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07-14-2017, 09:28 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
1974 Argosy 22
Holland
, Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 15
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Outlets work but nothing else never have had a battery hooked up
Hey, found this forum after googling the above question. I did browse the similar topics, but since I have never had a battery hooked up I wasn't sure if the advice there fit my problem. We have a 22' Argosy, that is just blocked up in the woods, there's power at the front of the property, so we run 400' of extension cords to the trailer. Usually there are no issues, but all of a sudden the lights, refrigerator, exhaust fan doesn't work, but all of the outlets do. I have checked all of the bus fuses, and replaced the breakers, but still nothing. Last time my wife was up, one of the extension cords burned out, I don't know if that had an effect somehow? I've seen that the box with the fuses could be bad, from the other forum questions. But, since I don't use a battery, does this apply to my situation? And, is installing a converter a viable option? I understand I guess that the lights are 12v, so If I understand correctly, that box is converting shore power into 12v power to power the lights? Very confused, thanks in advance for any help. Maybe a suggestion as to where to pick up a converter, and what type for my trailer? Again, Thanks!
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07-14-2017, 09:29 AM
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#2
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1 Rivet Member
1974 Argosy 22
Holland
, Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 15
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It's a '74, btw, sorry forgot to post that
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07-14-2017, 09:41 AM
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#3
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1 Rivet Member
ceres
, California
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 13
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Your going to need to know what converter you have now I just had the same problem with my 93 it was the 12volt fuse distribution board was bad.
Yours being a 74 it probably a different converter but try best converter talk to Rick he knows his business.
And you probably should inspect everything being its left in the woods unattended it could be rodents they love to chew on wiring.
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07-14-2017, 09:50 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,656
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The outlets work because they're on 120v. The fridge(control), and lights and fans are all 12 v. DC.
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07-14-2017, 10:16 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1973 Argosy 24
hartselle
, Alabama
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 582
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Bet your converter is dead. If you connect a battery I'd place my bet that your down systems work. If they work with a battery hooked up your converter is probably bad. With shore power hooked up you should hear a buzzing/humming sound from your bathroom closet. If you hear the buzzing sound the fat glass fuse in your fuse panel could be bad or not making connection.if you hear the buzzing disconnect the shore power and make a jumper between both sides of the fuse holder for the largest glass fuse in your panel.
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07-14-2017, 10:31 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,408
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Converter.
Run of 400'..??? wow
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
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07-14-2017, 01:10 PM
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#7
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:SPACE A" S/O 11 Air19745
2006 34' Classic S/O
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,766
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It may just be the converter's fuse(s). Check for power at the AC socket the converter plugs into. If it is good and the fuse(s) are Ok then the converter is bad. Lightning may have killed it. You need a surge protector in the line between the pole and the trailer's AC input.
guskmg
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07-14-2017, 02:30 PM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Vintage Kin Owner
Sonoma Co.
, California
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 297
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Your converter is fried. It's 43 years old. If you've been using lights, fans, and frig (control)...all 12V loads...without a battery, it means your converter has been working full-time to run them all. It was never designed to do this. At 43 years old it finally just couldn't take the strain anymore. Get a new converter AND a battery! The outlets still work, BTW, cuz the 110V current is wired direct from the circuit breaker...it never goes thru the converter...and thus is not dependent on the converter.
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07-14-2017, 02:38 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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Welcome to the forum!
Also -- make sure that you are getting proper voltage and amperage over your 400' run from the street. What AWG size is that "extension cord" ? Guessing it should be #6 or so, or even bigger [lower AWG number like #4 service cable].
If your wire gauge is too small, that may have contributed to the converter's (not early!) demise. What amperage outlet/circuit are you taking your power from? Probably a 15 amp?
Good luck!
Peter
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07-14-2017, 02:46 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1967 22' Safari
MILAN
, Illinois
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,013
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Power issues w/ 12 vdc system
Quote:
Originally Posted by NoFxJohnson
Hey, found this forum after googling the above question. I did browse the similar topics, but since I have never had a battery hooked up I wasn't sure if the advice there fit my problem. We have a 22' Argosy, that is just blocked up in the woods, there's power at the front of the property, so we run 400' of extension cords to the trailer. Usually there are no issues, but all of a sudden the lights, refrigerator, exhaust fan doesn't work, but all of the outlets do. I have checked all of the bus fuses, and replaced the breakers, but still nothing. Last time my wife was up, one of the extension cords burned out, I don't know if that had an effect somehow? I've seen that the box with the fuses could be bad, from the other forum questions. But, since I don't use a battery, does this apply to my situation? And, is installing a converter a viable option? I understand I guess that the lights are 12v, so If I understand correctly, that box is converting shore power into 12v power to power the lights? Very confused, thanks in advance for any help. Maybe a suggestion as to where to pick up a converter, and what type for my trailer? Again, Thanks!
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NoFxJohnson, Since you already have power to the property why don't you trench a line and have a shore power post installed near the trailer? Power company can do this for you for a minimal charge. Underground cable is way more reliable than drop cords. You would find the power loss much less of a problem than that you are experiencing on 400 feet of drop cords! Also water intrusion on the cords may be what caused the failure of the shorted out one! You will not have a lot of cost to have this done and it is much safer for your trailers system. The power converter is the culprit of the no 12 volt issue. You do not need to hook a battery up if the converter is working properly and the fuses are good as you already know. The hum others have mentioned is likely because you have the original UniVolt converter in your trailer and it has likely expended its useful life! it is also a problem if you do install a battery at some point as the old converters were infamous for cooking the battery on trailers back in the day. A new converter will make your electrical system much more reliable once you have the corrected supply line run to a shore power post! You can also lock out the power once set up correctly so that makes it more secure too! Hope this helps, Ed
__________________
1967 Safari Twin "Landshark" w/International trim package
2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Double Cab SLE
FORUMS MEMBER SINCE 12/16/2004AIR#7110
"My tire was thumping, I thought it was flat. When I looked at the tire, I noticed your CAT!" Burma Shave
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07-15-2017, 03:46 PM
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#11
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1 Rivet Member
1974 Argosy 22
Holland
, Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 15
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The wire is 12/3 and has worked fine for over 10 years, plan on trenching and putting in a post, but wish in one hand... I do have the omnivolt, which is an awesome name I never knew actually existed to name something. So, can I change the omnivolt for a converter, even tho there's no battery?
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07-15-2017, 03:56 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1973 Argosy 24
hartselle
, Alabama
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 582
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It's univolt not omnivolt. While a working univolt or a new converter will run your trailer with no battery, both are designed to provide your 12volt needs through the battery. Running without a battery will risk damage to a converter. As for your 400 foot of standard extension cord, all will be good until it is not. You are risking a fire and possible injury to your loved ones. The cord "burning out" on your wife is a ominous clue of what could happen.
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07-15-2017, 04:10 PM
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#13
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1 Rivet Member
1974 Argosy 22
Holland
, Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1973Argosy
It's univolt not omnivolt. While a working univolt or a new converter will run your trailer with no battery, both are designed to provide your 12volt needs through the battery. Running without a battery will risk damage to a converter. As for your 400 foot of standard extension cord, all will be good until it is not. You are risking a fire and possible injury to your loved ones. The cord "burning out" on your wife is a ominous clue of what could happen.
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I appreciate the concern, it's not like a 24/7 thing tho. We use the camper in the winter too, and batteries don't fare well in Michigan winter's, and kind of a pain to bring one up Everytime. So, is there a particular converter to replace the 1974 "univolt"? Which is still a really cool name for something.
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07-15-2017, 06:01 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,408
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Converters generally like a battery,,, they can turn off and on... rather than having to run continuously. But so far you have beat the odds.... I wish you all the best...
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
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07-15-2017, 08:00 PM
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#15
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1 Rivet Member
1974 Argosy 22
Holland
, Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cwf
Converters generally like a battery,,, they can turn off and on... rather than having to run continuously. But so far you have beat the odds.... I wish you all the best...
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Thanks, lol
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07-15-2017, 08:46 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2002 30' Classic S/O
Fleming Island
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,673
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Older converters had poor output filters. The new ones have much better output regulation. You can confirm this with Randy at Best Converter, but I believe the newer ones like the Progressive Dynamics PD9200 series will work just fine without a battery connected.
Al
__________________
“You cannot reason someone out of a position they have not been reasoned into"
Al, K5TAN and Missy, N4RGO WBCCI 1322
2002 Classic 30 Slideout -S/OS #004
2013 Dodge 2500 Laramie 4x4 Megacab Cummins
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07-15-2017, 08:47 PM
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#17
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1 Rivet Member
1974 Argosy 22
Holland
, Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Al and Missy
Older converters had poor output filters. The new ones have much better output regulation. You can confirm this with Randy at Best Converter, but I believe the newer ones like the Progressive Dynamics PD9200 series will work just fine without a battery connected.
Al
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Cool, this is someone on this forum, I assume?
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07-15-2017, 08:57 PM
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#18
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,744
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Hi
Even if you don't have the power company do it, go down to Home Depot and get some PVC underground conduit. The stuff is dirt cheap. Get a spool of wire that also is underground compatible. 400 feet of extension cords is a disaster ready to happen. It may or may not kill you, it could easily kill somebody. Rent a trencher and run it in. It's an afternoon if you are lucky. It's a weekend if you aren't lucky.
Once that is done, replace the converter / charger. If money is tight, the trenched cable (done DIY) is cheaper than the couple hundred dollars the new converter will cost you.
Bob
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07-15-2017, 09:00 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2002 30' Classic S/O
Fleming Island
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,673
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NoFxJohnson
Cool, this is someone on this forum, I assume?
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Randy is occasionally on the forum but he is at a company called Best Converter. Google it.
Al
__________________
“You cannot reason someone out of a position they have not been reasoned into"
Al, K5TAN and Missy, N4RGO WBCCI 1322
2002 Classic 30 Slideout -S/OS #004
2013 Dodge 2500 Laramie 4x4 Megacab Cummins
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07-15-2017, 09:00 PM
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#20
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1 Rivet Member
1974 Argosy 22
Holland
, Michigan
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Al and Missy
Randy is occasionally on the forum but he is at a company called Best Converter. Google it.
Al
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