converter-charger

[Edwin_Fox]

How do you check to see if the charger is working

[tenbear]

Converters take 120vac in and output a voltage in the 12-15vdc range to charge your batteries.

Inverters take 12vdc in and output 120vac.

Some Class As use inverter chargers that act as converters when the RV is plugged in, then act as an inverter when the RV is not plugged in.

[Kayteg1]

Inverter/chargers are top of the line, but also costly.
I had 2600W rated in my conversion that years ago cost me close to 2 grands.
Converters for RV are not that cheap neither as just 40 amp module replacement is about $200.
I bought my 25amp computerized garage charger for about $50 and added 1700W inverter for less than a 100.
If something will go wrong with them, I will not think twice to buy upgraded version.

[mvpmich]

Converters are not that all reliable. If you have to replace yours, you might want to consider an inverter.

[tenbear]

There are several types of converters. Most older converters and many OEM converters output a single voltage in the 13.6v range. Modern converters are usually 3 stage and the voltage output depends on the battery charge state. The output voltage when the battery is discharged is in the 14.4 to 14.8v range and the voltage drops to about 13.2 when fully charged.

For a quick check without using a voltmeter, unplug the RV and turn on a few lights. Then plug in the RV and see if the lights get brighter. You will probably need someone else to plug in the RV while you watch the lights.

[Almot]

2oldman wrote:
voltmeter on the battery terminals

x2.
If voltage is higher when connected to shore power, then it works.

Now, whether your converter is charging properly, is a whole different story.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Unplug from shore power.

Take images then life chassis negative cables from house batteries and wrap to insulate.

Plug shore power back in

Ya got lights? The converter is working. Load it with lots of lights.

Dark? The converter is leaning on a shovel. Test light and multimeter time...

[MrWizard]

the percent sign is the problem other characters work
and the percent sign can be simulated 0/0

[NinerBikes]

%

[Kayteg1]

There is always more to it.
I got pretty disappointed when my working build-in charger went into overheating and tripped automatic breaker off without my knowledge.
I run generator for 1/2 hr and battery get next to nothing in charge.
On next trips I started to taking my garage charger, that being fully automatic shows me the charging voltage and battery percentage. (when this site will allow for inserting characters in the text)

[2oldman]

voltmeter on the battery terminals