converter

[v2k1966]

Our lights are starting to dim and the converter seems to be kicking on a lot more than it used to.

We have a 2011 Cougar 318 SAB. Where would the converter be located on this camper?

Is there a converter that is better than others if we have to a new one?

Thank You.

[time2roll]

DReisinger wrote:
Is there a good or bad test for converter before I lay out the money for a new one, when that may have not been the problem

WFCO should hold 13.6 volts with a good load. Bench test it.

[rhagfo]

Just replaced our WFCO WD-8855 with a Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV 60 Amp Power Converter with Charge Wizard. Could not be happier. Knew battery was good as we have run the slides in and out several times in storage off of the battery only, YES I have a full battery disconnect switch.

[Sam_Spade]

DReisinger wrote:
I feel so stupid, I replaced a good converter because of the battery disconnect switch in the off position. Well, now I have a battery charger for the garage

Like I said, it wasn't a complete waste.

If the old one was a simple single stage charger, then your money was well spent.

I'm about to replace mine....as soon as I can find a shop that I can trust not to screw me over. My local CW does not qualify.

[CA_Traveler]

DReisinger wrote:
I feel so stupid, I replaced a good converter because of the battery disconnect switch in the off position. Well, now I have a battery charger for the garage

No problem just a lesson learned and you won't do that again.

But you would be wise to have the battery load tested before your trip.

[bpounds]

DReisinger wrote:
I feel so stupid, I replaced a good converter because of the battery disconnect switch in the off position. Well, now I have a battery charger for the garage

LOL, oh well. Good onya for letting us know how it worked out.

[DReisinger]

I feel so stupid, I replaced a good converter because of the battery disconnect switch in the off position. Well, now I have a battery charger for the garage

[Sam_Spade]

Sam Spade wrote:

Before you do anything, you have to be sure the batteries and connections are good.

I TOLD you to be SURE the battery itself and the main connections were good BEFORE you spent money on a converter....well, a better converter wasn't money wasted but.........

Your battery is NOT connected to the rest of your system or it has a bad internal connection.
This could be because of a bad connection at a clamp, a bad solenoid or simply a battery disconnect switch in the OFF position.

If the converter was charging it, it would measure MORE than 12.6 and it would run the lights when the shore power was disconnected.

[DReisinger]

Now I am stumped,replaced the converter with a new 4 stage, battery reads 12.5 volts, when shore power is disconnected none of the DC lights work

[bpounds]

The WFCO is a 3 stage charger. Just not a very good or reliable one.

There is no situation where that WFCO should put out less than 13.2V. If it is, best get a replacement on order.

Still think you should fully charge and load test that battery. Using a different charger perhaps. But you're running out of time to get off the stick and replace that converter.

We can help you select a replacement, if you can shoot a photo of your existing one. Your description above makes me think it might not be built into your load center. So the links I gave you above might not be correct.

[Sam_Spade]

DReisinger wrote:
Thanks Sam, 10.5 volts is all she puts out

Measured how.....connected to the battery or not ??

If it is connected to a REALLY dead battery, like one with a shorted cell, you might read 10.5 because of the battery.

It needs to be connected to a known good and fully charged battery to be sure it won't raise the voltage above 12.8 or so. Then you know it is bad.

[DReisinger]

Thanks Sam, 10.5 volts is all she puts out

[Sam_Spade]

DReisinger wrote:
Is there a good or bad test for converter before I lay out the money for a new one, when that may have not been the problem

Yes and no. They can be good one minute and bad the next.

A simple one stage converter should put out something around 13.5 Volts all the time, measured at the battery.

That measurement will be a bit less if the battery is really low and a bit higher as the charge builds up.

Before you do anything, you have to be sure the batteries and connections are good.

Then most experienced folks agree that a good replacement 3 stage converter is worth the investment even if your original one stage is still working.

[DReisinger]

Is there a good or bad test for converter before I lay out the money for a new one, when that may have not been the problem

[RustyJC]

If I were you and were not going to address this before your trip, I'd certainly take a good battery charger with me. You may very well need it.

Rusty