A Mexican campground fried our RV's converter. Our mistake for not testing the outlets at the campground: they were incorrectly wired at 240V! (it also killed our microwave; luckily, the A/C and rest of the appliances were unharmed)We've been traveling full-time (in Central America) for about 4 months since it happened and really don't miss the converter. We have LED lighting in the RV so we can go without electrical hookup for 3-4 days, before needing to use the generator and the battery charger for a few hours.Anyway, we crossed back into the States yesterday and now have easy access again to RV repair and/or a new converter.Question is: does anyone know if it's possible to fix a 'fried' converter? I don't see any fuses on there.Thanks, Jorn

I can't help you with your current problem, but THIS will keep it from happening again.Bruce

For the cost of a new one its not worth fixing it

Fuses may be inside the converter's chassis. Yes, converter's and anything electronic can be fixed. The ugly truth is that there may be as much cost in replacing components as replacing the whole converter. It depends on the amount, if any, of damage done by the high voltage event. If your rig is aging, an upgrade to the newer four stage converts is a good idea.

My converter has fuses but I am not sure they all do or whether those fuses would have saved it from 240 volts. I suppose a converter can be fixed but since you can buy a 55 amp PD converter for about $150 I doubt it makes economic sense. Lots of "DIY" converter install on web (and this website I suspect).

www.bestconverter.com I watched a YouTube video on how to replace converter... place an order, next day the guy called me and recommend a 4 stage one..an upgrade from my old one... works great.

Converter fried? | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

RJsfishin
Explorer
Jun 09, 2014
For repairing, you will be out $26 for round trip shipping, add that to the price of repairing, good luck !
mena661
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014
If you already have a PD with a pendant, try KJ's fix. You WILL need some soldering skills.
Bobbo
Explorer III
Jun 08, 2014
If you decide not to fix your current one, call Randy at Best Converter, he will not steer you wrong.

Either way, install either the Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C or their EMS-HW30C, whichever your rig takes, to prevent damage in the future.
KJINTF
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014
jornvango

Happy to try and help you get it fixed
However it's really bad timing for me
In less than an hour off for a week of camping/fishing

I assume you have a DVM, Soldering equipment and drills and know how to use them
If not the others are correct buy a new one

Get the converter out of the power center
Typically the converter has a metal case which is pop riveted on
You will need a drill to get the rivets off
Check the input side FETS, Mains filter and large caps
My guess you will easily see the damage
DigiKey is your best deal for the replacement parts

If really interested in fixing it send me a PM next week
jornvango
Explorer II
Jun 08, 2014
I'm all ears :) I'd rather fix it, but because of the 240V, the repair shop tells me it's cheaper to buy a new replacement converter to fit into the PD4000.

How do I fix it?
KJINTF
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014
Why not just fix it?
Looks as if your unit has a pendant as in remote manual control which makes it even more worth while fixing.

PLEASE DO NOT TOSS it in the trash
jornvango
Explorer II
Jun 08, 2014
This is the converter in our RV:

http://www.dyersonline.com/inteli-power-4000-series-45-amp-distribution-panel-and-power-converter.html

In my old Airstream travel trailer, I had plenty of space to install a new converter; here in my truck camper, it seems to be an "all-in-one" model where the converter is housed inside the "power control center", so I guess I'm stuck with replacing it with the same converter that fits inside the power control center.

Any suggestions?
KJINTF
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014
deleted double post
KJINTF
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014
Yes, They are VERY easily repaired
Typical repair cost is less than $40.00 and less than 30 minutes
Over the years I have repaired a few hundred
Parts costs typically no more than $5.00 YES just $5.00
Not sure why so many think it's best to toss them in the trash and buy a new one

Hey my RV engine does not start - should I buy a new motor?
Have to guess it's just the American way - throw it away and buy a new one
AllegroD
Nomad
Jun 08, 2014
cyntdon2010 wrote:
www.bestconverter.com I watched a YouTube video on how to replace converter...
place an order, next day the guy called me and recommend a 4 stage one..an upgrade from my old one... works great.

Clicky to Best Concerter

X2

Call Randy at Best Converter. It is not worth the repair when you can replace it with equal and better for less dollars. BC has great prices and delivery.

Look at a Progressive Industries(PI). PI has great protection and a lifetime warranty.

Glad you did not lose anything else.