RV Converters & Electrical Issues -- My RV Works

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My RV Works, Inc., Certified RV Technician, Darren Koepp, continues the 2nd season of “Ten Minutes With A Tech”.
Wayne is having a problem with his lights, Carbon Monoxide detector, and electrical appliances in his RV. They stop working after a few hours of being on (or being used).
Darren talks about Converters and how they integrate with the electrical system of RV’s, what Wayne’s problem could be in this situation, and how to troubleshoot the issue.
Stay tuned for the rest of the 2nd season of the show where more questions will get answered!
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New videos every Friday! And bonus videos here and there!
If you are in need of RV Repairs in the Olympic Peninsula area of Washington state, submit a service request on our website at myrvworks.com today!

[@AndrewMRoySr]

Well even though you were a bit scattered in your presentation the one gem that I gleamed and was extremely useful was that the converter was like the brain and without it nothing was basically going to work. Pulled the converter box out put the test leads to it on a different 120 circuit It was dead. Ordered a 100 amp replacement from Amazon same day delivery up and running. Thank you very much sir for pointing me in the right direction 🥳🥳

[@normanknier2219]

I looked at online videos for awhile and couldn't find what I need, then I saw this video. You explained everything perfectly and pointed me in the right direction. I thought it's time to pull the electric box apart. I took off the cover and then I could get to the fuses that were recessed inside the box, so I pulled the 40 amp . Voila, the fuse was blown. Where it was, there was no way to see it without removing the cover. Thank you !

[@montanaboy3777]

Yep,...usually you can find answers too any and all your questions right here!! Darren does cover it all while he explains the issues & fixes to that problem...(Sometimes answers come with a little ADHD included) but always for the most part covers the bases well!! The best part is it's free on here and you always have others too chime in, if needed! Once again - Love the video, (Romeo stole the show I'm afraid) 🐈‍⬛! good to see you still educating people out here!! Thank you 😸

[@ryanaldrich7620]

Have the same issue no thermostat or water heater everything else works hooked up to 15 amp to 30

[@KevinCoop1]

Darren, We had a 2014 Thor Windsport and the converter was putting out 13.6 volts but no charge was going to the batteries when plugged in to shore power. When not on shore power, no DC to anything in the RV. After lots of KZbin viewing, I finally found the answer. There is a tie between chassis and house panels that is inside a metal box under the hood right in front of the driver. This panel is specifically made for Thor. At the bottom left of the circuit board, there is a circuit breaker that has a tiny reset button. I barely touched it and everything started working correctly. I thought I would share. Respectfully, Kevin

[@Scubaken2022]

Great topic, wish this was out last week. I just changed my converter, my voltage was bouncing around at the lugs so being 10 years old decided to upgrade. It’s working great now.

[@darrinpagano7665]

Hello Darren. You have helped me on so many things with my toyhauler. I have a 34 foot fifth wheel toyhauler. I’ve downloaded some of the manuals that you have. Very helpful. You have the greatest videos. I like the ones about the refrigerator explaining how they work. I also like the one about the soft start for the ac unit. I’m really thinking of getting one and putting it in myself. Watching the video of course. Keep up the great work. Thank you.

[@jackbrown9182]

Your jumping around ..! Is very much appreciated ! You give a very thorough picture of said subject at hand ! I needed to hear all that ! Looking to hear more on other videos ! Trying to learn all I can ! Your very knowledgeable! Appreciate you sharing that knowledge!! From ..Galveston tx

[@patrickfrausto9866]

Very well explained show and tell. That's what I needed. Thank you!

[@waynemccranie]

Awesome explanation, I rebuilt mine, it was not working when I got it. I didn't ask the question but thanks for the personalization. LOL

[@normanharris4636]

Thank you so very much for this video! IT helped solve my issue!!!! Very well explained and super helpful!!!! Thanks again!!!

[@jimmacaulay844]

Hi Darren. New subscriber here. We bought our first camper, a 1982 Sunline 16.5', in decent condition. Now I have to learn how it works! 1. I bought a new battery and plugged the trailer into the house with a 30-15A adapter (please don't turn on the AC!!!). The fridge turned on and got cold, and some of the 12V lights could be turned on. Maybe a blown fuse or those lousy 12V lights just don't connect well. I'll get to that issue later. Then I unplugged, and the 12V went out. I used a tester and got 12V at the fuses, except one is blown. But the lights that went on when 120 was present do not work. I've done some research on converters, and I don't see how this could happen. If there's 12V at the fuse, then that circuit should work! The fuse terminals go directly outside the concerter enclosure, so ??? 2. On the subject of converters. The docs I got with the trailer show a Magnetec, but that's not what's installed. It's a "Converter Systems Inc" model CS-835, and extensive searching reveals nothing of the kind. I found two posts that seek info but they got nothing. It would be nice to have docs and wiring diagram. It claims to be 35A, does NOT say if it includes a charger! This one is hard-wired into a tiny breaker panel with two breakers. I assume the 2nd circuit powers the AC, fridge and receptacles. Not smart to use one circuit for that, but I can't find any other breakers. So, should I buy a new converter and panel, and re-wire? Or will it be possible to figure it out? Thanks in advance! Jim

[@TheBuddy1939]

Clear and sound👍

[@jonfoster9514]

Great video! But what does it mean if the converter makes a loud constant buzzing sound?

[@rmstark1966]

what would cause a newly installed converter to go bad shortly after install. And When it comes to converters what is their lifespan and what are a few common causes of failures with a newly replaced battery

[@mattgallagher3245]

Thanks Darren!

[@timf6916]

Good information

[@garymarrs2270]

My wife accidentally plugged our camper Into a 220 outlet. It seems to me that the converter fried but, my fridge light comes on. Is there any chance that my fridge is on ac instead of dc.

[@bartgiles1068]

I have a brand new trailer well it’s 3 years old but it has never held a charge over night since we bought it brand new?12 volt fridge only I suspect might be the issue? Series 6 volt batteries

[@brianmyers466]

Helped a lot, thank you sir. Just bought a 2016 Durango kz 286 and we not getting 120 power. We have the built in type converter as shown on your video. I ordered a new converter

[@thomasheaney2087]

Thank you

[@johnr5545]

Love it great job god bless

[@EnriqueSanchez-ej8gx]

Great info! Thank you!

[@StoneRunning23]

I learned something I love that! Question, if I also have solar panels that charges the batteries, does that mean the converter is good? Thanks for the video.

[@diverm2371]

Thanks Darren, Love these videos. This weekend we arrived at the campsite to find out everything was working but the fridge have no power at all even if I plug the fridge in . Its a dometic 12 volt and propane fridge some said its maybe this. Microtemp G4A00 with TF 152C I did check all breakers and fuse, any ideas?

[@patrickstiltner1207]

Hey Darren, progressive converters recommend that you take the negative wire off the converter to check for 13.6vdc output. One lead on the positive and the other lead on a nearby ground. Is this really required?

[@justinh6962]

they want to make sure that there are no wire shorts when checking as that could be the issue instead of the converter. taking the wires off and testing confirms the unit only.

[@lasaints6502]

Hey Darren, I recently found and subscribed to your channel after watching the Schwintek repair on the class B. Great video ! I then started to watch one of your “10 Minutes With A Tech” videos and find it very difficult to view videos on specific subjects since there are no product descriptions in the titles. Would it be possible to add that info to the title of each video to make it easier to reference in the future? Thanks again for the great Schwintek video and I look forward to viewing many more to gain additional knowledge.

[@MyRVWorks]

Thank you for your suggestion. We are working to edit our Q & A titles and descriptions to be more easily searchable, and you should see that change in the coming weeks.

[@nicola3060]

This is very helpful

[@dimebagthelegend1]

What if I’m hooked up to shore power and I’m getting spikes of 17v and when I run a new battery it dies in one night down to 6v with no power on and couldn’t find and shorts in any wires

[@caesartechera7414]

Can one fuse from the power converter affects to the electrical circuit?

[@andratolbert4271]

My air conditioner will trip the breaker on my could that be my converter.1984 Chevrolet G20 horizon camper van. And I know you was talkin about fuses old glass fuses?

[@tonyrockyhorr-mv5um]

We had a lighting storm and the converter breaker flipped but there was a burning smell and now the converter isn't supplying to my fuse board as you say. Everything will work off of battery DC but the only 120 I'm getting is to the sockets and microwave. If I only need to replace the converter what's a good alternative to the wfco 9560 lis wago ge

[@jessegutierrez6723]

On my 2016 Thor hurricane my a/c units and outlets and micro won't wor anymore. How can I fix problem

[@jamesschommer3467]

What should the voltage be on the integrated converter?

[@vernonsteinkamp1088]

Hi Darren, I have the stand-alone like the one in the middle. So, if i even removed it from the RV (which is 40 yrs old) and plugged it into my house receptical, i could test the output (13.6 volts) that way? I used to hear the fan come on but haven't heard that in quit a while. Im not getting power to my lights and fridge any more and that seemed to happen when we started to use a new heating plate (for cooking). Our circuit breaker tripped and then kept tripping after we unplugged the cooking appliance. Now the circuit breaker stays on but no power to the lights and fridge. Maybe a bad converter and a bad breaker, I'm guessing?

[@Golden-ui5um]

I subscribed to your channel and have watched some of your videos that helped me get the fridge working on LP and the furnace to light. It's an older (86) 5th wheel that's in great shape but needed a little service to get everything working properly. I'm thinking of installing AC, one of the vents is wired for it from the factory so it shouldn't be too difficult. Can you recommend an AC unit?

[@robwichtner9700]

Hey Darren I got a 1987 p30 chassis Chevy class a motorhome every time I go to plug it in to shore power it blows the house breaker right away I noticed inside the converter there is a button that pops soon as I plug it in too so I'm wondering if it's the converter that's bad

[@scottdressler2217]

Hope you can help, i'm having issues with 12 volt system all 12 volt lights and a/c work for about 4 hours then go dim and a/c fan blows but no compressor. Start the engine in about 2 minutes or less everything comes back to normal......This is in a 1998 fleetwood discovery 30 amp system thank's for any advice...

[@robertpryor1366]

I have replaced my converter twice in a month cause it keeps going out. What would be causing this?

[@natedogg8577]

what if my converter gives off 38 volts? burnt out fridge 12v system and burns out the light bulbs

[@bartgiles1068]

Would a bad converter drain your battery?

[@johnny5620]

Ever since I installed solar power + new 12v lithium battery in my 5th wheel, my dc power in my RV only works when plugged into solar inverter or shore power. I don't know if I fried my converter. I have the Inteli Power 9100. Maybe there's a fuse or breaker I tripped or the converter's shot?

[@basiastylle6444]

Why does my Ram promaster Thor motor coach 2022 keep beeping

[@richardroy6497]

You did Not confuse me plus you gave a temporary fix

[@hawserdog2]

Will the converter have a constant 13v

[@hawserdog2]

My converter shows 13.6 the goes to 0 then goes back up then to 0 Is this normal ?

[@MerlinKoch-e4j]

Can a converter work and the charger not work

[@toddschofill4192]

My refrigerator and 4 different outlets stopped working at the same time. Refrigerator works on gas but no electricity. I have 120v from power to ground on all outlets and only 55v from power to neutral?? I think I’ve dropped a neutral but how do I find it? Gfci protected outlets and only one resettable one in the bathroom that works fine ?? Help!!!

[@MyRVWorks]

We answered this on our livestream tonight: kzbin.info-ohz-IBwB5w

[@tonyrockyhorr-mv5um]

What can I replace a wfco 9560 lis wago ge with?

[@carlbeaver7112]

Uh... don't forget about voltage drop issues. Measuring voltage on an unloaded circuit means absolutely nothing of value. Voltage needs to be measured at the source and the load, in this case many things could happen in the distance between the converter and the panel. Imagine someone replacing the converter when it was a bad/failed connection inside the molded plug going into the panel. (etc.) Good video but so many forget to teach voltage drops and how to check for them.

[@joestone2068]

What is the most common Battery to use and are they Supposed to be deep cycle batteries I would think yes but I thought I would ask you ? That’s Joe

[@cherylwmh6543]

If the converter output tests good, then is it possible that his battery is going bad and can only hold a few hours of charge? I think this is one possibly that you did not cover. Or is he always plugged into shore power so the battery health shouldn't matter?

[@oldpreach]

Even if he's plugged in, the converter is not charging the battery correctly if it's bad, and they will run down because he's going through the circuit that the house batteries are in.

[@donnieh3324]

I had a reading of 13.3 on my meter.. is that mean my converter is weakened? When rrunning heater or air purifier they will fluctuate.. meaning it will run fine then slow down then back to normal..

[@bigpapanips5019]

What if my converter fuses on the outside of it keep blowing but the polarities are not reversed?

[@garygarcia6020]

Niaaaaaace

[@asphaltadventurer]

What is the maximum size converter you can use on a 30amp service panel?

[@chetspencer3241]

HI Darren, I was just wondering if a deck mount converter can work intermittently? I recently replaced mine because the lights were going dim and the battery was not charging. It fixed the problem but when I got the old one out, I tested the DC side and it was producing 12.7 volts all day long. I brought it home and put it on my garden tractor 12 volt battery with all the lights and ignition on. This simulated the same amount of amp draw our trailer has when not in use. It produced 12.7 volts all day long and kept the battery charged. I'm not wondering if I just had a loose wire and by putting the new one in, I tightned the connection and fixed the problem? Thanks Chet

[@danielbelzile7172]

Aqua hot diesel

[@thereidss]

You would get a lot more subs and views if you would state a few of the things your going to talk about in your title.

[@kenj.8897]

I agree, but he is good

[@mesmerizingmusicalart9034]

I need to hire you on my site in Shelton. Can you come here?

[@MyRVWorks]

Sorry we did not reply earlier. Unfortunately, Shelton is outside of our service area: myrvworks.com/service-area/

[@DennisWintjes2]

Thanks for sharing. Like 264 view 1693

[@hughhall3210]

👍🏻

[@sunshynegirl7429]

When replacing the converter is it necessary to upgrade to a stronger one? I feel like my 30y/o dead converter wouldn’t be able to keep up with the demands of so many electric devices being plugged in. Or should it just be replaced with the same or very similar size?

[@MyRVWorks]

You give me the idea that I need to do a video on how to properly size a converter. At one extreme of the debate we can perform all the math and arrive at the correct size, but it is a function of how much power you have coming into your coach that you want to devote to charging batteries versus running all of your other electrical appliances. And then if you charge a battery too quickly there's the issue of it damaging it. For your typical RV a good rule of thumb is a 55 watt converter. It's kind of a middle of the road choice.

[@sunshynegirl7429]

@@MyRVWorks thank you. I have a 45 now, but I’m just looking to make sure I get the best for my money. A video on this would help so much! Especially when dealing with an older RV.

[@Hankster004]

My God I saw 3 videos and never made it to the ending.....rambling man just pick 1 topic do your explanation then at the end....at the end....go back into your rambling mode geeesh