Forum Discussion

RustyMacIntosh's avatar
RustyMacIntosh
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2020

Converter might be dead--options

96 Bounder with a factory-installed converter that I am pretty sure is DOA> I found the batteries dead. Once I got a charger 6v going on the front cabin-coach batteries (2 6 v) and the 12 engine battery, things began to come back to life.

I put a voltmeter at the red and white outlet wires on the converter, nothing. 0 nada.

So I am ordering a 100amp unit off the internet.

Any reason I cannot jump two heavy wires, red and white up thru the floor into the kitchen (which is directly above the converter panel), for use of a 3k or larger Inverter?

I'm having my house tented for termites very soon and I need to move the motorhome away from the side of the house. The cats, dogs and golfish and I will be front-yard camping.

But the batteries were dead this am.
Class A
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Aug 10, 2020
    Did you verify that you have 120 volts input to the converter?
    Make sure your wires from converter to 12 volt distribution panel is at least #2 to handle the 100 amp output.
  • camperdave's avatar
    camperdave
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2020
    I am pretty sure that 100a is way too much for dual 6v batteries, as is a 3kw inverter.
  • SAR_Tracker's avatar
    SAR_Tracker
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2020
    Most converters have a fuse or 2 inside the box. Disconnect/de-power everything, pull the converter and open the box. Nothing to lose at this point.....
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2020
    96 converter is likely an old Magnetek which are considered battery killers - worth replacing even if is working. New converters aren't that expensive and usually easy to install. Whether 100 amp converter is appropriate depends on what you currently have and what your future plans are - suggest you determine/post the current converter.
  • RustyMacIntosh's avatar
    RustyMacIntosh
    Explorer II
    Aug 10, 2020
    was working but when I got back from Kansas with the trailer the fridge was on gas, I started checking, found all the batteries dead

    new one on the way
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Aug 10, 2020
    You CANNOT connect a INVERTER, especially a 3k to the Converter wiring or the Converter. You can ONLY connect an Inverter Direct to the Coach batteries. Doug
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Aug 10, 2020
    For temp use get a SMART automotive charger.. Mine is a Deltran battery tender 2/20/70 amp (Maintain, automatic dual stage,, Bulk (3rd stage) and Boost (70 amp)

    But other brands work well ..

    For off the internet I hope you got a good one and IOTA with IQ4 or a Progressive Dynamics Wizard controlled.. (I favor the PD but then they help pay my pension being a Michigan Company)
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Aug 11, 2020
    I would have moved to an inverter/charger myself.

    100 amp may be too large to operate reliably on a 15 amp outlet, unless it is power factor corrected, if the battery bank is "hungry".
  • RustyMacIntosh's avatar
    RustyMacIntosh
    Explorer II
    Aug 11, 2020
    ebay sellers have everything from 35amp on up to 100amp. I have a 500 watt converter in my travel trailer and the Bounder has a 900 watt factory installed one. The Bounder is not putting out anything.

    I need to get this coach moved today. The men are due to come tent my home for termites. I put a battery charger on the front house batteries and engine battery.

    In ordering a new converter I went with the 100amp output thinking that while it is capable of 100 amps, the coach will never need anything that large.

    Should I reorder a 50amper??
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Aug 11, 2020
    OP: You said you have a 500 watt converter in trailer and 900 watt in MH. Do you mean inverter?
    What size is existing converter that you want to replace?

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