Converter Noise

3 Happy Campers · 11-21-2012, 12:56 PM

Really scratching my head on this.
Have been camping since last Sat @ Otter Lake in Marshalls Creek PA. (Otter Lake) Outside temp has been upper 20s to mid 50s. Inside temp has been set @ 66f during the day & 60f @ night.

About 3 hours a go started hearing a strange sound coming from the converter.

The best I can describe the sound would be the sound the hot water heater makes after having turned on the electric for about 2-3 mins.

Converter fan works & all 12v/110v systems seem to be functioning.
I got out the DMM & all voltages read okay.
The sound will go on for about 10 mins then stop for 20-30 mins then start again for 10mins or so.

I’ve stared at the thing for about an hour & I’m all out of ideas!

Have to run out for a little to pick up provisions for tomorrow.

Thanks for any feedback!

flymhi · 11-21-2012, 01:00 PM

Sounds like an internal heat issue. Does the unit get hot? It may be on the verge of failing. The high power transistors can start to sing just before failing due to overheating. How old is the unit?

TURBS · 11-21-2012, 01:11 PM

More than likely it's a wfco converter and there downfall is bad fans and overheating and then failure.
Soon your lights will start to go dim then back to bright and so on until it dies.
Then you replace it with a progressive dynamics converter and problem solved.

Turbs

Broadway Joe · 11-21-2012, 01:26 PM

You don't mention if you have had external power 120v ac plugged in full time or just temporary. The converter will try to charge the battery if you have discharged it significantly. This might only be the fan which tries to cool the unit under heavy load. I would monitor your battery voltage and keep on eye on the converter.

VinceU · 11-21-2012, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

More than likely it's a wfco converter and there downfall is bad fans and overheating and then failure.
Soon your lights will start to go dim then back to bright and so on until it dies.
Then you replace it with a progressive dynamics converter and problem solved.

Turbs

X2 The cycle you describe on/off is about normal for light to med DC load and maintaining the battery. The noise is the only moving part in the converter/ fan beaings.

Witch Doctor · 11-21-2012, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinceU

X2 The cycle you describe on/off is about normal for light to med DC load and maintaining the battery. The noise is the only moving part in the converter/ fan beaings.

I had the same problem the dealer replaced the converter the fan noise stopped even more quite then when the tt was new, when he took it out he showed me the bearing were wore out in the fan, it was moving in and out. after about 6 mos only. If you are under warranty yet they will replace it with the same crap WFCO ..........

TURBS · 11-21-2012, 02:14 PM

I'd pay the difference to upgrade to a progressive dynamics if it was under warranty.

The newer wfco converters have 2 fans.
I went one step further and added a 3rd.

Turbs

Witch Doctor · 11-21-2012, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

I'd pay the difference to upgrade to a progressive dynamics if it was under warranty.

The newer wfco converters have 2 fans.
I went one step further and added a 3rd.

Turbs

Well I guess I got crap again, the unit they put in only had (1) one fan the same they took out, and told me that FR sent them the replacement. Well If it go's out again and I have the 2nd year warranty I will take your advice and pay the extra.....Thanks turbo......

TURBS · 11-21-2012, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

Well I guess I got crap again, the unit they put in only had (1) one fan the same they took out, and told me that FR sent them the replacement. Well If it go's out again and I have the 2nd year warranty I will take your advice and pay the extra.....Thanks turbo......

Sorry!

3 Happy Campers · 11-21-2012, 06:06 PM

I’m on my 2nd converter in less than three years!

I actually knew what the sound meant, was just hoping someone would say everything’s okay.

Before we went out the fan was working, now it’s not.
I reached in with a twig & gave it a push & it started spinning sloooow.

We’re set up for a two month stay. I even went out & bought a 100lb propane tank. Have the site until the Sat after new year’s.

I yelled at it for 10 mins & nothing!

This will be a difficult fix. Nobody’s going to be open tomorrow.
We were scheduled to stay until Sat & returning next weekend.
Will have to bring a new one with me & it’s not going to be as warm as it is right now!

Witch Doctor · 11-21-2012, 07:26 PM

3 happy campers, you only option will be to either plug into your TV or if you have a charger with you that you can use and stay on 12v, you can't do anything else. Good luck anyway.

TURBS · 11-30-2012, 11:53 PM

Did u get another converter ?

3 Happy Campers · 12-01-2012, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Did u get another converter ?

They had to order it & it came in on Thurs. They didn't have a Parallax 500 Series 55 amp unit in stock.
Since I'm doing this while still using the camper & at a campground, I decided not to experiment with anything other than a direct replacement. I'll do the swap later today when it warms up a little & I can unplug from shore power & disconnect the battery.

The swap will actually involve just the lower portion of the power ctr.
It looks to be easy enough. Just have to label every wire & reconnect everything in reverse order.
I expect 30-60 mins to complete.

3 Happy Campers · 12-01-2012, 05:45 AM

What a difference in a week.
Thanksgiving week it was in the mid to upper 50s & we were sitting by the lake just waring flannel shirts & vests.
This week the lake is frozen over & we had a couple inches of snow the other day.

VinceU · 12-01-2012, 09:31 PM

Been there quite a few times myself, Otter Lake, nice park, good folks run it. Just hate the 7 mile access "trail" leading to it, always afraid will be the next reported lost soul in the Marshall Creek Times. Sure wasn't made for 101" wide RV's!

3 Happy Campers · 12-02-2012, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinceU

Been there quite a few times myself, Otter Lake, nice park, good folks run it. Just hate the 7 mile access "trail" leading to it, always afraid will be the next reported lost soul in the Marshall Creek Times. Sure wasn't made for 101" wide RV's!

That drive is something else! Would hate to have to make it every day for work...
I'd rather have the drive on Marshall Creek Rd than be at a CG right next to an interstate. I'm sorry but it doesn't matter how many amenities a CG has, when you hear the traffic & jake breaks 24 hours a day just ruins the trip.

Well I didn't get to the swap out yesterday. I didn't bring an extension cord & drop light. It was too overcast all day & just a flashlight wasn't enough. Not going to be any better today. I'm 20' from the lake & @ the time of this post I can't see the lake from the fog.

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