High pitched noise when I turn lights (not consistent)

Kathy T. · 05-29-2017, 04:17 PM

I know I asked this awhile back, but I can't seem to find an answer. I even took my trailer in for service and they said they had no idea. Whenever I turn on lights in my trailer, there is a high pitched whistle that sounds like it is coming from the fuse panel. Sometimes it does it when I first turn on a light, sometimes after the light has been on for a couple of minutes. The sound usually lasts no longer that a minute and comes and goes. Someone before mentioned it was the converter. If so... Why? I would appreciate any feedback on this, thank you!

Rrickim63 · 05-29-2017, 04:23 PM

Possibly the fan for the converter. As the 12 volt load increases, heat is generated. You may be hearing the cooling fan keeping the converter cool.

Kathy T. · 05-29-2017, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rrickim63

Possibly the fan for the converter. As the 12 volt load increases, heat is generated. You may be hearing the cooling fan keeping the converter cool.

Thank you...I bought my trailer new in 08', never made this noise until last year... Could the converter be going bad?

Scrapper · 05-29-2017, 05:00 PM

It could be the fan bearings (sleeve type bearing) going bad or could be a capacitor in the converter going bad. A electrolytic capacitor will sometimes make a high pitched whistle as they are failing, sometimes they will go with a bang, and sometimes with a whistle and then a bang.

Kathy T. · 05-29-2017, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrapper

It could be the fan bearings (sleeve type bearing) going bad or could be a capacitor in the converter going bad. A electrolytic capacitor will sometimes make a high pitched whistle as they are failing, sometimes they will go with a bang, and sometimes with a whistle and then a bang.

What will happen if "it goes"?

Scrapper · 05-29-2017, 05:19 PM

It will completely stop charging your battery(ies). If it goes with a bang and you are close enough, you'll know. Sounds like a gun shot.

Had one pop in a desktop computer on the power regulator of the motherboard. I was using it at the time. Computer shut down immediately. Capacitor before: 1/2 inch diameter x 1 inch tall, after: bits of paper all over inside and the metal case laying in the bottom.
BTW, I had noticed a high pitch whistle every so often for 2 weeks previous.

Tankmaster · 05-30-2017, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kathy T.

I know I asked this awhile back, but I can't seem to find an answer. I even took my trailer in for service and they said they had no idea. Whenever I turn on lights in my trailer, there is a high pitched whistle that sounds like it is coming from the fuse panel. Sometimes it does it when I first turn on a light, sometimes after the light has been on for a couple of minutes. The sound usually lasts no longer that a minute and comes and goes. Someone before mentioned it was the converter. If so... Why? I would appreciate any feedback on this, thank you!

I just picked up my 2018 Forest River Hyper Lite 30HDS about a month ago. I noticed that high pitched noise you mentioned. I only notice it when I turn on the bathroom light. I know that it's not an exhaust fan it comes from the fuse panel. It will run a little then stop. I hope it's not a bad converter already. Waiting on Forest River to answer. Anyone have this problem too?

ColoradoRick · 05-30-2017, 11:23 AM

I was, also, thinking it's just your power convertor. When mine gets a certain load on it (like having a lot of lights on and then turning on my coffee maker) the convertor will make a noise and the cooling fan inside also comes on.

The reason is it has to convert the 110 shore power (or 30 or 50 amps) down to 12-volts which is what most things the camper runs on.

Scrapper · 05-30-2017, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColoradoRick

I was, also, thinking it's just your power convertor. When mine gets a certain load on it (like having a lot of lights on and then turning on my coffee maker) the convertor will make a noise and the cooling fan inside also comes on.

The reason is it has to convert the 110 shore power (or 30 or 50 amps) down to 12-volts which is what most things the camper runs on.

You should not be getting a whistling from your converter. Fan running should only be the blades pushing the air.

FYI, 95% of capacitors are made in China. There was several large batches, several millions, made with the wrong chemicals used in the electrolyte that the paper insulation is soaked in. This electrolyte is what was traced to be the cause of failure. Who knows how many are still on the shelves.

redleg719 · 05-30-2017, 04:33 PM

Check the converter fan. Mine did that, then got static in sound bar speakers then all quit. Called FR they were going to schedule mobile repair & ship new one but I changed myself. Rig was only 5 month old

Jonol · 05-30-2017, 04:43 PM

Your problem is in the converter/ Charger!
When the charger is charging the battery or supply the 12 volt to your TT.
The converter transformer make that noize also they add ferite beads to the diodes and that can also vibrate and make the noize .
It can be fix by an electronic tech. Not a big job!

hankpac · 05-30-2017, 04:45 PM

Sorry, I had to do it. It just leaped into my mind when I read the original title. https://youtu.be/STNrDw8qpag
"Lord, forgive me for what i done right there..."

MartiB · 05-30-2017, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tankmaster

I just picked up my 2018 Forest River Hyper Lite 30HDS about a month ago. I noticed that high pitched noise you mentioned. I only notice it when I turn on the bathroom light.

I've noticed my 2015 Salem CruiseLite has a hum coming from the fuse box area but only when more than one light is turned on.

mfMcFroggierPod · 05-30-2017, 08:16 PM

Sounds like the converter fan / bearing noise.
Replace Fan.

Kathy T. · 05-30-2017, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hankpac

Sorry, I had to do it. It just leaped into my mind when I read the original title. https://youtu.be/STNrDw8qpag
"Lord, forgive me for what i done right there..."

[emoji23] [emoji23]

Tankmaster · 05-31-2017, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tankmaster

I just picked up my 2018 Forest River Hyper Lite 30HDS about a month ago. I noticed that high pitched noise you mentioned. I only notice it when I turn on the bathroom light. I know that it's not an exhaust fan it comes from the fuse panel. It will run a little then stop. I hope it's not a bad converter already. Waiting on Forest River to answer. Anyone have this problem too?

Thanks everyone for your feedback on this issue. Sounds like everyone has the same conclusions about the noise. I just don't want to be stranded with no electricity lol. All the dealers are booked up till July 10 I have another issue the brakes so I have a quick stop in and they will look at it. Safety first so hopefully they can hear the fan and fix it or order one. Thanks more to follow

Tankmaster · 06-01-2017, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColoradoRick

I was, also, thinking it's just your power convertor. When mine gets a certain load on it (like having a lot of lights on and then turning on my coffee maker) the convertor will make a noise and the cooling fan inside also comes on.

The reason is it has to convert the 110 shore power (or 30 or 50 amps) down to 12-volts which is what most things the camper runs on.

Thanks for your feedback that's what dealer told me today.

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