curious about converters

[Annemac]

We were plugged into 120 this past week and the battery just kept going down. Our trip was cut short 'cause we had no 12 volt to power the lights and the water pump etc. Turns out our converter just stopped working. We have only used our trailer for about 21 days total since we bought it last August. Has anyone else had this happen so soon?

[CanoeStream]

In a campground many campers will turn off the shore power box circuit breaker when they plug in or unplug. Maybe it was turned off when you arrived? Your converter will operate on a standard house 15 amp 3-prong circuit with a 30a-15a adapter (do NOT run the air conditioner if doing this -- needs 30 amps). If your Safari is still in your driveway see if plugging it in at home works -- leave it overnight or longer if it does.

I always leave an inexpensive volt meter plugged into one of the outlets. Takes only a quick glance to always make sure I have good 110v power -- and your outlets will pass through 110v regardless of what the converter is doing.

Did your fridge ever show that it switched automatically from LP to electric operation while you were camping? Do you have a microwave (these are always 110v) and did it run?

At least you're still under warranty!

[GetOutDoors]

Converters lacking a proper ground live very short lives. Might want to check the ground connections and make sure something hasn't come loose.

[mello mike]

It's still under warranty. Take it in and have them look at it.

[Gunnyusmc]

I had too replace mine when the trailer was three mo. old. Mine was produced in Feb 06, When was yours produced?

Don

[Annemac]

Mine was made in Feb. '06 as well.
Our dealer replaced it under warranty so here's hoping this one lasts longer!
Thanks for the input, y'all...

[lewster]

Have you checked the position of the battery disconnect switch located just inside the door? I was parked in a campground last year and found that the batteries were not being charged.

Seems that the Intellitec disconnect switch must be in the 'use' position for the converter to charge the batteries, even though you are plugged in.

OTOH, if you aren't getting any 12VDC into the trailer, it just might be the converter. To check it, disconnect the negative battery lead, plug in the trailer to 120VAC and put a volt meter across the 12VDC output terminals of the converter. You should see 13.5 VDC+. If not, the converter is not operaing to spec and should be replaced.