battery charger, inverter (?)

[Tractorat]

Not sure what the proper terminology is. The power supply in the TT that when plugged into shore power, charges the TT batteries.

The box in my TT has buzzed for as long as I can remember when plugged into shore power. I think I read somewhere quite a while ago that it is not problem. Probably just something to do with dust.

Anyway, I was taking a look at it tonight trying to see if there was a way to stop the buzzing. It has always been warm to the touch (should it be ?). But just for the heck of it, I shot it with my infrared thermometer. It was about 105d on the outside. But, if I aim it thru the holes on top into the inside, I can find places where it is almost 200d. Is that normal ? Ive unplugged it until I find out from a reasonably reliable source.

Thanks

 

[Bob V]

Proper terminology is converter. sounds a little worm to me. hope you find the answer

 

[FParisi]

The converter should have a cooling fan, which is probably what you are hearing. They do warm up. 105 does not sound bad. If it isn't already you might consider upgrading to a 3 or 4 stage charging converter. Much better for battery longevity.

 

[HBarlow]

Sounds normal to me. The converter contains a transformer to step down 115 vac house power to about 12 - 14 vdc and rectifies the ac current to provide dc. It is a current drawing electrical device. Heat is normal.

If you like the trailer and plan to keep it a long time a four stage Intellipower converter is an excellent upgrade as suggested by Parisi. An Intellipower allows you to keep the trailer plugged in and batteries charged indefinitely without boiling the batteries dry.

 

[Tractorat]

Thanks
i probably will be upgrading the converter if only because Im tired of flipping the breaker when Im in the trailer and plugged in to shore power at night. Just wanted to make sure I dont burn up in the meantime.

 

[HBarlow]

Here's what you want. http://www.progressivedyn.com/power_converters_9100.html Select the current rating you want or match the current rating of the convertor your trailer was equipped with. Probably a 30 to 40 amp if it's a conventional travel trailer.

If you key "intellipower converter" in google search you'll find lots of discount sources for actually buying one. The Intellipower is the gold standard of RV 12 power. I've retrofitted one into several RVs. It's a simple plug and play install. RV converters are installed by plugging them into a standard house type power outlet then you connect three wires to the terminals - Hot, neutral, and ground normally black/red, white, and green in that order.

 

[TLane]

You might take a close look at the cooling fan (assuming it has one). Mine has a fan that is designed to circulate air within the box the converter sits in. It doesn't do much useful cooling as it simply circulates the hot air around the inside of the box. I have on my "to do" list to add some plastic duct so the fan draws in cool air from outside the box. I haven't noticed mine being hot so it's pretty low on the list.

 

[RustyJC]

Be aware the Progressive Dynamics Intellipower 91XX (XX is the current rating) converter requires the add-on Charge Wizard plug-in "dongle" to function as a multistage charger - the Charge Wizard is normally a $20 or so accessory. The later 92XX series has the Charge Wizard function built in.



Since you mentioned an inverter, an inverter takes 12VDC battery power and produces 120VAC output. The 120VAC can be either modified or pure sine wave depending on the inverter design.



Rusty

 

[Tractorat]

Since you mentioned an inverter, an inverter takes 12VDC battery power and produces 120VAC output

Thanks, I meant converter. (they are both "verters", one con and one in)

 

[Newt]

Best Converters is a good source. http://www.bestconverter.com/

They have conversion kits for a lot of older converters. They also sell the Progressive Dynamic converters.

Newt