Converter died, 2nd time.

[srcpaid]

Can a bad battery kill a converter? Our new Rpod's converter died, 1500 miles from home. Our dealer arranged a roadside replacement. Bought a Wallyworld charger to use at night while waiting for the part. (Yes, dvm showed no output at the panel). A week further from home the new converter failed, and the original battery began to not hold a charge above 2 lights on the panel. Got a new battery, used charger at night while we turned around and cut our vacation short, afraid of more serious electrical problems (fire, brake failure, etc.). Back home dealer could find no problems, and we are now on our third converter . One week into testing at home, no problems. New battery the only changed part besides the 3 converters. RV w/o 12v = BAD.

[Bama Rambler]

A weak battery shouldn't damage a new converter. I suspect that you one with a case of infant mortality. 90% of new electronics failures are infantile failure. Your new one will likely run for years without issue.

[Bluepill]

Recommend you read up on converter operation, then monitor your system with a voltmeter. Many good resources via Google. Good one here:

FAQs About Power Converters/Chargers

[Skyliner]

I'm sorry you had converter problems. Can you tell us what brand it is? RV manufacturers usually use the cheapest (lowest quality) components in their builds to increase their bottom line.

You may wish to consider using a progressive dynamics converter. Get the next size up so you have additional capacity and it'll last you forever!

[Bobh62]

We're on our third converter. The first two crapped out on us within one day. The third one is working like a charm since January 12 of this year. We are full timers.

On a side note, I am wondering if I should turn the breaker off for the converter before turning on shore power in the next park we call "home." Wondering if the 50 amp kicking on may have fried the first two. Doesn't really make sense but one never knows.

Thoughts?

Happy camping!

[KyDan]

I never shut off my converter circuit breaker. I just plug into the power post and flip that breaker on and get on with it.

[wahoonc]

If you have the WFCO converter they are not the most robust one on the market. I have had some go years without issue, another lasted less than 6 months and first two replacements were DOA. If I have WFCO I WILL replace them with Progessive Dynamics.

Aaron

[Bobh62]

Thanks!

[srcpaid]

Thanks for replies. Rpod is Forest River, most equipment seems very top line. I owned a computer store, and know all about infant mortality, so we always did a burn in on all new builds. We found lots of DOA's, but our customers never did. Wish FR/whoever made converter took the time too. Battery (hence converter) is too critical to safe towing as well as normal operation. This is my 6th RV, all kinds, and the first time with converter problems. Had something fail on just about every new unit. :/

[OldBob]

One of the first things that I do when I buy a trailer is to replace the WFCO (World Friendship Corp-Chinese) converter with a Progressive Dynamics converter. If you do that you'll never have a converter problem again. It's not hard to do the swap as you match wire for wire. Take a photo of how the WFCO is wired so you'll have it for reference in case you need it. The first time you do it...it may take you 60 minutes. The next time it'll take about 20 minutes.

[mfMcFroggierPod]

Check for bad connections.
Also: confirm your NOT running your refrig on DC
Did you try to connect converter directly to battery? This would eliminate camper systems as fault= troubleshooting.

[srcpaid]

No loose connectors, not running frig on 12v, and converter output terminals showed 0 volts output. Each tech confirmed the converters were dead, both in field and at dealer.

[mfMcFroggierPod]

Has the 120v A/C feed circuit been tested for faults to the converter?