Converter

[CR3999]

The DC power has stopped working. I smelled electric burning all week but could place it. I guess now it was the converter. Now I have No DC power. Can this be fixed or the whole thing needs to be replaced? I'm a full timer and kinda need to fix this pretty quick.

 

[Robert-DUTCH]

If you are on shore power... Connect the best battery charger you have... This will help get you by until you can get a replacement converter..

 

[CR3999]

After looking on the net for a replacement distribution center a converter keeps popping up. I guess the panels not the problem, but the deck mounted converter. Where is this located?

 

[ATCguy]

After looking on the net for a replacement distribution center a converter keeps popping up. I guess the panels not the problem, but the deck mounted converter. Where is this located?

Not for nothing, but it sounds as if you have about as much electrical experience as I have: enough to be dangerous.

Recommendation: Call a mobile tech and get a REAL diagnosis of the problem, and a plan to repair.

 

[CR3999]

Shoot, unplug the trailer everything should be dead. Heck I don't even know where the batteries at at.LOL This is how you learn. But your right electronics is not my strong suit. If I can change out injectors on my diesel truck I can surly do this.

 

[wahoonc]

• Check Battery Voltage
• If low recharge
• Disconnect Battery Cables
• Check ALL fuses in the converter to make sure they aren't blown
• with battery disconnected, converter on check voltage at battery cables

I am betting on a bad converter, especially if you smelled something burning.

What model is in your unit? Some are easy swap out/upgrade others not so easy.

I buy almost all of my converters and related items from Best Converter. I prefer Progressive Dynamics over most other brands.

Aaron

 

[Greybaer]

I had a similar situation when I hooked up my shore power to a poorly grounded 240v outlet, frying the DC converter. Strangely enough I also have a 2012 Voltage 3200.

You'll want to just replace the converter. It's located in the storage space directly behind the passenger side hookup panel. You'll access it by removing the vertical panels in the storage space. Mine was mounted vertically on a piece of plywood.

The converter you want is a WFCO WF68100 100 amp deck converter. My suggestion is to purchase it direct from Amazon.com here, or somewhere similar. My experience with trying to get it from a dealer was a disaster. They wanted as least double the online price, and delivery time was measured in months. Once you get access to it, the replacement is dead simple, and takes maybe 10 minutes.

Attached is a picture of my converter installed. YMMV.

Hope that helps. Glad to answer any questions!

 

[CR3999]

Thanks! I'll do that. Thanks again

 

[VCToyhauler]

After looking on the net for a replacement distribution center a converter keeps popping up. I guess the panels not the problem, but the deck mounted converter. Where is this located?

You should find the converter behind and left of the fireplace, if it is like the 3800. Sounds like it is fried, but they are not terribly expensive, and i replaced mine in my old toy hauler, only knowing how to replace like for like connections. I am not an electrician either, but i can "paint by numbers" and transplanted a carb on my 1970 Dodge Challenger back when i was 20, just using the same logic, even though i am not a mechanic either.

So, if you get a converter replacement of the same model, you should be able to take a look at doing that. Make sure the new converter is a 3 stage, which stops when the batteries are full, and not a 1 speed with no brakes like i had on my old TH which fried a pair of $200 Optima batteries.

 

[wahoonc]

If the converter is bad I would seize the opportunity to upgrade to a four stage, it is a lot better for the batteries. I would not buy another WFCO if that is what is currently in there. They have a whole range of issues. The WFCO on my Coleman crapped out at about 16 months. It would never go to float charge, replaced it with a Progressive Dynamics and was a happy camper.

We just bought a brand new Coachman Concord, it has the WFCO converter, I have already budgeted for the PD upgrade.

Aaron

 

[CR3999]

Good to know. I will get a progressive D one. How about hookup? I just got back with a battery charger. I will order the converter online. Is there a rating I should look for? I have a little time now with the charger.

 

[wahoonc]

Shoot an email to Randy @ Best Converter with the model number of the old one and he will tell you the best replacement. Great guy, veteran, easy to deal with.

Aaron

 

[CR3999]

Thanks guys you've been a great help.

 

[CR3999]

Ok, I've ordered the converter, have the battery charger hooked up. Yea I found the batteries, up front next to the generator. The wires to the converter are routed through the exterior side and out of sight. Anyone have a clue where that thing is hiding? I don't have a fire place.

 

[mcpaul]

Ok, I've ordered the converter, have the battery charger hooked up. Yea I found the batteries, up front next to the generator. The wires to the converter are routed through the exterior side and out of sight. Anyone have a clue where that thing is hiding? I don't have a fire place.

If your 3200 is like mine (2014) you'll find it in the pass through storage area kinda behind the vacuum. Remove the carpeted cover panels & look back into the mass of wires, subwoofer, plumbing, transfer switch, etc. Not in a very convenient location but it's there.

 

[CR3999]

I toke off the drivers side panel and saw the transfer switch. Then I toke off the passenger side and pulled it out enough to shine a flash light behind it but I was to lazy to take it all the way off. Well I'm going in. Thanks! I even toke off the vent at the stairs, they are just nailed in.

 

[ewarnerusa]

In my TT, the converter is located in the lower section of the breaker panel control center. If your's is the typical WFCO that is OEM, I would think it would be there?

I recommend reading through this website as a reference to learn about your camper's power systems.
The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)