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jconway1006's avatar
jconway1006
Explorer
May 01, 2017

Power Converter Issue/Questions

Hey All,

So this weekend at camp it appears my converter went. Woke up Sunday to no power in my fridge, no lights, heat, or hot water. Plugged into shore power so I still have some functions.

Do these things go bad normally? I actually think I did this myself but with the luck I've had I hope I didn't do anything else. I had a wire mixed up when I connected my battery. And I am guessing I shorted out the converter. I ran on battery this weekend (not knowing) until Sunday morning when it finally died.

I already ordered a new converter and hoping to get it here tomorrow. I guess I am looking for piece of mind on this and hoping nothing else is bad. When i was on battery everything did operate normal.

Thanks for the input!

Jesse

18 Replies

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  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    May 01, 2017
    That is a good brand converter, and is reverse polarity protected. Like I mentioned, batteries do not like being discharged below 50 percent, and will shorten life if not recharged.

    Jerry
  • jconway1006's avatar
    jconway1006
    Explorer
    May 01, 2017
    In case ya missed it I posted the photo of the converter above.

    Also forgot the Camper Model.

    "2004 Sunnybrook Solanta 3610"
    I bought this used. In great condition. However I'm noticing a few lack of care issues from the previous owners.

    This camper stays on a seasonal site. Doesn't moved and hasn't moved in like 10 years at least. Dam thing is near perfect. Had to replace a "Heating Tube" in the heater last year but thats really about it.


    MFL wrote:
    There should be some sort of fused protection for your converter. You are not the first one to connect the battery cables improperly. If you totally discharged your battery, you need to charge it ASAP.

    Good luck!
    Jerry
  • jconway1006's avatar
    jconway1006
    Explorer
    May 01, 2017
    Here is the link to the new one.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRFTLC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    I'm new to owning a camper and still am not familiar with the wires. LoL. Well I am now cause I have everything marked. Its only my second full year in this camper and had some help opening it up last year from the previous owner.

    I want to be able to fix all of this myself instead of having to call a local RV shop to come out and fix it cause its expensive if they do. I'm not worried about installing it and stuff. Just when I turn the Main Breaker back on if everything is going to work.

    I've had a rough few weeks in my personal life and I just want one thing to go right for once.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    May 01, 2017
    There should be some sort of fused protection for your converter. You are not the first one to connect the battery cables improperly. If you totally discharged your battery, you need to charge it ASAP.

    Good luck!
    Jerry
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    May 01, 2017
    No problem. If it is a WFCO converter, not much of a loss as they are not well regarded. Hopefully, you bought a different brand for replacement.

    I'd suggest you test continuity from negative battery post to frame. It is easy to second/third guess yourself about the proper battery hook up.

    Edit: Saw your picture of the PD 9160. That is a good brand. Is it by any chance still under warranty? Even if not, I'd give PD a call. They may be nice and send you the new replacement charger. Stranger things have happened.

    Good luck with the converter, I'm sure a replacement will have you right as rain.
  • jconway1006's avatar
    jconway1006
    Explorer
    May 01, 2017
    Here is a photo of the current one. Its still in the camper. Didn't want to take it out till I got the new one.

  • jconway1006's avatar
    jconway1006
    Explorer
    May 01, 2017
    Two 30 amp fuses on the converter itself. They were blown. Put in some 20 amps and they blew pretty quick after the converter itself sounded like its was going to blow. It made a high pitched noise. LoL. I'm trying to attach a photo of the converter itself but I can't log into my account to upload the photo.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    May 01, 2017
    If you mixed up wires when connecting the battery, there is a good chance that you blew a reverse polarity fuse from the converter. Some distribution panels have two of these fuses on the front panel with the rest of the fuses and some RV's have the two fuses on the converter, itself.

    TYpically, these fuses will be in the 30->40 amp range. If you list model and brand of your converter in this thread, someone may be able to tell you where they are located.

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