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New 12V Converter

Old vs New 12 volt converter.
12 volt converter.

After we left for this Spring 2026 trip, I discovered that the 12 volt converter was failing to charge the battery. I ordered the new one from Amazon. The old converter was model PM3-45 Powermax which is not the original unit. The one I purchased is a PM4-55A Powermax which is the exact same form factor as the old one.

The converter is located behind the grill in the picture which is removed by 4 torx screws. Behind the grill is a sheet metal box with the front side open. It is held in with 1/4″ hex sheet metal screws. It is advisable to make the change with NO POWER (NO AC power AND NO DC power) to avoid shorts, sparks and the like.

Motorhome interior panel with a vent grille below

Notice the 4 tabs at the top of the picture. I had to fold them down in order for the new converter to fit. The old one had the same tabs folded down on them. Had I been home, I would have cut slots in the mounting box to accommodate the tabs. Also the new converter comes with an AC cord with a plug on the end. Since my rig has a third party inverter in it, there was a relay added to disconnect the converter when the inverter is in use. I simply cut the plug off and wired it in exactly like the old one was.

After the change I was pleased at how the new converter keeps the battery pack charged. It has a 4 stage output that gives you bulk charging when needed and trickle charging for maintenance. It also has a switch for fixed voltage charging used with the newest Lithium batteries.


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