Hi All,
I recently bought a 2008 international 23D. I've got some strange high pitched wining sounds coming from the inverter when its plugged into shore power, especially when certain lights are turned on. Switching off these lights will quiet the sound or slightly change the pitch. These lights don't make the sound when its running on batteries (disconnected from shore power) - so my thought is it is an issue with the paralax converter. Putting my ear down in that area is not very conclusive- very hard to pinpoint the source of the sound, but I suspect it is actually coming from the converter.
I also would like to replace it as I would eventually like to switch to AGM batteries, and a solar package (not necessarily at the same time). Here is how I plan to use the trailer for background:
* Winter - keep plugged in to shore power in my driveway. Sometimes use as an office, and want to be able to run lights, heat pump (if nice enough) etc, and charge batteries. I live at 8000ft in Colorado. It gets cold( below zero) a few times a year, but usually is in the teens at night)
* All other seasons -
15-20 times - 3 day trips, not connected to power usually, though obviously sometimes I will be plugged in. Don't use microwave - just lights and water pump mainly. Sometimes water tank heater if it gets below 32 in the spring and fall.
Twice a summer - longer trips (2 weeks out). Maybe go as much as 4 or 5 days between tows, but more likely I will move every 2 to 3 days or so. Same kind of usage on electrical system. Would like to be able to plug in laptop/cell phones to 110v receptacle to charge.
All other times - Stored in driveway, plugged in, using as office.
So my questions:
1. Should I purchase a unit like this?
55 Amp Converter Replacement Kit Or if I plan to add solar later, would I need something different down the road?
2. Is this unit the best for AGM batteries, or should I look at something that is 4 stage?
3. What about plugging in to the receptacles to run my laptop when I am not connected to shore power? Would a unit like this act as an inverter to the receptacles, or just a converter to charge the batteries and rout power when Im plugged in to shore power?
4. What alternative units should I consider based on my intended use above?
Thanks! I should note that I'm planning to change the lights out for LED's too to converve power, add solar at some point, and Im not opposed to buying a 1000-2000w generator.