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tkowalyk · 08-02-2013, 03:40 PM

So I am having high voyage problems on my new 27 FB Classic. Getting readings of 16.2 - 20VDC

I dropped the trailer off at the dealer today and while discussing the problem, the technician indicated that the problem was most likely the "lower end" of the converter.

I inquired if I could replace the converter with a different make. The technician told me that we had to stick with the original converter because the entire 110v / 12 v would have to be rewired and new breaker panels installed. Our layout has the breakers / convertor beneath the pantry.

Any comments or recommendations?

Thanks

lsbrodsky · 08-02-2013, 03:45 PM

This should be warranty work, why pay a penny for anything? Let them replace the converter with the same. It is not the best available but it is more than adequate.
Larry

daveswenson · 08-02-2013, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkowalyk

So I am having high voyage problems on my new 27 FB Classic. Getting readings of 16.2 - 20VDC

I dropped the trailer off at the dealer today and while discussing the problem, the technician indicated that the problem was most likely the "lower end" of the converter.

I inquired if I could replace the converter with a different make. The technician told me that we had to stick with the original converter because the entire 110v / 12 v would have to be rewired and new breaker panels installed. Our layout has the breakers / convertor beneath the pantry.

Any comments or recommendations?

Thanks

Does yours look like this?

If so your tech doesn't know what he's talking about. I just installed a new converter. I used the same AC and DC panels. It involved 5 wires. 2 AC 2 DC and a ground. I now have a 4 stage charger that won't fry my batteries like the stock one.

Talk to Randy.
BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics

tkowalyk · 08-02-2013, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveswenson

Does yours look like this?

If so your tech doesn't know what he's talking about. I just installed a new converter. I used the same AC and DC panels. It involved 5 wires. 2 AC 2 DC and a ground. I now have a 4 stage charger that won't fry my batteries like the stock one.

Talk to Randy.
BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics

It does look similar to this. I have 50 amp service. Does this matter?

daveswenson · 08-02-2013, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkowalyk

It does look similar to this. I have 50 amp service. Does this matter?

Nope.

**DKB_SATX** · 08-02-2013, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveswenson

Does yours look like this?

If so your tech doesn't know what he's talking about. I just installed a new converter. I used the same AC and DC panels. It involved 5 wires. 2 AC 2 DC and a ground. I now have a 4 stage charger that won't fry my batteries like the stock one.

Talk to Randy.
BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics

Dave has it exactly right IMO. Several forums members have posted about this same upgrade recently, and probably more have done it than have posted about it. The dealer doesn't want to hassle with a non-factory part, but they either aren't being honest with you about it or they're just unaware of the upgrade converter that fits into the stock power center.

If you don't want to fight about replacing the Parallax with a better converter right now (since they're going to push to use the "factory" part for warranty work) at least make a note of the information so you can upgrade it when it dies or boils batteries after the warranty.

daveswenson · 08-02-2013, 05:36 PM

In the tech's defense, it isn't as simple as a direct swap out. It requires a little (very little) customization.

tkowalyk · 08-04-2013, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

Dave has it exactly right IMO. Several forums members have posted about this same upgrade recently, and probably more have done it than have posted about it. The dealer doesn't want to hassle with a non-factory part, but they either aren't being honest with you about it or they're just unaware of the upgrade converter that fits into the stock power center.

If you don't want to fight about replacing the Parallax with a better converter right now (since they're going to push to use the "factory" part for warranty work) at least make a note of the information so you can upgrade it when it dies or boils batteries after the warranty.

What replacement brand / model would you recommend? I think I have a 55 or 60 amp convertor. I have AGM 27 batteries.

Thanks,

**DKB_SATX** · 08-04-2013, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkowalyk

What replacement brand / model would you recommend? I think I have a 55 or 60 amp convertor. I have AGM 27 batteries.

Thanks,

I believe that the upgrade converter for modern "power center" installations is this one from BestConverter.

I recommend you call BestConverter and discuss it with them to make sure before you go throwing money around, I haven't personally dealt with this, my converters are free-standing deck mount models.

daveswenson · 08-04-2013, 09:09 PM

+1 on what DKB said. Talk to Randy at Best Converters.

lsbrodsky · 08-06-2013, 04:17 PM

I just installed the Ultra III upgrade from BestConverter for peace of mind. It is a simple install but it does take longer than they suggest as getting everything hooked up while down on the floor is a bit of a physical challenge. Nevertheless, no modifications are required so it is a well thought out upgrade.
Larry

tkowalyk · 08-06-2013, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

I just installed the Ultra III upgrade from BestConverter for peace of mind. It is a simple install but it does take longer than they suggest as getting everything hooked up while down on the floor is a bit of a physical challenge. Nevertheless, no modifications are required so it is a well thought out upgrade.
Larry

Do you have any Photos?

lsbrodsky · 08-06-2013, 05:22 PM

Bestconverter.com has good photos on their website so I did not take any.
Larry

tkowalyk · 08-06-2013, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

Bestconverter.com has good photos on their website so I did not take any.
Larry

Is your convertor mounted under the breaker panel in the open or enclosed?

Thanks

lsbrodsky · 08-07-2013, 03:34 AM

The fuse board and the lower portion of the converter are replaced, then the existing front panel is reattached. so it looks just like what was there, but the guts are new.

Larry

Skater · 08-07-2013, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

I believe that the upgrade converter for modern "power center" installations is this one from BestConverter.

I recommend you call BestConverter and discuss it with them to make sure before you go throwing money around, I haven't personally dealt with this, my converters are free-standing deck mount models.

You can also put a 45 or 60 amp PD92xx converter in where the old "guts" used to be - this is what I did on my B190, and it worked perfectly. There are lots of options; as you said BestConveter.com will help figure it out.