Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Winnebago Owners Online Community > WINNEBAGO FLEET | MOTORHOMES and TRAILERS > Winnebago Class A Motorhomes
Click Here to Login
Register FilesRegistry Blogs FAQ Community Calendar Today's Posts Log in

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-18-2019, 07:48 AM   #1
Winnebago Watcher
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 2
Change power converter

I am new to this site so please be patient

Has anyone changed out their power converter on an 1995 Adventurer?
If so what manufacturer did you use and Why?
Mine does not keep the batteries charged up when connected to shore power

Thanks in advance for your help

Jim
jfbranscom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2019, 12:27 AM   #2
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 46
Is your converter putting out any power or is it completely dead?

I've only changed out a converter on a 5th wheel. I used the same manufacturer just for ease of installation.

This may be a mote point as your model may no longer be in production.

Your replacement unit should have the same capacity as the original.

Bruce
__________________
2015 Axis 25A
2007 Voyage 35A
2019 Nissan Leaf+
PennBruce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2019, 12:32 PM   #3
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Posts: 3,656
First, there's no need or advantage to looking for a replacement specific to your year/model. A modern converter/charger is going to be a multi-stage, "smart" charger which will be much kinder on your batteries.

Here's a good, common brand of converter (also available on Amazon). I replaced the converter in my 2002 Suncruiser with the 45 amp model:

https://powermaxconverters.com/product/pm3-12v-series/

The advice about matching the output (in amperage) is a good one but it's really about the wire gauge between the converter and the batteries. If not physically too big, a higher output converter will charge your batteries more quickly but may require larger gauge wires between the converter and the batteries. Assuming accessibility is reasonable, running new wiring isn't difficult. In any case, you won't need to change the 120V wiring, it will be just fine.

If the wires to your batteries are smaller than 10g, you should consider replacement in any case. Note that the smaller the number, the larger the wire, 8g is larger than 10g, etc.

When you remove the wires from your existing converter, make sure you clearly ID and label each one as you remove it, double checking the polarity of the DC wires to the batteries with a multimeter. Don't rely on what you think the color coding might be when reconnecting. Not only do colors fade and change with age, Winnebago didn't always follow the red = Pos, black = Neg convention. Because of this, and my failure to double check, I blew an internal fuse in my new converter along with one in my furnace thermostat. Fortunately no other damage was done.

Here's a link that may help you with all this (even though it's from 2008, the principles are still applicable):

RV Factory Converter Upgrade | ModMyRV
__________________
Bob C
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 35U
Workhorse Chassis
BobC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2019, 01:02 PM   #4
Winnebago Watcher
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 2
Thanks for the reply's

I am currently leaning towards the Progressive Dynamics PD4100 series for replacement.


I do have a small amount of experience with electronics, if I can keep the smoke inside the wires all will be fine.


Jim (old man that moves slow)
jfbranscom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2019, 01:12 PM   #5
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Posts: 3,656
Good, with your electronics experience, you're well-equipped to do this. And it sounds like a good idea to upgrade your distribution panel along with the converter by getting the PD4100 series.
__________________
Bob C
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 35U
Workhorse Chassis
BobC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2019, 03:37 PM   #6
Site Team
 
creativepart's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Spring Branch, TX
Posts: 8,419
How about an inverter/charger instead. Couldn’t you use some AC power sometimes out of your batteries?
__________________
2017 Winnebago Adventurer 37F
2024 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid Toad
creativepart is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
converter, power


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
2015 2101FSB power converter location Bill Swartz Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 17 12-03-2016 07:58 PM
Parallax Power Converter 7455BT Question Jserna Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 12 03-03-2016 11:07 AM
Power converter is not charging batteries. bhuppert Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 6 04-20-2015 12:26 PM
Another tire change question RCtime Running Gear, Axles, Brakes, Wheels and Tires 6 01-13-2009 03:26 PM
How do I change a light bulb? stearn Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 12 12-14-2008 07:35 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Winnebago Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:25 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.