shaun4b
Southern Idaho
New Member
Joined: 09/13/2007
View Profile
 Offline
|
I don't know if what I have is technically a converter or inverter. What I can tell you is that it is inside a compartment in the bathroom, not near the main breaker / fuse panel. I opened the compartment, and without removing it, it kind of looks like a battery load tester. It has a small square fan, like a computer fan. This thing is making all kinds of noise and I think it is just the fan. But it keeps starting and stopping constantly. Is this normal? Can you replace just the fan? Charging and battery levels appear to be fine. No problems with any of the 12v stuff, other than the lights dim occassionally for a short period, then go back to normal.
|
Mandalay Parr
Phoenix, AZ
Senior Member
Joined: 07/09/2004
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
Should be able to change the fan.
Jerry Parr
Full-time
2005 Mandalay 40B
Cat C7 350, 4 Slides
Blue Ox, Brake Buddy
2004 CR-V Toad
602-321-8141
|
wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
Senior Member
Joined: 07/04/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
You can remove it and get a replacement fan at most Electronics Supply houses. such as (in the western Detroit area "RS Electronics" (Given as an example only)
How to tell if it is a converter, inverter or both
Converter 120 volts in, 12 volts out
Inverter 12 volts in 120 volts out
Converter/Inverter
IF you have shore power it's the first, If not the second
NOTE 12 volts in all cases is DC and 120 is AC
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
|
wolfe10
Texas
Senior Member
Joined: 10/08/2000
View Profile
Offline
|
Many of the fans are on thermostats, so cycling can be normal.
If you can determine the brand or post a photo, perhaps someone with the same brand can tell you if this is nomal or a sign of a problem.
Does the fan run more in warm weather than cold?
Does the fan run more when charging deeply discharged batteries than after being plugged into shore power overnight? Both can be signs of normal function.
Brett Wolfe
1993 Foretravel 36' U-240
Cat 3116, Allison 3060
Caterpillar RV Engine Owner's Club: www.catrvclub.org
|
tvman44
Southwest Louisiana
Senior Member
Joined: 09/25/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Probably a converter, the fan can be changed if you are willing to do a little leg work.
Papa Bob
1* DW "Granny"
1* 2008 Brookside by Sunnybrook 32'
1* 2002 F250 Super Duty 7.3L PSD
Husky 16K hitch, Tekonsha P3,
Firestone Ride Rite Air Springs, Trailair Equa-Flex, Champion C46540
"A bad day camping is better than a good day at work!"
|
|
|
shaun4b
Southern Idaho
New Member
Joined: 09/13/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
I full time, same location. Has always been hooked to shore power from the day I bought it (12-1-2008). I just noticed the fan noise within the last 4 months, seems to be getting more noticable. The batteries have never been discharged, has always been plugged in.
Converter / Inverter ?
- I believe it is converting 110v to 12v. It plugs into a 110v outlet inside the compartment and has what appears to be pos. and neg. battery cables coming off the top.
|
ejforwood
Littleton (Denver) Colorado
Senior Member
Joined: 04/26/2006
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
|
Maybe the fan could use some lube?
Jerry, Dottie & Chan, "the little furry one"
98 Bounder 34V, 99 F-53 Ford V10 chassis
06 Saturn VUE 4I
|
nbounder
Arizona mountains
Senior Member
Joined: 11/26/2006
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
Maybe the fan needs to be CLEANED!!! Using a can of air, suggest blowing from the inside out - so the dirt goes away from the unit. Often, so much dirt accumulates on the blades that it unbalances the fan. If you can, look at both sides of the fan for a layer of dirt stuck to the blades.
|
nbounder
Arizona mountains
Senior Member
Joined: 11/26/2006
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
If & when you are SURE the fan is bad, simply call the mfr of the unit, give'em the model #, and I'm sure they will either GIVE or SELL you the right fan. Simple, no?
|
MELM
GA
Moderator
Joined: 12/11/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
In another thread, you say you bought the Prowler in December of '07. If it was new and you are the original owner, the converter is still under warranty.
Fleetwood uses the WFCO converters - which is what you describe. Yours could be an 8800 series (discontinued) or 9800 series (essentially the same). Here is a link to the manual for the 9800 Series.
Here is a link to WFCO. You can contact the service department, they may be able to help you find a WFCO dealer near you. You may be able to take it to a dealer near you and get a replacement in exchange.
If it is out of warranty, you can open the case and check the fan. You may be able to get one at a Radio Shack or an online electronics store. You'll need to determine if it is a 12 volt or 120 volt fan (the WFCO Tech Support should be able to tell you).
Mel
|
|
|
