FEMA Fleetwood Morgan converter replacement

[jawar11715]

We just got a older Morgan camper to use and fix up while our house is repaired from hurricane damage the campers power converter is bad and needs to be replaced but this is all new to me and I need some help finding a replacement converter that will fit and work this is what is currently installed in the camper I believe the camper is from around 2006 from the date code on the converter
Thanks everyone for any help

 

[CharlesinGA]

Back up and take a pic of the whole panel, if you would. Atwood was bought out by Dometic, who does not make or market power panels or converters. That is a metal housing and it leads me to think it is manufactured by Parallax.

When all else fails, call Best Converter, as they are most likely to be familiar with the more obsolete panels.

Charles

 

[IBTripping]

Contacted Best Converter when my old one quit. They told me which one replaces the old one. Perfect fit.

 

[jawar11715]

Back up and take a pic of the whole panel, if you would. Atwood was bought out by Dometic, who does not make or market power panels or converters. That is a metal housing and it leads me to think it is manufactured by Parallax.

When all else fails, call Best Converter, as they are most likely to be familiar with the more obsolete panels.

Charles

 

[CharlesinGA]

The converter is the bottom section. I'll bet that Best Converter can recommend a multistage converter that will fit, might take a little adapting but should not be too difficult. Never seen one with that type of layout.

This old thread may help you. -or- this newer thread will also help.

Read this one also.

The common theme of these threads is to remove the old converter and install a "deck mount" version which is a stand alone converter, that can be screwed to the floor or inside a housing (provided there is some ventilation).

The Progressive Dynamics 9260 (you have a 55 amp, 60 is close) or you could use a PD 4655 and remove the circuit board and innards from the metal housing and fit it in place of the existing circuit board/converter in the Atwood housing. The PD4600 series is made to remove the innards for use in WFCO power centers where you discard the metal housing (kinda a shame to waste it but.....)

Power-Converters - Progressive Dynamics

Charles

 

[jawar11715]

Ok thank you I reached out to Best converters and will look at those others as well

 

[jawar11715]

So best converted told me to go with the boondocker 1260pc 60 amp
i may have to move it as it probably wont fit in the old spot on the side of the bunk beds
im gonna order it with the breakers included the current atwood has 30,20,15,15,15 is that the same one i need to get with the new setup?they also offered it with 30,20,20,20,20

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The 15A version would be preferred but the 20A will work ok.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Why are they telling you to replace the entire panel?

Did you look at the other threads I linked to? Several people have very good luck simply removing the old converter and fitting a new one in its place in the bottom of the Atwood panel.

I guess I have a thing for high quality steel power centers vs the cheap plastic crap you get nowdays. I know the power center is about the same price as a Progressive Dynamics converter, but I'll take the PD converter any day.

I'm sorta wondering about the folks at Best Converter. When I bought my present trailer, I called them about the WFCO converter that had been installed in my Parallax panel, it was a WFCO kit to replace the Parallax and I wanted it gone. They tried to get me to change out the panel, I finally said forget it, and bought a PD 4645 converter kit and stuck it in. I had done this conversion previously on my motorhome, and really was not sure why I actually called them, I just wasn't familiar with that stuff like I am now.

Changing out the whole panel is a lot of work. Changing out the converter is an hour or so.

Charles

 

[John From Detroit]

I'd go with the Progressive Dynamics 4655 or close (The last two digits are the output amps) as PD is one very fine converter... I spent some time trying to find a better one ... failed.

Made in the USA as well (Marshall MI a few blocks south of the Fountain) Been there when my 9180 died.

 

[Kirk]

I am wondering how much electrical experience you have? The project you are taking on is not a simple one.

 

[jawar11715]

I have someone who's very good with electrical help get it installed we went with the boondocker 1260 PC and got it wired in there's power to the camper now fridge microwave and all outlets are working just need to get a new battery for the lights and AC the AC and heat are a combo electric unit

 

[jawar11715]

I know I need to purchase a 12v deep cycle marine RV battery but does the group size matter? And what's the ideal amperage I should look for the camper will not be moved anymore and will stay plugged in to electrical power when in use i saw this one at tractor supply but want to buy whatever the best one will be
The battery sits on the front of the camper behind the propane tanks it has a plastic cover that goes over it but it's missing right now which is why I'm unsure of what was there previously
Thanks everyone for all your help!

 

[jawar11715]

Why are they telling you to replace the entire panel?

Did you look at the other threads I linked to? Several people have very good luck simply removing the old converter and fitting a new one in its place in the bottom of the Atwood panel.

I guess I have a thing for high quality steel power centers vs the cheap plastic crap you get nowdays. I know the power center is about the same price as a Progressive Dynamics converter, but I'll take the PD converter any day.

I'm sorta wondering about the folks at Best Converter. When I bought my present trailer, I called them about the WFCO converter that had been installed in my Parallax panel, it was a WFCO kit to replace the Parallax and I wanted it gone. They tried to get me to change out the panel, I finally said forget it, and bought a PD 4645 converter kit and stuck it in. I had done this conversion previously on my motorhome, and really was not sure why I actually called them, I just wasn't familiar with that stuff like I am now.

Changing out the whole panel is a lot of work. Changing out the converter is an hour or so.

Charles

We just decided to change it all since the camper is a 2005 model rather just have it all updated and not worry with it for a long time hopefully

 

[CharlesinGA]

What part of "Jawja" are you located in? If close enough I might come and get it when you get done, I'd be interested to see how its built, as I have no first hand experience with the Atwood panels.

Charles

 

[jawar11715]

I'm in South Georgia in tattnall county about 30 mins from vidalia

 

[John From Detroit]

Yes Size does matter... Two different ways.

First your battery box/tray is likely designed for one. or Two Group 24, 27 or 31 batteries.. a 31 won't fit in the other two and an the other two will "Rattle around" in a size 31 box. (Unless you shim it as I've been known to do with a slab or two of wood)

Second
Group 24 about 75 AH perhaps 25 usable
Group 27/29 around 100 AH give or take a bit 30 usable
Group 31 120-130 AH and agin go with 30% usable.

GC-2 Will fit in a TALL 24 box. you need TWO Golf Car batteries to hit 12 volts (GC-2 Get it) 200-230 amp hours and half usable...

LiFePO4.. Slightly different converter settings if adjustable or needed if not.. A group 24 is about 100 Ah and about 95% or more usable. : BUT... Other things need to be addressed (like do not charge if sub freezing)

 

[jawar11715]

Yes Size does matter... Two different ways.

First your battery box/tray is likely designed for one. or Two Group 24, 27 or 31 batteries.. a 31 won't fit in the other two and an the other two will "Rattle around" in a size 31 box. (Unless you shim it as I've been known to do with a slab or two of wood)

Second
Group 24 about 75 AH perhaps 25 usable
Group 27/29 around 100 AH give or take a bit 30 usable
Group 31 120-130 AH and agin go with 30% usable.

GC-2 Will fit in a TALL 24 box. you need TWO Golf Car batteries to hit 12 volts (GC-2 Get it) 200-230 amp hours and half usable...

LiFePO4.. Slightly different converter settings if adjustable or needed if not.. A group 24 is about 100 Ah and about 95% or more usable. : BUT... Other things need to be addressed (like do not charge if sub freezing)

the old battery is missing so i have no clue what was on there before the plastic tray it used to sit in is the only thing i have left
the plastic holder that was there will only fit one battery for sure and there's only one set of cables a ground and a positive
I'm gonna have to buy a new battery tray also bc the lid and strap are gone
do i just need to measure that old box and get the battery that fits that one or can i just get a group 31 since its the stronger option since i have to get a new holder for it anyways? Sorry this is all new to me I'm used to just looking at the old battery and seeing what i need the easy way
Thank You!

 

[Kirk]

do i just need to measure that old box and get the battery that fits that one or can i just get a group 31 since its the stronger option since i have to get a new holder for it anyways?

A battery is a storage device for direct current electricity and just as a larger tank will hold more water, a larger battery holds more electricity. I doubt that the existing battery box would hold a group 31 but since part of it is missing you will need to buy a new one anyhow, so why not choose the battery that you want and get a box that will hold it?
Battery boxes

 

[jawar11715]

A battery is a storage device for direct current electricity and just as a larger tank will hold more water, a larger battery holds more electricity. I doubt that the existing battery box would hold a group 31 but since part of it is missing you will need to buy a new one anyhow, so why not choose the battery that you want and get a box that will hold it?
Battery boxes

Ok
Thank You!