Smelly Inverter

[jckolding]

I made a 100 mile move in my 1982 Excella, hooked up electric and went for a long walk. When I got back I had a very warm and smelly 110 to 12v inverter. The only load was the frig/feezer.
I've had the trailer a bit more than a month and it's served me very well. Inverter does not look originial, but it's exterior looks good as does the wiring. It has good ventilation.
Do you think my inverter's most likely a goner, haven't had much experience with inverters. Heat is not good--almost too hot to touch.
Bite the bullet and replace it with new?
Thanks, Jim

[overlander63]

Welcome to the forums.
An inverter changes 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC. Are you trying to run a refrigerator on 120 volts using an inverter? If so, that's probably why your inverter died.
A converter changes 120 volts to 12 volts, charges the battery and runs the 12 volt stuff in the trailer. It doesn't supply 120 volts.
If it's your converter that is giving you trouble, check all your connections to make sure one of them didn't work loose and burn off. If the converter is not putting out where the leads come out of it, it's probably done for.

[richinny]

in what condition is the battery?

[jckolding]

It's a converter, not an inverter, takes 110v from shore and makes 12v for all the interior lights and frig. Battery is new. Connections and wiring are good, although I've not pulled the case on the converter to see if something bounced loose inside.
I disconnected [unplugged] the converter last evening and connected a battery charger to the battery. It held up well overnight and will do for now. But I'm sure the Univolt Converter needs replacing. Will plug it in and see if it heats up like it did yesterday.
A couple posts on the forum recommend a 50+ amp converter for a 31' Excella--I only have one batter, but may upgrade to two.

Cheers, Jim

[richinny]

check for any possible shorts that might have placed a heavy load on the converter. a volt meter is helpful to see if the battery is being overcharged.

what does it smell like, electrical or sulfur (rotten eggs)?