Can I Power A Converter Off An Inverter In My Camper?
Published 02/17/2026
Question:
Can I run the WFCO converter off my sine wave inverter? in travel trailer
asked by: Dave
Expert Reply:
Hey Dave.
A converter like # WF58FR 45A turns AC power into DC power to charge your batteries and run 12V loads. An inverter does the opposite - it turns battery DC power into 120V AC.
If you plug a converter into an inverter that’s powered by the same battery bank, you’re basically creating a loop: battery to inverter to converter to battery. That wastes energy and doesn’t accomplish anything . I would not ever do this.
Now if you were actually wondering if a converter and inverter can play nicely together in the same electrical system, the answer is usually yes. A converter can be set up to charge the batteries and 12v dc loads from shore power. Then an inverter can be hooked to the batteries to pull dc 12v power and change it to AC power for electrical outlets when off-grid and not on shore power.
So they can be used together in a way, but they have different purposes and are not used to power each other in a useless loop of energy, if that makes sense. What exactly are you trying to do, Dave?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
WFCO Auto-Detect RV Converter Charger - Deck Mount - 12V - 45 Amp
- Power Converter
- Converter Only
- Automatic Switch
- 12V
- 45 Amps
- AC to DC
- AGM
- Gel
- Lead Acid
- Lithium
- RV
- Multi-Stage Charge
- WFCO
more information >
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Dave
2/17/2026
Ok thanks for clearing that up. I honestly am new to all this so I apologize for the silly question. I think I was asking if an RV / travel trailer can have both at the same time.