raden13
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Re: Installing Stereo - Wiring Issue
Last Update: Got the converter installed and was very easy to do. See below for a great installation video I found on YouTube. Only issue I had with installing was that the square hole in the cover no longer lined up with the square hole on the top portion of the converter. This is where the plastic locking piece inserts and allows you to secure it or open it. Fixed this with my dremmel. Also wanted to say that I hooked up my stereo (red and yellow wires to the hot lead) and it's working just fine. No issues. Thanks again to everyone who contributed to this thread. YouTube: WF-8955REP Installation VideoYouTube: WF-8955REP Installation Video933Views0likes0CommentsRe: Installing Stereo - Wiring Issue
Update: I spoke to Randy at bestconverter.com and got his recommendation on a converter. He suggested the WFCO-8945 REP. Since you guys recommended the Progressive Dynamics brand, I asked him if there was much difference between the 45 amp model (PD4645) and the one he recommended and he said no and added, "The 8945REP is more popular and considered by many easier to install". So I went with the WFCO brand and I'm installing it this weekend. Regarding pricing: These converters aren't cheap. I wanted to order from bestconverter.com, however, after doing a quick price comparison online, I found the same model for $15 cheaper and with free shipping on RVUpgradeStore.com. Couldn't pass up a savings of $35. Also got it in 2 days! Would definitely recommend them to anyone whose looking to purchase a converter. Hope this helps anyone else who has a similar problem in the future.933Views0likes0CommentsRe: Installing Stereo - Wiring Issue
WA4HTZ wrote: Westend said the Magnetek was a linear power supply with no filtering. They rely on having a good battery connected to filter out the 120 Hz. ripple on the DC voltage. If the battery is dead as Hornnumb said (and I mean VERY dead), it will not act as a filter and you get the buzzing in the stereo. Also if the battery is disconnected, either with a battery disconnect switch or a bad connection to the battery, you will get the same problem. A big clue was you said a light got brighter when you hooked up the stereo. Most of the auto stereos usually have a capacitor or two on the incoming 12v line to eliminate some of the garbage which can ride on a 12v automotive electrical system. I suspect the stereo was acting as a slight filter and raised the average voltage a bit which made the light get brighter. I would check the connections to the battery and make sure the battery switch, if you have one, is on. If everything is good with the connections, check the voltage on the battery with it disconnected. If it's really low (like 4 or 5 volts instead of 12 low), try to charge it with a modern battery charge if you have one and see what happens. I hope this loooong explanation has help you a bit. In the end though, as others have said, you will be better off replacing the Magnetek electronics. The kit you linked to from Bestconverter looks like it would be an excellent replacement. Get the PD 4655 with the kit if you can. Good luck and happy camping. Ken Ken, thanks so much for the detailed info! One stupid question. You mentioned I should get the 4655, which is the 55 Amp model. The sticker next to my electrical plug on the outside of my trailer mentions using a 120V - 35 Amp connection. Is it ok for me to replace my converter with the 4655 model, or do I need to get the 35 Amp model (4635)? Also wanted to mention, I do not have a switch for the 12V batteries. Thanks to everyone else for the input as well.933Views0likes0CommentsRe: Installing Stereo - Wiring Issue
I think I'll be looking into a new converter once I figure out what I need to get. Including pictures of what I have now below. For now, I found a work-around. I hooked up the stereo to a 12V power supply (plugged into one of the outlets in the trailer) and it's working just fine. Just in time for our trip this weekend. Thanks again to everyone for all the input. I appreciate it.933Views0likes0CommentsRe: Installing Stereo - Wiring Issue
jhlady: Not sure where the ground wire originates as it disappears into the wall. Assuming the converter, but no idea. ScottG: What would upgrading the converter entail? Replacing the entire panel, or certain components? Would it help to run wires directly from the the battery as a separate circuit?95Views0likes0CommentsInstalling Stereo - Wiring Issue
Hey Everyone, I'm looking for assistance with a power/wiring issue for a stereo I'm installing in our travel trailer. Stereo is a Kenwood DPX592BT. There was an older stereo before and the wiring I'm working with includes 2 wires for power and 4 wires for 2 speakers. The wiring diagram (partially pictured below) shows +Red for the ignition, +Yellow to the battery, black to ground. I twisted the red and yellow from the new stereo together and then connected them to the existing +Positive wire and connected the black wire to the existing -Ground. I've got 2 12V batteries powering the trailer and once I had it wired the stereo worked no issues. Fast forward to yesterday when I plugged in the trailer's electrical to charge everything up before our trip and the stereo was making a buzzing sound. It still turned on, but the buzzing led me to believe something was wrong. I disconnected the hot wires (red, yellow and existing hot) and tried connecting the existing hot wire to the red only then the yellow only and was not able to power up the stereo. I turned a light on in the trailer and then tried connecting it like I did before (Red, yellow and existing positive) and the light got brighter, stereo buzzed and still turned on. Unsure how to handle the wiring and would appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.6.9KViews0likes19CommentsRe: Install locking gravity water inlet (Video)
romore wrote: For some reason I can't open your link. The door hinge broke on ours, I found one that is designed to slip into the hose and siliconed it into the opening. It doesn't lock but works for me. Not sure what happened. I just edited the link and it should be working now. Good luck.240Views0likes0CommentsInstall locking gravity water inlet (Video)
Hello fellow campers. I replaced the gravity water inlet on our trailer with one that locks and thought I'd share the process. I wasn't too fond of having to cut a bigger hole in our trailer, but it ended up not being that big a deal and I'm happy with the results. Enjoy https://youtu.be/TELGdiu_VGM936Views0likes4Comments
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