Electrical Help Please

RenegadeStar · 08-01-2018, 03:13 PM

Hey all! We just became the owners of a new to us 2005 Surveyor SV210T camper. The previous owner told me there was a problem with the converter not charging the external 12V battery and should be replaced. I haven’t gone to a dealer as yet, because I believe in asking around first, but what would be the best system to go with? I took the panel off and my convertor looks to have been replaced around 2008 according to the “void of removed” sticker on the casing. It is a board type convertor that Drew’s I. To the panel box. I’m sure there are some suggestions for what others have used and upgrades as well. My unit has a 30A system as well. I did a search, but seeing as my trailer is older, I wasn’t able to find much out there. I do have a few pictures if that helps too. Any ideas or help are much appreciated! Thanks!

**Flybob** · 08-01-2018, 03:22 PM

Many members who have replaced or upgraded converters have used these.

https://www.progressivedyn.com/

**wmtire** · 08-01-2018, 03:24 PM

I would test the converter before just replacing it. There are several "other" things that could be wrong besides just a supposedly bad converter.

Do you see those two fuses on your 12 volt DC circuit board directly between the red and two yellow wires. Does anything indicate these as being "reverse polarity" fuses? If so, make sure they are good. if anyone has ever connected the battery backwards, these fuses blow to protect the circuitry. This happens a lot, and without good fuses here, the converter cannot output to recharge the battery.

There are also a few other things to check.

Duckogram · 08-01-2018, 03:26 PM

Looks like you have a discontinued Elixir 45.
A search yielded this help: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post964074

CHICKDOE · 08-01-2018, 03:31 PM

things can fail. but if it were me i'd plug it in and let the converter run. take measurements and prove that it is not working before you just go ahead and replace it. it might be that the problem was elsewhere. if you have to replace it get the model number of the converter you have installed. the make a call to a reliable seller (progressive dynamics, best converter, and others) and see what they have to say. having the info (model number, amperage, etc) will allow them to give you good recommendations. they know their stuff!

RenegadeStar · 08-01-2018, 03:36 PM

Interesting... what would be the proper replacement amperage? I have a 30a system. There are 35, 45, and 55 available. What would the benefits be?

RenegadeStar · 08-01-2018, 03:37 PM

I did check the two fuses, and both are still good. I haven’t hooked it to shore power and run a voltage test as yet, but planning to do so this weekend.

**wmtire** · 08-01-2018, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenegadeStar

Interesting... what would be the proper replacement amperage? I have a 30a system. There are 35, 45, and 55 available. What would the benefits be?

This confuses people a lot. The converter takes 120 volt AC and converts it to 12 volt DC (to power up the 12 volt DC items in your RV instead of just using the battery)

Your 30 amp RV is 30 amps of 120 volt AC power.

The converter outputs in 12 volt DC.... so there is a big difference, since converters are rated in DC amps output (35.45.55) and not 120 volt AC amps. The benefits are that the larger the DC amps, the more stuff that can be powered via the converter, but it also may take more AC amps to convert over.

This thread may help:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...nt-152813.html

and this one:

http://rvservices.koa.com/rvinformat...d-amp-draw.asp

CHICKDOE · 08-01-2018, 03:44 PM

don't mix up ac and dc amperage. you seem to have a 30 amp 120 volt ac system (3600 watts). the 35, 45, 55 amps you mention are the max dc 12 volt amperage that the various models of converters output. the greater the dc output amperage the heavier (larger) 12 volt battery cable you will need. don't just upgrade to a converter with greater output capacity without confirming that your 12 volt cabling can handle the increased amperage. the difference is amperage, not voltage.

CHICKDOE · 08-01-2018, 06:11 PM

make and model would do wonders.

Duckogram · 08-01-2018, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHICKDOE

make and model would do wonders.

Look at photo’s It’s an Elixir 45.

RenegadeStar · 08-01-2018, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHICKDOE

make and model would do wonders.

It’s a 2005 Surveyor SV210T

Duckogram · 08-01-2018, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenegadeStar

It’s a 2005 Surveyor SV210T

You said that in your OP.

RenegadeStar · 08-01-2018, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duckogram

You said that in your OP.

I know... I was answering Chickdoe in case he didn’t see that part.

Mr Towed · 08-01-2018, 06:58 PM

I'm new to this, too, but one thing I can tell you is that it doesn't really matter much what model trailer you have, they are all pretty much the same, component-wise. So the fact that a few people noticed you have an Elixer 45 makes it now irrelevant that what trailer it's in. I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that the 45 in Elixir 45 relates to the 35/45/55 amp question, as in, this one is 45 amps, so any replacement should ideally be 45 amps or more. If you have the ability I might guess that simply replacing it (if you narrow it down to the converter being the issue) will cost you less money and time than bringing it to a dealership or repair center.

Please keep us updated as you progress through the diagnostics!
And congrats on the new trailer!

Ilovemywife · 08-01-2018, 07:14 PM

Just disconnect and remove it. A Progressive Dynamics standalone unit mounted as close to the batteries should be your goal to reduce voltage losses and reduce charge time.

Get as big as a converter as you can afford. A larger inverter won't work as hard, should run cooler and last longer. Plus, if you upgrade to more battery capacity, you'll have the surplus capacity to charge them too!

Good luck in your decision.

TLD

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