Converter in 37FLL (2021)

[Tonylmiller]

Does anyone know where the converter is? I hear sounds coming from behind the fuse box and breaker panel. I'm thinking about removing it and looking back there. Does anyone know if it is back there before I remove it?
Specifically, I'm trying to find out if it is compatible with lithium batteries.

 

[Capacitor]

That would be the first place I would look. The sound is the cooling fan.

 

[Tonylmiller]

That would be the first place I would look. The sound is the cooling fan.

Yes, it sounds like a cooling fan.

 

[Larry-NC]

Easier than that

Does anyone know where the converter is? I hear sounds coming from behind the fuse box and breaker panel. I'm thinking about removing it and looking back there. Does anyone know if it is back there before I remove it?
Specifically, I'm trying to find out if it is compatible with lithium batteries.

It's easier than that. Unless there have been modifications, the converter comes with the Power Center. Just open the door to the fuse and breaker panel and read the label.

If the label is missing, just take the front cover off the fuse and breaker panel and you should have visibility to the converter main board.

 

[Capacitor]

Just to be safe before poking around in there, disconnect shore power and activate battery disconnect.

 

[Aussieguy]

there are two basic styles of basic converters
1) as part of the breaker panel .... remove the plastic cover to expose it. it is wired directly in place

2) stand alone converter can be behind the power distribution center or even in another totally different cabinet / compartment


you can see pictures of what you are looking for here... https://www.campingworld.com/inside-rv/indoor-electrical/rv-power-converters-chargers



There are also Inverter/chargers , just to make things more interesting for you.


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If considering lithium and the converter is not lithium capable
do you have any solar?
Invest money in solar upgrade / install. It will give you better value for $$$


Lithium batteries only require a full charge (for balancing) 1-2 times a month. The existing converter will work for lithium to put 90% charge and the solar will finish it off.

biggest benefit you'll get is the ability to boondock off grid a bit longer.
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If you have solar ... look at your solar charge controller see if it has a lithium setting.

 

[Tonylmiller]

Thanks. I do have solar but it is only 50 watts. If I disconnect the battery from load, it will top off the battery.
I will have a look at that panel.

 

[Aussieguy]

look for a solar controller to confirm it can be set for lithium
(voltage setting about 14.4v)

50w panel will only produce about 3 amps max
so will take a long time to top up a bank ... especially if you put in a bigger battery.

During storage with lithium.
disconnect the battery..... It does not need a charger attached for about 6 months. Consult your battery manufacturer's manual.


I would put at least a 200w panel up there and a good controller that can be set for lithium so it will get a good charging while you use it during the season.
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before you buy or upgrade stuff... give serious thought if your camping style would make upgrading worth while..


only camp a couple times a year = not a good investment


or you want to camp more often and have the freedom to choose


you could achieve full trips using only solar and battery, some people never have to go find a hookup saving a lot of $$$ on campground fees.



much depends on your power usage ... Do a usage estimate (power audit)

for average power use peoples.... you could get by with:
lithium 200ah $600
add add around 600-1000w of panels .... about a dollar per watt
Larger solar controller 40-60 amp $2-300


If you want 120v power you can add a medium sized inverter for $300-500

 

[Tonylmiller]

Good news, I have the WFCO model WF-8950 panel. I did not look behind it, but it probably gets power from a WF-9800-AD series converter, which automatically switches if it detects lithium batteries. So the lithium batteries should be "plug and play", I think. I will verify the model before I replaced my battery.
I'm going out to look at my solar controller next.
I normally have two batteries, but one of them has failed. I am currently operating with one 12V battery (lead acid type). What I would like to do is replace it in the spring with one lithium battery (100 AH) and that should be good enough for my uses. I can always install another one later if needed. This setup will save a good bit of weight and should last much longer than lead acid batteries.

 

[Aussieguy]

there was several post and threads about the auto detect AD not working
especially if the wiring from battery to converter is too small


https://www.google.com/search?q=autodetect&x=0&y=0&sitesearch=forestriverforums.com.

 

[Tonylmiller]

there was several post and threads about the auto detect AD not working
especially if the wiring from battery to converter is too small


https://www.google.com/search?q=autodetect&x=0&y=0&sitesearch=forestriverforums.com.

Thanks for the heads up. I will check the model number and then research this issue accordingly.