inverter or converter?

[slapshift]

Hello everyone,
I'm new to all of this and in my usual fashion dove in head first.I bought my first and only AS which is a 69 overlander a few months ago and am living in it fulltime.My lights,when I woke up this morning,would "cycle" brighter then dimmer.I was told I probably needed a new inverter but after reading some threads I'm wondering if I might need a converter instead.I am hooked to shore power and do not have a battery hooked up since my original manual said I didn't need one if connected that way.All my outlets were are working just fine(at least when I left for work this morning).So thank you in advance for any help given and I'm sure this wont be the last you hear of me!

[CanoeStream]

Yes, it's a converter you want. Intellipower is good. 3 stage WFCO is better.
Try BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics

[moosetags]

Yes, it is a CONVERTER that you want. A converter takes 110 volt power and makes it 12 volt for your interior light and other 12 function. An INVERTER takes 12 volt power and makes it 110 volt.

Brian

[Heirstreamer]

A battery in the system might be a good idea. The battery acts as a filter in the system and can smooth out the highs and lows and make for a more controlled voltage in the 12 volt range. The Univolt has been notorious for boiling the battery dry and there are better convertors on the market today than the old factory installed Univolt. Regards...

[slapshift]

Thank you all so much for your help.I'm clear on what I need!

[olddog299]

Just a quick thought -- I experienced similar behavior of lights dimming when there was a slight short in the wiring to the hot water heater direct to ground resulting in the circuit breaker on the DC side kicking on and off. So ... just make sure there ISN'T a problem of some sort causing the cycling on and off.