converter noise

[drae0814]

Hello,

Full timers we are new to the full time life and still learning. My converter is a little loud some times and the lights flicker the converter makes a hum and sometimes loud pitch noise. I checked the batteries all good. Is this normal or is my unit about to go out?

Thanks for your help

[kohai]

Old thread but I thought I'd add some info.

If you have a Progressive Dynamics PD4590 like me, I got some info from their support.

They said their system can sometimes make noise from a few places:

1. fans (Does the noise ever happen when fans are off or in cold weather? Mine does, so not the fans.)

2. In the photo below, there is a round white part at the bottom with copper wrapping around/through it. If you use something plastic to reach back and put pressure on that part, the noise may stop. (Don't use anything metal to do this!) If it does, they suggest slightly bending that part one way or another or just slightly twisting it can make the sound may stop (be very gentle, you don't want to break that part off the pcboard).

3. Less likely is the round components at the front.

They have a refurbishment program where they will ship a refurbished unit with a 1 yr warranty and you return your old unit. It's $126 to do (as of April 2017).

[drae0814]

thank you all i will test my battery again and it looks like its time to go shopping :h

[rockhillmanor]

low voltage will also affect your detectors and they will start beeping.

And depending on what model you have the fridge and air conditioning need 12 volt to run their thermostats.

These two appliances will come on, but when they reach their set temperature they will not come back on with low voltage.

[drae0814]

The RV is a 2011 Dutchmen Colorado 321RL the converter is a WFCO Model WF 9865 RV purchased NOVEMBER 2011 should this unit be out already it mainly flickers the lights in the morning. it's 1 pm right now lights on heater running all is good but it has its time when it makes noise and flickers the lights.

[2oldman]

a) about to go out
b) annoying.
c) replace it

[ScottG]

It doesn't really matter what brand the converter is - they're not supposed to do that and those are the classic signs of one dying.
You should upgrade to a 3 stage converter now before it dies, kills the battery and leaves you without 12V.

[Mike_LeClair]

You are observing the classic symptoms of a converter that is about to take a dump. Break out the wallet and start shopping, as soon as possible, for a replacement. There are many opinions on which one is the best, just go with one of the better known brands and you will be OK. When I replaced our I upped the AMP capacity by ten, just to provide a little more headroom. As always, YMMV.

Cheers!

Mike

[kohai]

The high pitch noise is sometimes called "singing". If you search the forum you will see quite a bit of discussion about it. My progressive dynamics (?) does it ever since I bought the trailer new. I find it very annoying but don't really know of a solution.

[Camreal]

A small battery charger comes in handy if your converter goes out. I keep one in my storage compartment.

[rockhillmanor]

When they start humming it usually means one of the capacitors is shot. I'd check the output.

Leave the tester on after it hits what it is rated for. On mine it was putting out 'more' than it should and was boiling the coach battery.

[ksg5000]

Might help if you posted the made/model of your converter. My original old Magnatek converter would often make noise - sometimes fan, sometimes just humming. I replaced it with a Progressive Dynamics converter which has always been dead silent.

[Splashers3]

The first indication that my OEM converter was beginning to fail was the flickering of the lights....and then we noticed that the battery wasn't charging very well.

I carried a spare until the converter gave up the ghost - while on a weekend trip. Had to use the truck hook-up to bring up the landing gear.

The swap out was pretty easy.

You may want to order the replacement until needed.

Good Luck