Check And Replace A Failed RV Converter

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Certified Mobile RV Technician, Darren Koepp, shows you how to diagnose and replace a failed power converter on an RV.
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!

[@ryanvegas777]

I have literally been sitting here messing with my rv for HOURS!!! I feel I absolutely have a dead converter, however being where I am, I am an hour or more from an rv repair place and nobody will come to me, and I am on vacation mode not wanting to drive down and get the parts to do it myself. You said ONE WORD and saved my ENTIRE trip! JUMPER CABLES FROM MY TRUCK! Turns out I had a set. Didn’t even cross my mind. Charging batteries right now… will fix when I get back to reality. THANK YOU!!

[@elitecarriers7151]

I believe this was the absolute best of the repair/test videos I’ve seen in a few hrs of watching on my issue. I am certain that I’ll able to identify my issue. Thank you for putting this content out.

[@faithfarmforever4795]

Thank you for this!! We just bought a bigger rv - our old one worked perfectly- our new one the seller was not truthful..not only did it have a leak, the radio system doesn't work, the outside shower leaks hot water constantly and on our 2 days test run we had almost no lights when we woke up the next day. We have a trip planned in 10 days and and rv repair appointment of course the week after we return.. will be a sad trip without the do it ourselves option. Thanks to your video I'm pretty sure we can do this fix!

[@detailhomie1779]

Thank you buddy I’ve had two days of trying to figure things out even buying a new battery you saved us big time we full time rv and we live in idaho it’s cold tonight , both fuses were popped on my converter didn’t even know until I seen what yours looked like then I remember seeing it before when I was playing with my furnace a while back. Now we got light and a furnace keeping us warm !

[@goforit5844]

Really appreciate your effort, to go into detail in your How To videos - Is so very helpful, in diagnosing and repairing all the RV equipment you have covered so far - And, the tips you share to Prevent the problems in the first place, are priceless... Yours, are some of the Best repair and preventive maintenance videos out there - Keep up the great work... Patiently waiting each week, to see what you are going to cover next...

[@MyRVWorks]

Thanks for the nice comments. I try to do my best and present the issues as I am working on them. Some folks have a nice studio and a prepared script with predictable outcomes. I do it all live and shooting from the hip. My audience discovers along with me as we go through it together. You might notice I called bolts screws and refrigerators air conditioners excetera but that just keeps it real. Thanks for watching I appreciate your comments.

[@kaylahowell7696]

Could it be converter still if the breaker didn't trip? We lost power to our control panel in 2020 milestone 5th wheel. Slides work but not the water pump, electric or gas water heater no lights switches in box.

[@thercguy]

Big help..I wasn't confident I could change or needed to change my converter until I saw your video.. Needed replacement and done with ease.. thanks

[@cixstring6885]

Thank you for this info. My converter went out and I was able to diagnose the issue and replace the part all thanks to your help.

[@11Bretired]

This is one of the best videos explaining how to replace the converter. Thank you!

[@williamfry6087]

Evidently your services are needed and well appreciated, Keep up the good work and the great videos.

[@Hopejoy2world]

Love your videos! It's so hard to find good information about RV's online!! Keep sharing!

[@MyRVWorks]

Thank you for watching. I do plan on continuing to provide content as I come across repair jobs.

[@patbullard9276]

Thanks for the great video and your attention to all of the safety aspects very well covered.

[@michaelbradley5702]

Thank You Derick, from Michigan 9-21-23 You make it easy to understand and fix

[@gswartz58]

Thanks for sharing! I have an older Bounder diesel pusher and your videos have helped me understand many of its systems!

[@MyRVWorks]

Thanks for the comment! I am so glad to hear these videos are helping. I have lots more planned so keep watching!

[@da6280]

Excellent video, thanks so much for taking on the work to do them. I’ve learned so much in just 14 minutes. Keep up the good work. Subscribed.

[@10xSmiles]

THANK YOU You help me with my RV electrical. Following now.

[@bullboss7698]

You do a real good job of explaining every step of the process. Good job.

[@BillyTpower]

great video, I learned a lot about breakers and converter work.... however i always seem to pick of a tidbit of "unintended" knowledge from many tech vids. With yours today I didn't know about zeroing the meter while touching the wire before you loop the tester around the wire to check amps... thankyou.

[@MyRVWorks]

You are most welcome. Thanks for watching. I do have on my list of videos to cover one on how to use a meter. There have been several folks that have asked for that. Happy camping!

[@Grootbag]

i know nothing about electricity but after watching your video i honestly think i could handle this! awesome tutorial i learned so much

[@bobdude247]

I might have a bad converter. This video made me check my breakers. The converter breaker was off. I don't think it was tripped though I'm not sure how it turned off. You saved me a cold night with no heat or dc power. Turned the breaker back on and it stayed on. Now I know some things to check if it happens again.

[@alarmingtwitch7822]

Automatic thumbs up for saying yonder in the 1st 30 seconds

[@seanpetrash7263]

I wish I could give 10 thumbs up. You just saved me $400

[@Haznavy]

Great explanation of the steps required to change out the converter, thank you.

[@lightwavelibrary]

Great Job! Thanks for taking the time to make a quality video.

[@karolsmith7593]

Wow, I have learned so much from you in the last two days! Thank you.

[@jdubya54]

great video. i would probably check ac power at the plug with breaker on just to verify 120 volts

[@ernestcook4285]

Upgrading to a lithium charger. Pulled RV cover ( winter over?), heard beeping found battery's dead, no converter output. Upgrading to 4 guage wire to converter and DC distribution panel. The converter is a 75 amp charger. My dististribution board says 15 amps max from the charger, I believe it is because of the printed ckt runs. That's all they can handle. Still in progress will be great when complete. Added 2 ckt breakers 1 for just the converter. The 2nd will be for an inverter manual transferr switch. Running romex to my inverter to feed the AC buss. Smaller older trailer and have done many repairs and upgrades to it. Solar is 380 watts, RV fridge I litterly converted absorbing to 12 volt freon compressor. Would be great if a higher current 12 distribution board was available. Watching channel for ideas and always learning. Great job, good video.

[@marilyndreamwalkermejorado1208]

Thank you. I've been remodeling an 85 Layton and it had a apartment fridge installed before I bought it. They plugged the electric fridge into the outlet behind the side vent cover facing out. Not smart. One breaker is new. It's 30 amp and connected to it's own power plug on my meter base. The front plugs and lights went out and I had to run a power cord to the back. Now it's out again and the back lights and plugs aren't working. I reset the plug inside in the bathroom. I reset the breakers. It has a heat on demand water heater that's not plugged in. Nothing is plugged in except my fridge and power bar. I was working on the door with my drill and now the back plugs aren't working. So I went back and reset the breakers that didn't even show they were tripped. My light's flickers and I turned them off. My plug still works that the fridge is hooked to buy my fridge is not on. And I saw a blue Arc from one breaker. Soo where do you get these breaker's from? I don't have any batteries hooked up yet. I am trying to find the fuses but can't find the schematic for a 85 Layton. Help!!

[@jasoncbrothers]

Great video and very helpful information. My Jayco KB 1207 is a 1997 model and I'm pretty sure my converter is bad. But this definitely made it sound like it isn't the end of the world and is pretty easy to replace.

[@rondavis2791]

What makes you think it's bad? Just curious.

[@geraldgauthier8717]

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT LESSON... THANK YOU VERY MUCH

[@mannyjimenez1010]

Awesome 👌 love watching your video's. I've learned something watching them,and thats a good thing because im a do it yourselfer and my electrical skills are limited. Thanks again 👍

[@MyRVWorks]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@lakelivingb8409]

Taking notes..I am sure it my Navion 15 con verter gone bad and this video will help on install. Thanks so much.

[@skywalkertxrnger5805]

Saved me some money and I feel like I know how to troubleshoot now. Thanks for sharing.

[@willbush1]

Great Video used to check my DSL-55 output allowing me to eliminate that as an issue I'm working on.

[@edeccles3271]

Awesome Videos...can not tell you how much I have learned! Thank You!

[@calvindlamb]

Do converters have protection against connecting the battery in reverse polarity? Many times the wires from the converter to the battery are black & white. With a 12 volt vehicle everyone is accustomed to Black being negative, & Red positive, & they get hooked up wrong with Black treated as ground. I helped a friend diagnose a problem with their battery in their RV & found the black was connected to Negative, & white to positive. I checked the converter & it was in fact connected in reverse polarity. Not sure how it affected the battery, & charging system, but I reconnected it the right way & seemed to be working at the time.

[@charlesrose7212]

Great video. Helped me diagnose my converter problem. 😀

[@koolhandluke2009]

fantastic video, thank you

[@paulsergojan1541]

Very clear and well done. Thanks.

[@timmycarl839]

Very good video informative! Liked it a lot! Learned something from it.

[@rohanboswell5408]

I have subscribed, you do awesome videos and I appreciate you.. I watched you explain how an RV refrigerator works I had no clue ,I'm a learner and I thought I knew everything,luv u

[@edwardmacias5369]

Well done thank you, your video explanation for trouble shooting converter you did very good once again thank you.

[@RunawayRv]

Up in Bellingham Washington and appreciate your videos. New subscriber

[@robertallen7186]

Excellent video, well explained.............thank you.

[@garyquernemoen2513]

Great instructional video!

[@vernonsteinkamp1088]

I'm new to RV's and have purchased an older 1981 class C. When I plugged my RV into my garage outlet, I could hear the converter running but after a while it shut off. Is this because it was charging a battery, then once it was charged, it shut off?. This is the first time I learned that the converter charges the battery. Your video's are very helpful for us beginners. I also just learned why my battery has a quick disconnect knob.

[@b4aftermatch257]

great diagnosis and tips

[@INTERVENTIONALRADIOL]

Great video. Thanks you.

[@ecaswill]

Another great video!

[@gladlisa1]

have same issue with my rv converter , thanks so much now i can get it replaced mu self !

[@Kiptanui]

Awesome videos by the way!

[@markschultz926]

Great video thank you for sharing this

[@misscdog]

I really appreciated this video. Now. If I can find my converter I will understand what to check. If not I will have to see you.

[@calpal9983]

Thanks for this!

[@etinfl]

Thanks for sharing

[@larryanderson2561]

Thank you...Very informative!

[@RentersHomestead]

Great video! Just curious if I’m dry camping and want to charge my travel trailer battery w jumper cables right off the truck, will that damage the converter in anyway?

[@rafaelzarzoza2949]

Music

[@dontask8979]

I didnt know that was the 2nd longest floating bridge...cool. Great job, and everything well explained. Added to "contacts".... Just in case.👍

[@MyRVWorks]

Thanks for the comment. I love history and interesting facts of this area so I like to season the video’s with stuff like that. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffholden1031]

Hello! I enjoy your videos as well! My family and I live in an RV in Sequim. I’ve noticed recently that there is a pulsing in the lights and heater in the evening. Could that be a sign that my converter is on its way out?

[@motorradingaround1220]

Awesome video thank you

[@middleschoolteachers7866]

Outstanding!

[@emmanuelmontoro2171]

Awesome video thanks my friend

[@jamesmorgan1341]

I’m MR MORGAN AND THANKS ALOT YOUR VIDEO ARE SO HELPFUL

[@OldCowboy450]

Great video! Thank You,

[@martinmiranda2771]

Thank you!

[@lrb3989]

Great video thanks

[@lachomedina9048]

Very helpful video

[@RosebudsTravels]

Thanks for the video!

[@dollarbill1109]

I needed this video. Thanks

[@MyRVWorks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@richardnovia5689]

I spend several hours a day learning from you. Thanks! I just bought a 2000 22" F450 Dynamax RV. Prior to my purchase "all" batteries, engine and house, were replaced on 7/22. All three batters are identical yet my understanding is the engine should be a START type while the house batteries DEEO CELL? In one of your videos you identify swelling on batters due to incorrect converter settings for the type of battery. Could you explain how we identify our battery, the different types and how to check/change the settings on the converter or if it requires replacement.

[@robertthompson6958]

Good video. Thanks.

[@edyoung6573]

Again your a wealth of information!!! I absolutely love your videos!!!! Very well shot (filmed) and learning so much! Thank you!!!

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

good one because I discovered today my converter was not working and removed it to test again on my workbench. Zero DC output? what was interesting is you showing to test the continuity reading with the amp meter. will try that but my converter wasn't popping the breaker just no charging my batteries when on shore power. going to order a new converter for it. Oh, and I checked the two 35 fuses.

[@claytoncomeaux414]

You just saved my Wizard . The cooling fan wasnt working on the inverter. Found an open ground. Thanks again

[@unclefuddelmer9224]

lm

[@edwinshelton2443]

What is an open ground?

[@Jocabod]

When I plug into shore power I hear a humming sound coming from behind my electrical panel. The sound goes away when I flip off one of the two 15 amp circuit breakers, both labeled recept. The converter is working as I get 13.65 volts with the battery switch on and 12.55 with it off. I'm wondering if there's a fan that may be stuck or if the humming is normal. I don't usually plug into shore power so not sure if this has always happened. 1998 dodge ram van camper (American Cruiser). Any advice?

[@elimorfin1694]

Very good video

[@jack200955]

Great videos

[@rickbraden4272]

Very good. Thank you.

[@msav57]

Love your videos, I believe I understand the difference between an inverter and a converter, but can an inverter charge my batteries? I just replaced my alternator but when I'm plugged into ShorePower my batteries seemed to drain.

[@josenajera6151]

Question Sir, are the batteries required or can the RV be used with 120V. AC also? Thank you! Great video.

[@robertyearian227]

Very nice video

[@machinegunmac4014]

Question. Your videos are great by the way!!! I wanted to know, If I want to convert my RV from 30amp to 50amp, is it basically just swapping out the inlet, the wire from the inlet to the breaker box and add a new breaker box? (Obviously marking and reinstalling everything with the proper fuses) Thanks.

[@joekerby6330]

thank you

[@robertheiser8943]

Very helpful

[@bryankurn4848]

Thank you.

[@rakiaorganicsessentialoils8789]

Thank you excellent

[@diverm2371]

Well done Thanks

[@DarkStarDireWolf]

Thank you so much for the video! Going to throw the new converter in my 5th wheel tomorrow just needed the confidence you gave me!

[@bettyramey6608]

My box/floor fan ramps up randomly and so does the Portable AC - I got a new shore power cord, new surge protector but it still does it. Could my convertor be going bad? Surge protector and meter show the shore pole is correct but the meter shows drops and spikes at the breaker box. please let me know your thoughts, love your videos.

[@joemartinez9243]

Great video. I feel confident about replacing the converter but before i do just want to make sure it's the issue. Shore power and generator are not charging the house batteries but I checked the voltage on the converter and the meter reads 11.80 si i am confused whether or not is the converter. All fuses are good and none of the breakers are tripped. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[@rhondakendrick2563]

thank u

[@sunbtanman7354]

Awesome videos keep it up.👍

[@MyRVWorks]

Thanks for watching!

[@fredrau5279]

Thanks

[@heroesandzeros7802]

Can you use a 650w computer power supply for a converter? You would have to add the primary fuses but it would be 650W/12V=54.16A. An old 550w power supply would be 550W/12V=45.83A You can find these everywhere. And you can get the 5V for charging other things. I guess there would be liability issues, but for your own you could in a pinch.

[@michaelm6091]

Great video, thank you for the excellent information. I understood you carry spare convertors for replacement. Are they all the same ratings or how would you choose which convertor's to stock? I would like to stock a spare convertor, but thinking of trading campers and would not want to stock one that may now work with a different camper.

[@MyRVWorks]

What we keep in stock on our service trailer are 55 amp stand-alone converters. This will work in most instances if the onboard batteries are water-filled. If the batteries are maintenance-free, spiral cell, or lithium then you would need a different converter.

[@ds97382]

Could you please help me. After watching some of you videos I figured I needed a new converter. I got an IOTA DLS 30 amp /IQ4. The problem is my old converter (20 + years old) does not have the extra ground wire (copper line), just the three prong 120 plug and the red and white lines. So do I need to run the copper ground wire and if so does it also go to the body/ frame or somewhere else. Your videos are really helping me, thanks.

[@ds97382]

I found it, lol

[@jet0577]

Does it nees a copper ground wire? And why since you plug it into the 110?

[@fucm85]

Have you dealt with an older style camper converter. My converter has the fuse panel inside I can access by a little door on the end of it. How ever I try to replace it with a powermax pm3 and I have no juice. I install the old one and works fine till it blows a fuse.

[@ChattieCathy71]

Thank you for the video. It was very informative. I need to learn as much as I can. My RV flooded. Seems as everything works except the 12 volt lights. The water heater kicks on and is working. And all wall plugs are working. Question. I have a 2004 Thor Wanderer Glide Lite. Does it have a converter and inverter? And are they separate or in the same box? Thank you again.

[@skyeweaver1926]

My 07 has the inverter under the sink and is labeled, my converter/ charger is under the fridge behind my breakers. Your converter is wired straight to whatever main switch turns on house power (in my experience) you'r 12v is the lifeblood of your RV, know it, love it, service it :) I just did 400w solar it's fantastic.

[@ChattieCathy71]

Skye Weaver I want to go solar also. That will be in time. I have so much to do still. But we made it in ours in time to not have to pay our lot rent and rent at our old place. The converter is exactly what you said it was. And looks like it needs to be replaced. It’s been discontinued and been suggested to replace it. Everything works except the 12 volt. So we use electric burners to cook and shower at our bath house which is very beautiful and very clean. Hope omg to have the propane tanks put in this weekend. Do you know if I need the new converter to work the water heater and stove? I have no clue. Or does it only light the pilots? I can light them manually right and they’ll be okay?

[@JohnnyLawBMC]

Great video. You do nice work. Very good descriptions and info as you were showing us. Nicely done

[@JoseOrtiz-zb7gq]

Awesome

[@wingz94]

Great Video, would like to carry a spare in my MH. My Converter states 65amp. Think it would hurt to run a 70amp unit? Reason I'd like to use a specific manufacturer and not the one thats installed

[@RGodfreySLC-UT]

great video - Thanks -- I have a problem with my battery disconnect to my chassis battery and I think it's the disconnect switch - which is 2 rocker switch's with the 2 lights above them - when I try to turn on the chassis rocker it doesn't seem to work like it used to and the light won't come on and stay on - thus no power to start my 2002 Gulfstream Ultra Supreme class A motorhome - I ordered a new disconnect panel and it's to old by 3 years and they sent a different set up that has just the 2 rockers with wire connecters on the rear of them - mine has a circuit board type on the back - is it going to be a real pain to match these wires to single push connecters for the new one ? and do you think this is the problem to start with ? Thanks for any thoughts - Roger from Salt Lake City Utah. US