Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > General Discussions about our Montanas
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-05-2011, 11:28 AM   #1
Parts Ed
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Silverton
Posts: 489
M.O.C. #11144
What is the difference between......

Pardon me asking but what is the difference between a converter and an inverter?? And do either of them have surge protection built in with a particular brand and if so, which brand(s).


 
Parts Ed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2011, 11:48 AM   #2
patbarton
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Rising Fawn
Posts: 353
M.O.C. #11268
Your Converter charges your coach batteries using shore power. I know someone who lost a converter due to a power surge caused by lightning; shorted it out.

The Inverter produces an ersatz 120VAC for powering AC appliances from the coach batteries.
patbarton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2011, 11:50 AM   #3
sreigle
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oceanside
Posts: 20,028
M.O.C. #20
A converter changes AC to DC and an inverter does the opposite. In simple terms, a converter usually changes 110v to 12v and an inverter changes 12v to 110v. It's probably more complex as that but this is as much as I understand. As for surge guard protection, that's a separate function. I'm afraid I can't help as to which brands provide that protection.
sreigle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2011, 01:29 PM   #4
Ozz
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
You could protect the converter against voltage spikes with a small surge protector like you protect your computer and electrolics with, or why not protect the entire RV with a main panel protection device.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-INTERMATIC-IG1240RC3-SURGE-PROTECTORS-120-240-SPD-/250684933016?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&clk_rvr_id=2459 04655003
Ozz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2011, 11:00 PM   #5
Phil P
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Okeechobee
Posts: 2,150
M.O.C. #11206
Hello OZZ

Tell us where you mounted this unit?

Then tell us how you make sure your trailer has a good ground?

Thanks in advance

Phil P
__________________
2009 Montana 3665RE
2009 Duramax 3500 DRW quad cab
personal web page https://www.sallyscoffees.com
If you get a page not available then remove the "s" after HTTP
Phil P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2011, 03:01 AM   #6
Ozz
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
My system is a little different, but I landed the wires from the surge protector on my contactor for the transfer switch, one on each pole. It is the same effect as landing the wires on the main 50 amp breaker, you just need a ground, and one each pole. I check for a ground with my meter. When I plug in on park power, the transfer switch has to have good voltage, or it won't pull in the 50 amp contactor.
Mine saved my system in my RV and also in my home, where I have a surge protector in the main panel
Dennis, Mudchief, had his Montana electrical system saved because he installed one in his unit.
This is a surge protector, it protects the electrical system against surges and spikes, it is not a all in one system check and voltage monitor.
But it is also only around $100.00


http://www.smarthome.com/4860/Levito...otector/p.aspx
http://www.smarthome.com/manuals/4860.pdf
Ozz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2011, 03:35 AM   #7
Phil P
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Okeechobee
Posts: 2,150
M.O.C. #11206
Thanks Ozz

But let’s go a little further.

Define “Transfer Switch” and where is it located?

Phil P
__________________
2009 Montana 3665RE
2009 Duramax 3500 DRW quad cab
personal web page https://www.sallyscoffees.com
If you get a page not available then remove the "s" after HTTP
Phil P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2011, 03:52 AM   #8
Ozz
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
No problem Phil,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_switch
As you can see from my photo above, mine is above my washer/dryer, right below the breaker panel. The transfer switch is the large metal box to the right of it.
Ozz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2011, 07:48 AM   #9
Phil P
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Okeechobee
Posts: 2,150
M.O.C. #11206
Hi

Did you installe the transfer switch?

Phil P
__________________
2009 Montana 3665RE
2009 Duramax 3500 DRW quad cab
personal web page https://www.sallyscoffees.com
If you get a page not available then remove the "s" after HTTP
Phil P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2011, 11:21 AM   #10
Ozz
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
Yes sir, I got it on Ebay.
Ozz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2011, 01:26 PM   #11
Phil P
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Okeechobee
Posts: 2,150
M.O.C. #11206

Thanks a lot for the information.

Phil P
__________________
2009 Montana 3665RE
2009 Duramax 3500 DRW quad cab
personal web page https://www.sallyscoffees.com
If you get a page not available then remove the "s" after HTTP
Phil P is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
WHAT A DIFFERENCE Larry-P TIRES, Montana Tires 16 10-28-2016 03:48 PM
What is the difference? Ozz Montana Problems, Problem Solving & Technical Help 10 05-10-2011 03:13 PM
difference between srw and drw thor Tow Vehicles & Towing 17 12-15-2010 03:23 PM
What a difference stiles watson General Discussions about our Montanas 4 03-14-2008 06:29 PM
What a difference Wordsmith General Discussions about our Montanas 11 05-24-2005 12:39 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:32 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.