Xantrex converter problems...

[ROBERT CROSS]

Been trying to replace the OEM converter on our 03 Classic with the Xatrex XADC 60a.

Two strikes so far.

The first failed after three days of boondocking. It started by charging at a constant 13.7v and never went into float mode, after two days it wasn't charging at all. (not fun spending two weeks trying to keep the new Lifelines charged with the genset,pita.)

Randy at Best Converter sent me a replacement unit.

Installed the replacement, it trips both the trailer circuit breaker and the dedicated 30a line on the house when plugged in directly. ( I should NOT have been holding it when I plugged it in....ZAP)
Randy suggests replacing the trailer breaker....but if it also trips the house breaker I don't see the point. Also said to try the Xantrex CS line but it's a busy signal all day.

Anyone have similar problems or have any suggestions.

FWIW..re-installed the Parallax and it's working ok, if ain't broke,fix it 'til it is.

[Gene]

Bob, what a bummer! Our OEM converter works fine, but having seen so many threads about converters, I have developed a floating anxiety about ours (along with the Marathon tires, possible future corrosion, etc., etc.).

Perhaps it's my ignorance, but it seems to me converters aren't new technology and should work right if they aren't made cheaply.

Good luck.

Gene

[87MH]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

.....

Randy at Best Converter sent me a replacement unit.

Installed the replacement, it trips both the trailer circuit breaker and the dedicated 30a line on the house when plugged in directly. ( I should NOT have been holding it when I plugged it in....ZAP)
Randy suggests replacing the trailer breaker....but if it also trips the house breaker I don't see the point. Also said to try the Xantrex CS line but it's a busy signal all day.

Anyone have similar problems or have any suggestions.

FWIW, I purchased a Xantrex from Randy and it works great.

One suggestion - the unit I received had no power cord hooked up to it - I had to wire it in. I think I would first explore the wiring of the 110 cord into the junction box inside the unit. The instructions on the Xantrex I received were not extremely clear on just how to do that.

The wiring on the Airstreams are sort of positive and neutral specific (and NOT neutral to ground) - the leads may have somehow been reversed (or worse, the ground inside the Xantrex wired into the positive).

[ROBERT CROSS]

Dennis,

I got the corded version, plugs into the ac outlet under the front couch.

After I removed it and got zapped when I plugged into the house 30a outlet I thought the same thing about being wired wrong from the factory. I was thinking about replacing the cord but don't want to void the warranty, there's no color code in the manual and of-course the colors on the converter aren't the usual green, black, white.

The factory cs line was busy all afternoon, so no help there.

[richinny]

can you do a continuity test from the cord to the case?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by richinny

can you do a continuity test from the cord to the case?

Well I could, but not without some dis-assembly and wire probing, not something I want to do until I find out more from Best Converter.

This sure gets old after awhile, I hope it's not just more chineez cr@p.

[ROBERT CROSS]

FWIW...

Called the factory Friday,
Don't know where the zantrex tech assistance is located but it is almost as frustrating as trying to get computer help you can understand.

The "associate" informed me I would have to return the unit at my expense, after testing they would let know me if it is a covered failure, turn-around time at least 4+ weeks. Which in this area just about puts me into next Spring.

The OEM converter is back in Cloudsplitter, will probably finish this Season with it.
Randy told me that money back and re-try later is not going to happen, and that he cannot take back a "used" unit.
Looks like I'm dealing with the factory now.

Live & learn.......

[Gene]

I may be 40 or 50 years behind the times, but it seems to me a converter is a step down transformer with a rectifier to clean up the output, then a lot of 12 v. branch circuits plus a 120v. side to a bunch of 120 v. branch circuits. I suppose you can add electronics to do this or some of this. Add a three stage charger—another technology that has been around for a while. Why should something so simple to me have so many problems?

I read constantly of converter problems. I suppose a lot of them are old converters—transformers wear out, connections go bad, bouncing around doesn't help. But new ones seem to have problems too.

Calling all converter experts—what are the good ones? What companies make it simple to deal with a problem so people like Bob don't go crazy?

Gene

[BDandTTs]

Robert,

Very sad to hear about the Xantrex problem. We also replaced our Parallax recently, and have had no problems yet. The unit was chosen largely based on good reports on Airforums. Hope you get some help and satisfaction.

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Randy told me that money back and re-try later is not going to happen, and that he cannot take back a "used" unit. :

He won't take back a "used" unit that was defective from the start?

I was thinking of upgrading my converter, but I just changed my mind.

[ROBERT CROSS]

[QUOTE=Wayne&Sam;741727]He won't take back a "used" unit that was defective from the start?
QUOTE]

That is pretty much SOP as far as electrical components are concerned, once they are "over the counter" you are dealing with the factory. The original failed unit was replaced in a timely manner.
My real concern is two failures in a row after hearing such "glowing" reports on the Forums. Do I really want to replace it in kind?

It's only been after the fact that some negative reports have come to light.

Understand that these are MY experiences with this brand, others may vary.

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

That is pretty much SOP as far as electrical components are concerned, once they are "over the counter" you are dealing with the factory.

I can understand that if the unit worked fine out of the box but failed during the warrantee period. I guess that's what happened to the first unit, but they replaced it. DOA should be replaced without question, if for no other reason than to avoid bad PR like this!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

I can understand that if the unit worked fine out of the box but failed during the warrantee period. I guess that's what happened to the first unit, but they replaced it. DOA should be replaced without question, if for no other reason than to avoid bad PR like this!

It was Best Converter that replaced the first unit no questions.

Kind'a between a rock and a hard place now dealing with the factory.

[68 Overlander]

Bob,
Remember but they were backordered at the factory and us but I have them now. You were going to call me that Monday and I was going to try and find you a loner until Xantrex or I got them back in stock. If I remember, the Xantrex tech told you they would also replace it but would not have them until the first week of Oct. I got them in last week.

[ROBERT CROSS]

A question from the DW that I couldn't answer....

"how come wev'e been here three day's and we don't have a battery problem like on our vacation?"

"because I put the old converter back in."

"you put a broken part back in?

"no I re-installed the converter that came in the trailer"

"and that one works?"

"yes it does"

"I see?"

I just didn't have answer for that "I see"...why you are fixing something thats not broken.

In the meantime we sent it back to Best Converter, Randy did exactly as he said he would. Thanks.

Maybe we'll start over next season...

[Gene]

Bob, there are several possible answers:

1. The new converter was supposed to be better than the old one.

2. Beloved, why don't you take care of the trailer from now on? I'm just an old guy whose brain is tired. I'm going to take a nap. Where's my shawl?

3. I'm an idiot (that will confirm what she thinks anyway).

On the other hand, the Griot's Paint Sealant you recommended has been on our trailer for several weeks past one year and I think some of it is still there. Washed it yesterday and the trailer looks good. Time for another coat starting today.

Gene

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

Bob, there are several possible answers:

1. The new converter was supposed to be better than the old one.

2. Beloved, why don't you take care of the trailer from now on? I'm just an old guy whose brain is tired. I'm going to take a nap. Where's my shawl?

3. I'm an idiot (that will confirm what she thinks anyway).

On the other hand, the Griot's Paint Sealant you recommended has been on our trailer for several weeks past one year and I think some of it is still there. Washed it yesterday and the trailer looks good. Time for another coat starting today.

Gene

I lean towards #3...

We sealed last Fall, do it again next month, gtog, it's lasted great!!

POI..... WD-40 works great on the stainless guards.(soak any filiform also)

Stream Safe

Bob

[Gene]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

POI..... WD-40 works great on the stainless guards.(soak any filiform also)

I'll try that. Every polish I've tried on it looks awful so far.

Trailer half sealed—only took 2 hours. Tomorrow will finish and clean window rock guards. I noticed today one of the plastic windows is coming out of the frame at the bottom—do the QC issues ever end?

Gene

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

—do the QC issues ever end?
Gene

Yes....but only after 25yrs.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Yes....but only after 25yrs.

Is that before or after front end separation occurs?

Gene