converter issue?

[terdeb99]

How can I tell whether my converter is working properly? We returned from camping last week...first couple of nights everything appeared to be OK. Aboult mid-week we noticed that the radio had stopped and when I went I went to investigate, the fridge was out as well.

Went through a bunch of tests...unplugging things, turning lights off etc. Finally shut most of lights off for night leaving fridge on (when it finally came on). Next day it appeared to be OK. Two nights later similar issues.

When we broke camp, the battery was dead and of course the power winch wouldn't work. Needed a charged battery.

We have a 2013 HW 277. Any advice would be appreciated.

[clr]

I would first take a multi-meter and check the voltage across the battery with the RV plugged into shore power. If the converter is outputting and attempting to charge the batteries it would read 13.6 VDC or so. If you are reading a dead battery only it will be about 11.5VDC. It sounds like you converter is not charging the battery.

[terdeb99]

Thanks. We will check.

[terdeb99]

Per your suggestion, I checked the battery while plugged into shore power. The meter read 13.62.

[bikendan]

Were you plugged into shore power when you were camping last week?

[clr]

Well from your readings 13.62 v I would say your converter is working. I agree with bikendan sounds like you were camping without AC power and just ran the battery dead.

[terdeb99]

yes. made camp on Sunday. Everything appeared to be OK until midweek then issues began w/ fridge and lights. Full power on and off for remainder of week.

Lots of units running AC around us....we didn't. Would that impact our service?

[terdeb99]

Is it possible that our power source was suspect?

[clr]

It is possible that your power was suspect. Have seen some weird electrical problems with campground power. Also when a campground is full and the weather is hot and many are using AC the problems seem to multiply.

[fishingpolesling]

I'm having a similar problem, only my 6 volt batteries (wired in series) are only reading 11.8 volts when plugged into shore power. I triple checked the wire terminals on top of the batteries- all good.
Any ideas here? Do converters go bad?

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by fishingpolesling

I'm having a similar problem, only my 6 volt batteries (wired in series) are only reading 11.8 volts when plugged into shore power. I triple checked the wire terminals on top of the batteries- all good.
Any ideas here? Do converters go bad?

Yes they can "just" go out.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "15 nights"

[fishingpolesling]

Thanks TURBS- other than the batteries not getting adequate voltage are there any other signs I would see to double prove the converter is bad? IE- I don't want to spend $2-300 on a new converter without 100% proof.

Thanks again.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by fishingpolesling

Thanks TURBS- other than the batteries not getting adequate voltage are there any other signs I would see to double prove the converter is bad? IE- I don't want to spend $2-300 on a new converter without 100% proof.

Thanks again.

If it's a wfco converter there's a trouble shooting guide here on the forum under the library tab at the top of the browser.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/downloads.php

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "15 nights"

[fishingpolesling]

I looked at that already TURBS, unfortunately my existing converter is a different brand.

Thanks anyway.

[davemoore99]

Originally Posted by TURBS

If it's a wfco converter there's a trouble shooting guide here on the forum under the library tab at the top of the browser.
Forest River Forums - Downloads

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "15 nights"

Dumb question TURBS but I think my converter may be bad, I have no power inside my trailer when plugged into shore power except for my microwave and all outlets work. Nothing else does. So I was thinking of testing my converter. Forgive me but I'm not very knowledgeable on electrical systems but I'm handy. So to do the troubleshooting on the converter do I disconnect all the wires and take the entire unit out? From reading the guide it would be impossible to test it while it's still installed.

Thanks!

[clr]

Disconnect the positive lead from the battery. Then plug your unit into shore power. Read across the positive lead and negative lead with a multimeter set to the DC voltage scale. If the converter is working properly you should read 13.6 VDC or so from the DC output of the converter. If you get no voltage then the converter is back or the connections between. If you get no voltage reading then go directly to the DC output on the converter and measure there. Just ensure that the positive battery lead does not come in contact with the frame when you are doing this.

[davemoore99]

Does anyone have experience with the Progressive Dynamics Converter? Thought about replacing my possibly bad WFCO with this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Dy.../dp/B002OR4242

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by clr

Disconnect the positive lead from the battery.

This is an IMPORTANT STEP.

If your battery is shorted internally due to a broken plate, the converter WILL NOT WORK in order to protect itself from destruction.

Once the bad battery is out of the system, the converter should reset and deliver the 13+ volts (AT THE CONVERTER) if it is working properly.

Also you should check the two current limiters between the converter and the battery. (One near the battery and one under the frame or pin box near the umbilical cord box) The short side has a button that will pop out when it "blows." Correct the overload condition and press the reset button.

(Yours may be under a red cover).