick a converter that charges your battery safely and attends to your specifications when buying one.
Operation noise:
Some devices in the market work with a lot of noise because of the integrated cooling fans. Always remember to check how noisy by going through reviews from other buyers using the same device you need.
Battery chemistry:
Before opting for a converter, determine what type of battery you are using. Always be sure to find the correct converter that best suits your purpose. For instance, if you are from freezing areas, using Li-ion batteries is not reliable because they can't be charged below freezing temperatures.
Amperage:
This is an essential consideration. Always take note of the amperage when selecting a converter. Different models are designed with different amperage rates. Select the one that suits you best.
Battery Monitoring:
This is how often and close you inspect your battery. If you need to set and forget the converter is charging, you should consider an automatic converter. To some point, you should consider a smart charger to avoid chances of explosion.What Are The Best RV Converter for AGM Batteries?
01. Aims Power CON 120AC1224DC AC Converter & Battery 12V or 24V Smart Charger 75 amps Listed to UL 458 & CSA
Salient Feature
- Voltage range: 12VDC-24VDC
- Cooling fan: Always on and vented
- LED indicator: Absent
- Noise level: Below 50 dB
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Dimension: 10.25 x 6.75 x 3.25 inches
- Weight: 6.62 pounds
- Charger: three-stage smart charger
- Ample charging capacity amounting to 75 Amp for 12V direct current. This enables it to charge a 100 amperes battery up to 90% of charge listed to UL 458.
- The unit has the ability to charge lead-acid, GEL, and AGM batteries.
- The model has a three-stage smart charger having variable charging algorithms that optimize the battery life.
- Best design to adjust charge current for safe charging in small batteries.
- Has a two-year warranty with reverse polarity, under-voltage, and over-temperature.
- This is the best design for a high conversion rate of AC to DC with an efficiency of 80%.
Aims power is one of the best manufacturers of power inverters. The combination of technology produce hybrid converters brings great benefit to RVs and marine vehicles. This helps you recharge your battery when you are far away from a charging power source.
Pros
Cons
02. Powermax 110 Volt AC to 12 Volt DC Power Supply Converter Charger for RV Pm3-45 (45 Amp)
Salient Feature
- Voltage range: 13.0-16.5 VDC
- Cooling fan: Integrated cooling fan
- LED indicator: Available
- Noise level: Relatively high
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Dimension: 11 x 8.5 x 4.2 inches
- Weight: 6.8 pounds
- Charger: three-stage charging system
- Availability of LED indicator
- Equipped with a three-stage charging system
- Incorporation of an integrated cooling fan
- It has a comfortable handle that is padded with a swivel
- Has a voltage range of 14v direct current
The converter is considered the best because of its three-stage charging system. Amazingly, you can also change the output design of PM3. The product is highly adaptable and is compatible with different batteries despite their condition. The converter saves you time because it is easy to install. It has a cooling fan, enabling it to lose heat at a higher rate, thus enabling it to operate the best at its optimum temperature. Thanks to technology because this product accepts reverse polarity, thermal protection, and overload. Its price is pocket friendly with a two-year warranty giving you time to claim if it fails within the specified warranty period.
Pros
Cons
03. Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV Inteli-Power 9200 Series Converter/Charger with Charge Wizard-60Amp
Salient Feature
- Voltage range: 105-130VAC
- Cooling fan: Intelligent cooling fan
- LED indicator: Absent
- Noise level: Quiet
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Dimension: 11 x 8.5 x 4.5 inches
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Charger: automated three-stage charger
- Presence of an accessory port
- Automatic cooling system
- Availability of reverse polarity protection feature
- Incorporated with a charging wizard
- The DC is filtered, thus ensuring safety and reliability.
This device is designed to ensure safety while maintaining rapid charging. The product packs a microprocessor system that automatically switches charging voltage and operation depending on the battery type. By the presence of an accessory port, consumers can pair the device with a remote control pendant to enable manual selection. The intuitive nature allows the device to reduce its output when the needed battery capacity is achieved.
The engineering tech used in this product is amazing. The device has low voltage protection to keep appliances that need low voltage free from damage. Also, the inbuilt reverse polarity protection feature prevents damage in case of the wrong battery installation.
In cases of heat dispersion, the device is built with a cooling fan that intelligently works when needed. Amazingly, the fan runs slowly to maintain temperature on sleep mode, ensuring a minimum disturbance.
Pros
Cons
04. WFCO WF-8955 MBA Main Board Assembly - 55 Amp
Salient Feature
- Voltage range: 105-130VAC
- Cooling fan: On-demand
- LED indicator: Absent
- Noise level: Relatively low
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Dimension: 13 x 7 x 9 inches
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
- Charger: three-stage charging system
- Presence of automated three-stage charger
- Has a 55A output current
- Its output voltage is 13.6 VDC in normal cases, 13.2 VDC in the trickle triangle charge, and in bulk cases, the charge is 14.4 VDC
- Its input power is 950W
- It has an on-demand fan
- Has the ability to limit current
The device is equipped with the latest technology, which involves three-stage charging. This helps maintain your battery by keeping their rig contact, which helps you save some coins over the years. Knowledge used to limit current limiting helps to stop operation when there is an overload or short-circuiting cases.
Protection is assured since the product is destined for protection and not damage. Not to forget that the WF-8955 has an advanced AC/DC distribution unit, the converter can hold 30Amp of the main AC circuit breaker and other five circuit branches. It' with no doubt that the device can hold a lot of power designed for recreational cars.
To ensure heat generated is lost, it is equipped with an on-demand fan that operates based on voltage requirements with minimum noise. This device is known to be an all-time pocket-friendly product that has two years warranty.
Pros
Cons
05. Powermax 110 Volt to 12 Volt DC Power Supply Converter for RV Pm-55(55-Amp)
Salient Feature
- Voltage range: 105-135VAC
- Cooling fan: Proportional fan control
- LED indicator: Absent
- Noise level: Slightly noisy
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Dimension: 10.24 x 7.72 x 4.88 inches
- Weight: 3.79 pounds
- Charger: three-stage charging system
- The UL approves it
- It has a maximum Amperage output of 55 Amps
- Availability of a three-stage charging system that helps in maintaining your battery life
- Automatically shut down during overload or short-circuiting cases
- It has a float mode of range 13.2 VDC
- Its bulk mode ranges at 14.4 VDC
- Has the ability to operate a wide range of products
- Has an absorption mode of 13.6 VDC
- It is convenient with deck mount installation
- Has two years warranty
The LK series has a fully integrates three-stage power processing unit with control over the output and ensures fast and safe charging. It also accepts low voltage inputs ranging from 105-135V of direct current on the high end. It weighs approximately 7 Ibs and makes it a suitable option for RVs, pump use, radio playing, and backup power. Because of its operation nature, the device should be installed in a well-ventilated area for safety purposes and maximum operation
Because of the work put into ensuring the product is amazing, power max has constructed a powerhouse charger. It has the capability of dispatching constant power demand to 100% of its rate. After installing this device, be sure that fans, pumps, and radio equipment will operate with ease and effectively.
Pros
Cons
06. Progressive Dynamics PD9160AV Inteli-Power Series 12 V RV Converter/Charger
Salient Feature
- Voltage range: 105-130VAC
- Cooling fan: Speed intelligent fan
- LED indicator: Absent
- Noise level: Quiet
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Dimension: 11 x 8 x 4 inches
- Weight: 6.93 pounds
- Charger: three-stage charging system
- Two years warranty that is limited
- Low voltage protection to protect delicate appliances
- Filtered Direct Current to provide safety and reliability
- Availability of reverse battery protection to prevent damage
Thermoregulation to reduce output voltage when maximum battery capacity is reached
The PD9160A is designed to ensure that the power produced is reliable and channeled to all recreational appliances in your vehicle. This device ensures that RV batteries recharge safely and rapidly.
It has inbuilt features like current-limiting devices, reverse polarity protection, and over-temperature regulation to ensure long time reliability. It also has an inbuilt Total Charge Management System (TCMS) to add the charging wizard to monitor the battery voltage easily. Depending on your battery's condition, the wizard monitors and selects what voltage to use and what operating model best suits your battery.
Pros
Cons
Related Post:
What Is A Converter And Why Is It Essential For RV?
A converter is an electric device that is used to convert the voltage of alternating current to direct current. It is important to ensure you have a converter that is properly working in your RV to ensure you are electrical fixtures and appliances are running. Converters and sugars that power is distributed properly in the RV. When the RV is running using a generator or a show power at 12 volts is supplied to the direct current system. In the process the batteries in the house are stored when charged.
How To Install A Converter With An AGM Battery?
1. Remove the shore power.
This ensures safety. Disconnect your rig from the shore before installing it. There is no need to remove circuit breakers or anything; remove the cord from the outlet.
2. Remove the ground cable.
After removing the cord, remove the battery ground cable by use of a wrench.
3. Insert the converter
Always place the converter in places where they can easily dissipate heat. If the converter has a fan, place it in a place where the fan operates without disturbance. After the satisfaction that the converter is well installed, make sure you secure it.
4. Carefully do wiring
After the converter is secure, do the wiring because modern converters have clear marks on the terminals to ensure the wiring is done quickly.
5. Re-insert the negative connection
After following the steps above, return the battery ground cable by plugging the cord into the shore and confirming it is working.What Does A Converter In An RV Do?
A converter in an RV convert a 120 volt AC to 12 volt DC when you plug in the recreational vehicle into an electric source or when you are using the on-board generator. The main entrance of this is to reduce consumption of power supplied to the accessories and appliances in the RV. Your RV is supplied with power in all your appliances with a 12-volt power when it is not connected to an electric source using the battery. The converter prevents the drainage of the RV battery when plugged in.
What Size Charger Do I Need For An AGM Battery?
Choosing a charger needs a lot of considerations. First is the battery type. If you use lead-acid batteries, use a charger with an amperage output of 10-20% of the total battery capacity. For the charging profile, consider the maximum charge voltage and current. Always charge the battery with specifications of maximum voltage and current to ensure your battery lasts for long. Therefore, it is better to use a maximum charging voltage of 15.5 V and current amounting to 150A.
How Do I Know If My AGM Battery Is Bad?
There are three steps that can guide you to know whether you are AGM battery is bad. Most of the time when your battery is not functioning as expected it could be having chemical issues. Below are some ways you can use to test your battery if it's bad.
- Battery inspection
You will know when your battery is bad by checking
Excess leakage
Broken terminals
If your battery has broken terminals, it will experience a circuit shortage. A short will eventually lead to the melting or burning of the battery. The power is unloaded instantly, and there is our circuit shortage leading to the production of heat that may cause the battery to explode.
Rapture or crack of the plastic
Mishandling of the battery may cause cracks Rapture and splits. Also, the battery will not stop working it's important to label it is unsafe for safety.
Discoloring of the battery
When you leave the battery for a long time without filling it with water, the plates get oxygen exposure leading to sulfation. The process is the leading problem of battery failure. When you charge the battery this according, we'll burn. Discoloring may also come into play when you are charging your battery with a lot of fluid. You may find it turning brownish or dark.
Bumps or bulges in the case
The bulging of the battery is caused by overcharging.
- Read the voltage
Reading the voltage will help you know the condition of your battery. You will know that a battery is experiencing a short circuit when its reading is 0 voltage. A battery that is fully charged and cannot produce 12.4 and above voltage means that it is sulfated.
Voltage | Charge state |
|---|---|
0-11.9 | Discharged |
12.0 | 25% |
12.2 | 50% |
12.5 | 75% |
12.7- 13.2 | 200% |
Perform a load test
You can either visit an automatic store for the latest, or you can purchase your digital multimeter to do the test at home. Before testing, ensure the battery is fully charged is a battery experience with any of the issues in step 1, your battery has an issue, and it would be time to replace it.
How Do You Maintain An AGM Battery?
The importance of maintaining an AGM battery is for its durability.
Avoid overcharging the battery.
Correct charging of your battery will serve you for a long time. When you overcharge it, their internal structures get damaged, reducing the lifespan of the battery. It is also important to ensure your battery is correctly charged to know the amount of voltage required from the manufacturer's instruction. It is also advisable to use the recommended charger and avoid charging it with a traditional petrol generator.
Prevent Sulfation
Lead sulfate result of sulphuric acid and lead-acid batteries reaction causes sulfation. To prevent sulfation that makes the battery reduce its ability to hold a charge, charge your battery before and during storage. You can also reverse the process by using a desulfation charge. Use the right charger to charge your AGM battery to reduce this process.
Battery storage
If you're considering storing your battery for a long-time, recharge it. Storing it in a cool and dry tour with ventilation will help your battery to last longer.
Use the recommended charger by the manufacturer.
The charger will depend on the AGM battery you have and the requirement from the manufacturer. The manufacturer will indicate the required voltage on the AGM battery to help you not under charge or over charge it.
How Often Are AGM Batteries Charged?
Compared to the lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries do not build up sulphate quickly. They can stay in storage for a long time before they require charging. The batteries can operate in low with less discharge.
What Are The Advantages Of AGM Batteries Over Lead-Acid Batteries?
- AGM batteries do not require a lot of maintenance, and they are able to provide reliable electrical power compared to lead-acid type.
- Compared to a lead-acid battery, the AGM battery can deliver high current on demand even in deep Cycles.
- The sandwich construction of the batteries next time vibration resistant.
- They can't stand up well in cold temperatures.
- You do not require a regular topping charge because the battery is less prone to sulfation.
- The model does not have more electrolytes compared to the flooded version.
- Compared to the lead-acid batteries, the AGM battery is five times faster in charging.
What Can Cause A New Battery To Fail After Installation?
- When the terminal is not properly connected on the battery or dirty, it may cause the battery to function.
- When there is excess ignition off drains or parasitic drains.
- A faulty charging system can cause a new battery to fail
- Short circuit electrical system.
- Insufficient electrical capacity of battery for your RV size.
Can An RV Converter Work Without A Battery?
Yes. An RV converter can work without a battery, but most of your RV things will not function properly. You need a 12watt direct current house battery system where the converter power is used.
How Many Electrical Systems Does An RV Have?
An RV has three electrical systems: the 120 volts alternating current, which is also the shore power. The electrical system is activated when plugged in a 20-, 30-, 50- amp power source. You can charge a battery system and the major appliances in your RV with this power.
The second electrical system is the 12-volt DC house batteries. You can use either power this electrical system with a 12-volt or a 6-volt DC deep cycle battery combination. The two can be combined to provide a strong 12-volt DC source.
The last electrical system is the chassis 12-volt DC that controls your brake lights, tail-lights engine starter motor, and electric wheel brakes.
Conclusion
By following all the guidelines given in this article, be sure that you are at a point in picking the best RV converter for Agm batteries. Also, consider the factors to consider when buying this device, and from there, you are at liberty to compare and contrast the best products. You can share this article with anybody you know who needs knowledge about converters.
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FAQ’s
What is the best RV converter charger?
An RV converter is electric-powered hardware for the conversion of voltage. It is the necessary equipment in a recreational vehicle. This is because it is the source of all the appliances, such as a fridge coffee machine that uses electric energy. For this reason, it is recommended to look for the following recreational vehicle converters that are the best in the market. They are said to be the best because they have the following features LED indicator light, charging has three stages and has a cooling fan. For example;
- parallax 8345
- progressive dynamics PD 9260CV
- WFCO WF-8955
- Powermax PM-3
How do I know if my converter is bad in my RV?
In order for an RV owner to know that they are converter is bad, they need to look at the different kinds of signs of the converter. When the RV converter depletes the battery charge, this can sign a bad converter. This is because it requires to sustain consistent battery charge. Other signs that can help detect the problem include flickering of lights, dimming of light after being turned on the interior, and the fan not cooling as it should. Testing the batteries individually can help you avoid this kind of issue.
How many amps does an RV converter use?
The RV converter uses two different kinds of amperage. These include AC Amps and DC amps. This will also depend on the recreational vehicle's electrical system. When using the DC amps, it is usually for appliances such as lights, antenna or fans. The converter uses 0 amps almost. This is because the appliances such as clocks or gas leak LP uses a very small amount of electrical supply. This means that the RV converter will be at 30 amps 45 or 55amps. This electrical supply can run at least 12 volts of equipment, which at its maximum, will use the 8amps from the 30 amps accessible.
What happens when the RV converter goes bad?
The RV converter is vital equipment. This means that it will cause a lot of disruption in the recreational vehicle when it goes bad. Things like equipment and accessories will not be charged or work when the RV converter goes bad; it causes the batteries to leak, which can eventually mean the RV owners replace the batteries. The batteries cannot hold the charge because the converter issue can either be replaced or tested if each battery single to test it.
Can you trickle charge an AGM battery?
An AGM battery has little self-discharge. This means that it is not necessarily for it to be trickled. It also depends on the RV owner the amount of time for the battery to last. It's recommended to consider trickling because you will expect satisfied long battery life. Trickle charging is also considered because it's more prudent. Some experts advise trickle of AGM battery after about thrice monthly but only during storage. It is also important to ensure that you follow the instructions that the manufacturer has recommended when using the AGM battery.