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03-14-2016, 05:46 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,452
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Upgrading a Converter
Is there any reason an 80 watt rated converter cannot be used to replace a lower rated 55 amp unit?
Nothing wrong with my current unit, but a neighbor has an 80 watt Progressive Dynamics, new in box, that he'll let me have for half of what he paid. Thinking about getting it and keeping it as a spare, or changing mine out with it and using the old one for a spare.
Grumpy
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03-14-2016, 06:28 AM
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#2
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
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Yes there's a problem, I believe an 80 amp converter requires a dedicated 20 amp circuit.
Your 55 amp is only a 15 amp circuit.
You'd have to change the breaker and wore.
2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"
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03-14-2016, 06:52 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,452
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Thanks Turbs for the info. I actually have to get out to the Lexi this morning to see what is actually installed. Never really paid attention to it, as I've never had any electrical problems.
I "think" my breaker box has a 20 amp breaker already there. Just one of those things I've seen dozens of times but never really paid attention too.
If 20 amp already there, any problems?
Just checked...it's a WFCO 55 amp converter. No marking on the converter breaker that I can see.
Now, could I just get a 20 amp resettable breaker, swap out what's there, and then use the 80 amp converter. But then I couldn't reuse my old 55 amp converter if I had too, right?
Grumpy
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03-14-2016, 07:42 AM
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#4
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
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You'd also have to switch the power wires From converter to distribution panel.
There only rated for 15amp and probably 14 gauge you need to install 12 gauge for 20 amp.
Yes you could still use old converter
2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"
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03-14-2016, 07:49 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,452
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Thanks Turbs. It was just a thought. Don't need to change it but thought it couldn't hurt. But for no real return I'll probably pass on it. Just use a 55 amp'er in the future if I ever need to ever replace it.
Grumpy
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03-14-2016, 07:52 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Clarksville Va.
Posts: 10,422
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TURBS
You'd also have to switch the power wires From converter to distribution panel.
There only rated for 15amp and probably 14 gauge you need to install 12 gauge for 20 amp.
Yes you could still use old converter
2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"
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Turbs is correct, but it's an easy change out of wire. Go for it, the 80 amp will charge your battery a lot faster and keep the junk WFCO for a spare.... 
__________________
Coachmen M/H
Concord
2018 / 300 DSC
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03-14-2016, 08:01 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,452
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You talked me into it. I've got rolls of wire, connectors, ect. Didn't realize it would charge batteries faster. Running wire and changing out everything is simple...everything readily accessable.
If it's just a matter of changing out the breaker and running wire, than no problem.
Haven't checked into the connections at the converter to see if they'll match up. I'll get the PD unit from neighbor and compare it later today.
He only wants a 100 bucks for it...bought it for his class a but never installed it. Sold rig and is getting rid of some stuff.
Grumpy
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03-14-2016, 08:06 AM
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#8
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
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Pm sent
2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"
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03-14-2016, 08:25 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 4,167
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https://www.bluesea.com/resources/1437
Also you should check on the DC side of things to make sure wires going from converter/distribution panel to battery can carry the extra amps without overheating. Link above is for marine application but would be good info for RV's application.....
__________________
Fonzie
2011 Rockwood 8319SS with ProPride 3P hitch/GoodYear Marathons/TST TPMS 507
2019 F350 Ruby Red 6.7l diesel 3.31 axle electronic locker
Yamaha 3000iseb generator:Progressive Ind. EMS-HW30C : Eastern Ontario
Nights Camped: 2014 (18) 2015 (18) 2016 (36) 2017 (32) 2018 (42) 2019 (28) 2020 (35)
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03-14-2016, 08:33 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,452
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Sounds like my simple plan is snowballing. Again, this was just to see if it would be a simple swap/upgrade as neighbor had a quality part for sale at a good price. Dosen't sound like much return for what has to be done.
Nothing wrong at all with my factory set up...have never even had a blown fuse in 3 years.
Thanks for everyones input...I'll just keep my present system as is.
Grumpy
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03-14-2016, 09:00 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Clarksville Va.
Posts: 10,422
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fonzie
https://www.bluesea.com/resources/1437
Also you should check on the DC side of things to make sure wires going from converter/distribution panel to battery can carry the extra amps without overheating. Link above is for marine application but would be good info for RV's application.....
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The wire is big enough for them amps that the convertor will put out, you will never see a full 80 amps delv. to the battery, could be wrong but don't think so.
__________________
Coachmen M/H
Concord
2018 / 300 DSC
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