While renovationg our trailer and searching for parts, I came across converters and they got me thinking...Are they worth it?

I currently run 2 seperate systems...12v and 120v. Two Group 27 Marine deep cycles in series with each own chargers plugged in to the 120v. I camped an entire week and the battery meter was still green with extensive use of the water pump, lights, etc.

We mostly camp in areas with no hookups.

Do I need to spend the money on one during this renovation? What are the benefits besides battery charging and converting 120v to 12v when available.

If I decide to go this direction, I would want an inverter, as well. Theoretically, could I hook the inverter to the batteries, then plug the converter in to the inverter and have a constant 120 to the converter so in essence, it would charge the batteries and provide strong 12v while in use...correct? Or would this just make it blow up?

As you mentioned, a converter will charge your batteries and provide a 12v system when using 110V. An inverter will provide 110V from the 12V source. Unfortunately, the amount of amperage available from a battery source, coupled with the current loss through the inverter, will leave little available amperage available to run many 110V appliances.

It would supply enough current for 110 V lighting, or a short run time when using a fan etc. Most appliances needing higher amperage sources, a micro wave, coffee makers etc will not work. The batteries will become quickly drained when ever an inverter is used to produce 110V.

If you hook an inverter to the batteries and then install a converter to charge them, you will create a system that would involve a large current loss. It can't work, it would deplete your batteries from the losses used up by the two devices. You can't take power from the batteries to recharge them. You can't create more current, from that with which you are starting. You need an outside power source to charge your system.

Your two systems with the 12v charges seem to work well. The only difference a converter would make is to replace the chargers, and be a direct supply of 12V to run your DC system, when you are plugged into 110V. I believe you meant to say your batteries were in a parallel system furnishing 12V and not a series furnishing 24V.

Best of luck with your renovations.

Thanks for the replies! I guess it was just wishful thinking. The system I have now works well so I will just save my money.

And yes Gard, by series I meant parallel.