CONVERTOR - takes 120 Volts AC and distributes it and converts it to 12 V DC. The unit will give 120V AC and 12V DC to sockets in your trailer. Almost all modern converters are also smart 3 stage battery chargers.
An INVERTER, takes 12V DC and Inverts it to low wattage 120AC. Inverters are generally impractical for campers, as a 12V battery being used to create 120VAC will be dead very quickly, and it can only be used for low wattage. (so no AC, Microwave, lights, etc).
The most common modern convertor found in pups is the WFCO 87xx series (where xx is the amps) with the 8735 being the most common.
 |
The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything that they have! |
I have used inverters (going from DC to AC or Battery to household power) at Flea Markets to plug in a clock or a light to show that it works. I don't run it all the time just a few moments to show that something electronic works. Like Phil said, it will drain the battery quick if you try to continuously run an appliance that way.
The converter (going from AC to DC or Household to Battery power) is in campers because the lights and a few other appliances can be run off of the battery. When you plug in, it changes the power so you can run those appliances.
My first camper, a 1984 Columbia, only had one light in the ceiling that didn't work/wasn't used. After thinking about it, the cost of parts needed to get one light to work, it was not worth it. I bought 2 battery operated LED lights for $12 each and screwed them to the ceiling. If I needed electric and was at a site that had it, I would just run an extension cord outside.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
