The converter on our Class A has given up the ghost and is not putting out any voltage. It is in a very confined area and replacement is going to be a nightmare. Can I just disconnect it and install a new unit and wire it directly to my battery?

So it right or not at all is my motto. Can you? Sure. Should you? Not really. Get the old converter make and model and go shopping online. Places like bestconverters.com probably lists either a direct replacement or an upgraded drop in.

That should be fine. Be sure to disconnect it on the 120v side.

Make sure to avoid WFCO for the replacement unit.

First.. Where is it. might be easier to dig it out than you think.Second.. YES you can.. in fact unless it is shorted you might not even need to disconnect.And finally..... Converters come in two flavors for this part.ONE is an intergrated part of the power distribution panel THe other is stand alone.ON Stand alone there will be 1,2 or 3 fuses. usually 30 amp.. they may be blown YOu may need to pull the beast to find 'em but 5.00 for fuses beats 230 for a new converter (Progressive Dynamics 9180 R)In my case ther fuses were good.on intergerated the fuse is usually easier to get to (on the fuse panel).

Yes, that will work fine. As you say, disconnect the 120 and 12V sides and just leave it there. Connect the new converter and wire it to your 12V fuse panel. The circuit ends up being no different than what you had.

Replacing converter | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

mmccray100
Explorer
Jan 17, 2019
Someone has done it before and probably posted a You Tube video. That's how I found mine.
Heisenberg
Explorer
Jan 17, 2019
I would remove it, coils are heavy.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jan 17, 2019
If I didn't need the space or want to put the new one in the old one's place, I'd leave it in.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Jan 17, 2019
If you ever thought of getting an inverter NOW id the time to get an inverter/charger/transfer switch ! These are made by several different companies.
ScottG
Nomad
Jan 17, 2019
MrWizard wrote:
Is it part of your power panel
Or
Is it a stand alone unit

Disconnect the 120v to the charge section, leave power going to circuit breakers

Install new charger next to batteries

What you want, can be done
You have to be cognizant of everything involved

Even if it's part of the panel, like the old Magnetek's, it just takes disconnecting a few wires and it's out of the circuit.
I don't like leaving junk like that behind but there's no reason electrically, not to.
MrWizard
Moderator
Jan 17, 2019
Is it part of your power panel
Or
Is it a stand alone unit

Disconnect the 120v to the charge section, leave power going to circuit breakers

Install new charger next to batteries

What you want, can be done
You have to be cognizant of everything involved
ScottG
Nomad
Jan 17, 2019
Yes, that will work fine. As you say, disconnect the 120 and 12V sides and just leave it there. Connect the new converter and wire it to your 12V fuse panel.
The circuit ends up being no different than what you had.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jan 17, 2019
First.. Where is it. might be easier to dig it out than you think.
Second.. YES you can.. in fact unless it is shorted you might not even need to disconnect.

And finally..... Converters come in two flavors for this part.
ONE is an intergrated part of the power distribution panel THe other is stand alone.

ON Stand alone there will be 1,2 or 3 fuses. usually 30 amp.. they may be blown YOu may need to pull the beast to find 'em but 5.00 for fuses beats 230 for a new converter (Progressive Dynamics 9180 R)

In my case ther fuses were good.

on intergerated the fuse is usually easier to get to (on the fuse panel).
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jan 17, 2019
Make sure to avoid WFCO for the replacement unit.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 17, 2019
That should be fine. Be sure to disconnect it on the 120v side.