more than 4 lights = loud converter

[Astroboy]

I can't turn on more than 4 lights simultaneously.

If I turn on more than 4 of 12v interior lights (10 watts each, i think), my Parallax converter (model #7355) starts spinning its loud fan. It's so annoying, and I can't relax in my trailer in the evening.

Airstream's brochure shows a beautiful interior illuminated with numerous marine-styled lights, but the converter is not designed to handle this kind of load.

In reality, when I have my Fantastic Fan turned on, I have to spend my evenings getting by with only 2 lights. Otherwise, the converter seems to overwork, and its radiator fan makes noise louder than the ceiling's Fantastic Fan.

I'm not trying to turn on every one of my lights, but I would like to at least be able to turn on 6 lights without hearing the converter.

Q: Are you folks in similar situation?
Q: Should I upgrade my converter? If so, which one? Mine is supposedly rated at 55 amps...

Ciao, ragazzi.

[Astroboy]

bump.

If I turn on 4 lights, in a few minutes, the radiator fan turns on and blow continuously.

alright, let me ask you this.

How many lights can you turn on simultaneously and continuously, before the converter (Airstream's stock Parallax 7300 series) starts heating up and tuning on its fan?

I would like to know what's normal.

If anyone has upgraded yours to Intellipower or Xantex, did you notice any improvements (more lights, or longer time for the converter to heat up)?

Thanks.

[c177tx]

I will not notice my fan coming on unless the crickets outside are real quiet.

[BDandTTs]

We recently had problems with our OEM 7355 and replaced it with a Xantrex 60amp converter. We are very happy with the change as the Xantrex runs much less frequently and is more quiet. It is also a true 3-stage converter and will be better for our batteries.

[tpi]

Its temperature dependent but mine is about the same as what you're reporting. The 7355 fan will cycle on and off with a few lights. If the batteries are discharged the fan will run more frequently.

[Astroboy]

Thanks people.

tpi is right, it's temperature dependent. My interior is usually kept between 65 ~ 75 degree year around. And my batteries are, most of the time, disconnected at the panel (use -> store) and only connected (store -> use) for charging about once a week.

Xantrex's 3-stage charger capability would be nice, it's on my list of upgrades but not my current priority (prob'ly after: lojack, better & durable skylights from Andy, centrematics, etc.).

I found out Xantrex intakes the cool air from the front and outputs it back to the front utilizing a variable speed fan. I don't know if it would be an improvement from 7355. I would be more willing to upgrade my current converter if Xantrex has a larger heat sink, instead of relying on a little generic PC fan.

Come to think of it, I should check to see if I can stick-on some aluminum heat sinks or fins from my PC junk parts bin to my 7355 or figure out an way to dissipate its heat quietly.

Eventually being able to listen to the crickets or surrounding nature would be nice, that hasn't been my case, though.

Again, thanks for the responses.