How We Replaced Our RV Power Converter Including Diagnosis, Temporary Fix, and Install

In Episode 124 of Luv Subbin, we show you how we replaced our Airstream RV's power converter. We go through how we figured out something was wrong, the temporary fix to keep us going while on the road, and the installation. We'll include some tips like using Wagu Wire Lever Nuts.
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[@patient9210]

The video may be a couple years old but the info is timeless. Thank you for the idea you gave us. We, like you a while back, found us with our AS classic batteries going in the wrong direction. We ordered a replacement converter and purchased a battery charger to bring the batteries back above 13. We can now run the heat. Thank you for your helpful input. Happy Mothers Day

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks so much for watching and the nice comment! Now I'm thinking battery upgrade...

[@valeriedavis4930]

This happened to me while my ‘04 Safari was sitting in my driveway. The battery went dead. The only thing that had power was my microwave and it showed power coming in from the shore cord. I watched your video, but figured it was over my head. I asked Jackson Center which converter to buy, and they told me to replace with the same unit. Because I used the same Parralax unit, the fuse panel did not need to be replaced. My son, an engineer, who worked his way though University as an auto tech, replaced the unit in 20 minutes! All works now! Thanks. P.S. I met you at the Zoar Valley rally in Springville, New York. Valerie

[@LuvSubbin]

Hi Valerie! Thanks for watching and we remember you from Zoar Valley - that was a lot of fun. We'll be in Rock Springs, Wyoming for this year's Fourth of July. We're glad your son was able to help and we wish you continued safe travels.

[@ledhed5717]

Yes this just explained A LOT! Now I know that the converter is separate from the fuse panel and the breaker panel above the unit. Watching this gives me the confidence now that I will be able to change it out. I am new to owning an RV and bought a used one from a friend about a year ago.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and we're glad we were able to help. Electricity can be very dangerous so take the extra time to ensure safe practices and quality workmanship.

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

Very well done and extra credit for you pre-tinning the wires leading into the Wago 221 Series Lever-Nut Wire Connector! I'm just getting ready to replace the WFCO 55 Amp Converter/Charger in my Fleetwood Icon Class C RV and I am so envious of the excellent access on your Airstream! Mine is above the refrigerator, directly behind the distribution box with no more than 7 x 12 inches access so please pray for me and forgive me when "flowery words" slip simply trying to unscrew the unit! No wonder my parent went with Airstream 35 years ago!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I love those Wago lever nuts. I've used them for years and have never had an issue. I will certainly think of you and hope your installation goes well. Our Airstream has excellent access but I have heard that some of the newer models are not so lucky. Good luck and safe travels!

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

@@LuvSubbin How true, when Wade Thompson and Peter Orthwein acquired Airstream in 1980 as a "cash cow" to reap profits, for some years the Airstream brand and quality entered the dreaded Dark Ages. Fortunately the new leadership realized the errors of their ways and hopefully the Airstream reputation for quality and excellence will stay for the long run. These days it's sad to see similar acquisitions seeming to adversely influencing greats like Newmar and Tiffen. Anyway, in my case I'm hopeful that purchasing an offset screwdriver with a 1/4 inch drive and also get a set of phillip head screwdriver shafts from 1-6 inches progressing in 1 inch lengths will do the trick... that and putting on my tenacious German ancestral "game face" LOL. Please keep up your excellent site - Subbed and Liked!

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Fantastic video. I love your videos and particularly enjoy watching you tackle a project much as I do myself. I always try to make updates and upgrades when something fails. When it comes to electrical wiring for small stuff, I tend to just go straight to soldering because almost every single electrical failure in my life has been due to failed crimp joints. I know if people were using the higher end marine grade crimps, it wouldn’t be happening because they contain heat shrink and or glue to hold the wire in place, but everyone uses the cheap Chinese ones (including some mechanics)

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and making it through the crappy sound at the beginning. I have heat shrink tubing and considered it. Maybe next time...

[@carllapane4458]

I had similar problem where my old Parallelax converter would only go to 11.9 -12.2 v. I ordered a new PD like yours, from same place (based on your recommendation) slightly bigger with the VL on the end so later can also charge Lithium. Thanks to the both of you for helping the community.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and we're glad our video helped a little. Randy at Best Converters is great...

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Had to come back to this video after finishing my most recent project. Well, most of it anyway. I was installing a haloview rd7r 4 camera system on my new jayco 264bh. I needed a system that had side cameras because my tow vehicle has a narrower wheelbase, and even with additional mirrors, it still has severe blind spots. Well, the side markers were in a spot that wasn’t going to work for the cameras, so I removed the markers and fished out the wires and found that they use wagu connectors to make all the connections. As it turned out, it was beneficial because I was going to take it all apart and solder everything together along with a new 4th wire for the camera that I was placing about a foot above the marker light. The wind picked up to about 45 mph and made it impossible to solder, so I ended up re-using one of the lever connectors. I have decided to get an assortment of 3/4/5 wagu connectors as well as the marine grade butt connectors and a ratchet crimper. Too many projects happen outside in bad weather for me not to expand my arsenal. I hope to find one of these wagu lever nuts that is waterproof so I can use them outside.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and the helpful comments. The only thing that I considered doing but did not was use some heat shrink tubing at the crimp connection. I was just nervous using my heat gun that close to fabric, etc...

[@markchromy3952]

Great video, I have always left my battery tender at home after disconnecting it from storage. From now on I will be sure to bring it along when traveling!

[@uniblob]

Thanks for another great video. Completed the same job this weekend and your video was a tremendous guide.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We are glad that our video was helpful in your installation.

[@TheBranchesChannel]

Thank you. Exactly described issue I was having and how to deal with it. Appreciate your great descriptions and attention to detail. Loved the workaround while on the road.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! The temporary solution worked great and I've been super happy with my installation over the past year...

[@jimbucher1049]

Thanks !!! I think my Power Converter is not working,,,I'm going to follow all your advise and get mine working, too ! Thanks for a good video ! Jim in Iowa

[@kcwerv]

Exactly how I handle mine that failed twice last year. I keep a battery charger with me on all trips, so it came in handy. Airstream finally found I had a shot in the negative post on the sure file plug that was very inconstant in showing itself was bad after the 2nd one burned out.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I'm still bummed that my first converter lasted 15 + years and my new one only went 2. For that reason I will always carry a battery charger...

[@warrenallen2738]

Wonderful video of the power converter replacement show, I learned good things of your informative tips. Awesome 👌

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I hope it was useful.

[@Fox40-MD]

I am going to do an inverter up grade at some point.. Still have not installed my solar panels... Great Job though !! Headed to Kiptopeake mid May. Can't wait to try out my awning I added to the Port Side..

[@LennyKaosium]

Outstanding video. Thanks for sharing your work and insight.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! The converter continues to run well. Each year I do a thermal evaluation and check the connections and all is well.

[@LennyKaosium]

@LuvSubbin we recently bought an older Airstream that came with some upgraded electric components and such but they aren't all located together or in logical, at least to me, areas. We'll get it sorted though.

[@rodolfofaye4100]

Thank you so much for these instructions and installation example. I think you will save me $$ from taking it to a shop. Thanks again #30002.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching #30002 from #1062! We are glad that our video will be helpful. Be safe with the electricals...

[@mikemadden865]

Great video. I had to replace ours a few years ago. We wanted the multi-stage converter. I wish I had know about the connectors!

[@LuvSubbin]

I still have 29 3 wire Wagu connections (and 30 2 wire) so remind me at Lebanon for a free donation!

[@mikemadden865]

@@LuvSubbin I’ll have to remember that!

[@barrymiller2127]

Great video Rich! You are very thorough in everything you do. I love that! BTW - I'm just waiting to get my new "lithium aware" converter in the mail then will also be doing an install video.

[@LuvSubbin]

Awesome and good luck with your install. I know that your sound quality will be much better than ours! 😐

[@texasproud3332]

Good video y’all ps. You still had your metal frame glasses on be careful Lol

[@LuvSubbin]

Your comment made me laugh! I can see myself sniffing for smoke and electrocuting myself via glasses...

[@EarfulOfTunes]

Those Wagu Wire Lever Nuts, I've got to check those out ...

[@my3sonsnh]

Great video. I believe our converter just died. My batteries are being charged via solar but not by shore power. I’ll go ahead and disconnect the negative cable and the 12v should go out. That will be the tell tale sign. Did you re-do that dish after replacing the converter. Also, a trickle charger to get you home was a great idea. I’ll likely pick one up as we’re in FL now and not back home to VT until March.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! The trickle charger definitely works to keep things going. We just got back to Vermont from Florida and am trying to adjust to the colder temps. Safe travels!

[@my3sonsnh]

@@LuvSubbin Thanks neighbor! I just picked up the 4amp charger and just put it on. Enjoy the cold and snow for us!

[@greghanson5864]

Helpful info. Thanks guys!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Hopefully we provided a little insight.

[@greghanson5864]

@@LuvSubbin Getting ready to replace mine. Good stuff!

[@Joe-cu4hi]

My converter in my 1999 Bambi works fine but wanted to switch to lithium batteries. I called Airstream in Ohio and they referred me to Best Converter and speak to Randy. I’m dreading calling because Randy is a very rude and grumpy guy, he really should not have contact with other humans 😂

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching Joe! Randy is interesting. When I called him on my converter he was very helpful but flamed on my for using a Hughes Autoformer. Thankfully, I've been flamed on by the best of them...

[@coxsackie]

At 2:29, what is “the voltage thingy”? I’ve seen you put in a Victron charge meter, but not a voltage meter. Did Airstream put that in, or did you?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! The gauge you speak of is the original Seeland Monitoring System installed as original equipment by Airstream in 2002. It actually works great (including the tank levels). I still use it as a quick check even though the Victron BMV-700 is far more useful.

[@UpintheAir.stream]

Crimp then shrink insulation of crimp terminal, this prevents oxidation of the copper wire and the crimp terminal

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Great suggestion - I actually have some shrink hose and a torch. I may need to do that...

[@UpintheAir.stream]

@@LuvSubbin All crimps terminals I use are with shrinkable insulation.

[@LarryRichelli]

Wow, I have just the opposite problem. My battery is fully charged and everything is working as long as I am plugged in but if I unplug from shore power or turn the converter off in the fuse panel, I get no 12 v

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Sounds like a job for the trusty multimeter. I'd start at the battery lugs and just start checking voltage on back until you get to the 12V distribution panel (at the converter). Somewhere you've got a disconnect (assuming your battery is not in "Store" mode).

[@user-yv9is3rx9v]

Do you remember what brand fuse board you replaced it with?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! The fuse board came with our converter which is a Progressive Dynamics PD4655VL purchased from www.bestconverters.com

[@brucebernal65]

Where's the diagnosis part

[@jkjk-hj7hb]

Thanks for helpful video !! I replace my old Parallax 7345 to Progressive Dynamics PD4600 .All looks good , but green light is off Shell I activate it by manual ?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I'm not sure what you mean by "activate it by manual". The green light is an indicator lamp so something may be amiss.

[@jkjk-hj7hb]

@@LuvSubbin First of all , thank you for reply. Green light was "Off" Looks like wizard doesn't work Voltage of convert 13.65 V Battery charging ( checked by clamp meter ) Looks like charger working and charging battery However after more detail inspection of 4 wires harness, I find mistake . I swapped white and Yellow wires harness side going to distribution board and , O boy !! all start working Wizzard working green light flashing... Battery charging Problem was with sequence 4 wires harness ( Hello guys from China !! ) Have a nice and safety trips

[@slamdunk58]

Where do you get that volt meter and what is the other thing that can check for ground faults?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Both the multimeter and receptacle monitor can be found at Amazon. Our Amazon Store (link in all of the video's descriptions) has the models we use.

[@slamdunk58]

@@LuvSubbin thanks

[@martinnormand7458]

Yes Made in the USA! 👍

[@LuvSubbin]

As someone that worked in American manufacturing for 25 years, I always look for that.

[@my3sonsnh]

Which model Battery Tender did you use? Will any one do the trick? I just ordered the 4amp one.

[@LuvSubbin]

That will work. I just have the 1.5 amp Battery Tender Plus from Wal Mart.

[@my3sonsnh]

@@LuvSubbin Walmart to the rescue for me as well!

[@JA-ux7dd]

A volt/ohm meter is the best way to maintain safety.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I agree. I have a sweet Fluke meter. When I worked with our electricians in my "working days" every one of them had Fluke for their meters...

[@redwards2006]

FYI, your Amazon link didn’t work for me

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks so much for pointing that out. Somehow an extra character was added. I have fixed it and tested it. Working now. Thanks again for the help.

[@kjmagnon]

Your video would be good if you didn't have a backseat commentator!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching but we respectfully disagree. It's our style - she asks the questions that someone who is not an engineer might ask. We think that helps many viewers gain a better understanding. If that's not to your taste, each to their own...

[@randymadrid1514]

110 volt? 120.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! You are correct. 120 is proper.