Converter running constantly

[fclewis]

I have a FC 25 2016. Have noticed recently that the converter fan is running almost constantly. One would assume something is overheating but no symptoms of that. Currently on 30 amp hookup with no AC. Fidg and HW Hester running and that’s about it. In a very cool climate in WY. Any suggestions or comment s would be helpful.

[DryFly]

Have you checked the output? If your batteries are good the converter should drop into float mode and the fan should go off. If the batteries are bad it will continuously try to charge them, and this can keep the fan on. That's one thing to look at. Well, two things

[lsbrodsky]

Those converters will never drop into float while you are using the trailer, with any load at all. The float mode, even with updated converters, only kicks in at rest..no loads.
However, the fan should not run all of the time with minimal load. I agree that excessive battery charging is most likely. Also open up the panel and make sure that air flow is not obstructed by dirt or a sock or something.

Larry

[Steamy1]

I had the same problem with the original/stock Parallax RV Power converter model 7355R. It was so noisy that I would throw the breakers off at night so we could sleep.

I replaced it with a Progressive Dynamics PD4655V Inteli-Power 4600 Series Converter/Charger with Charge Wizard - 55 Amp from Amazon and the problem was solved.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

First step is always to be sure you have adequate water in wet cell batteries. If that's what you have, check them first. Top them off with distilled water. If they are down a ways, do that and wait a day.

A lot depends on just how much 12V power you are using in the trailer. Indeed bad batteries can be the issue as well. With just the fridge, the fan should drop out. In some cases it's as simple as a shot thermostat on the fan. So, lots of possibilities.

First thing to do is to grab your multimeter (or go get one at Home Depot) and measure the voltage at the battery posts. You should be up above 13V with the converter running and above 12.5V with it not running. If you are down around 12.3V or less, that suggests that the converter and / or the batteries have issues.

Sorting bad battery out from bad converter is a bit of a tangle. First step is to see if the battery voltage (at the terminals) goes up when the converter is turned on. You can turn it on and off either by yanking shore power or by the breaker on the AC panel. Let things sit for about 15 minutes with power off and measure the battery. Then turn the converter back on. The voltage should go up by at least a few tenth's of a volt. More than that is ok.

If your 15 minute test shows the battery down past 12.5V *and* the converter seems to do something .... probably time for new batteries. Assuming you have a pair, they always get replaced together. Whatever deep cycle battery Costco has on sale this week is probably the most affordable option. Choices go on up from there to $900 a piece lithiums. How's the credit card doing

Bob

[JJTX]

Originally Posted by fclewis

I have a FC 25 2016. Have noticed recently that the converter fan is running almost constantly. One would assume something is overheating but no symptoms of that. Currently on 30 amp hookup with no AC. Fidg and HW Hester running and that’s about it. In a very cool climate in WY. Any suggestions or comment s would be helpful.

Are your batteries three years old?

If you have the factory non-smart charger and have been plugged in for 3 years, you might need new batteries...........

Get a volt meter, Check what the voltage is on the batteries is with everything off after a few hours.

[xrvr]

Dust or dirt blocking air flow.