converter problems

[Stuart.c]

I have a qwest v10 ,I believe its a 2003 tent trailer,that I am having trouble with the converter.When plugged into 110v,all wall plugs work but the ceiling lights only work when battery is hooked up.I have checked fuses and breakers and found them in working condition.Fan in converter does not come on.Should lights not work off converter and should I not be able to disconnect from battery?

[3'senough]

If your converter in working your battery should have no effect hooked up or not in most cases. I would put a volt meter on the battery to confirm if a charge is coming out the unit. If not, then you most likely need a new converter.

[Stuart.c]

Thanks.lights don't work if wires from camper are disconnected.doesn't the inside plugs get it's power from converter?

[sailor]

No, the converter converts 120 volts AC to 12 volts DC. The 12 v DC powers your lights, refrigerator, and furnace. The outlets (and anything else that uses 120 v AC) are only powered if you are connected to shore power. An inverter would supply 120 volts AC if connected to a battery. Most RVs do not have an inverter unless someone has added on as a mod. You would need a substantial amount of battery power to run an inverter very long with much of a load. A generator would also provide the 120 volts AC and provide higher power.

[3'senough]

Originally Posted by Stuart.c

Thanks.lights don't work if wires from camper are disconnected.doesn't the inside plugs get it's power from converter?

Originally Posted by sailor

No, the converter converts 120 volts AC to 12 volts DC. The 12 v DC powers your lights, refrigerator, and furnace. The outlets (and anything else that uses 120 v AC) are only powered if you are connected to shore power. An inverter would supply 120 volts AC if connected to a battery. Most RVs do not have an inverter unless someone has added on as a mod. You would need a substantial amount of battery power to run an inverter very long with much of a load. A generator would also provide the 120 volts AC and provide higher power.

As stated above. There are 2 systems. 120V and 12V. Converter/charger charges your battery as well.

[Stuart.c]

I have a 3 way frig that I change to ac when plugged to shore power and it works but I guess that does not mean anything does it?I have one other question-how many wires should come from camper to battery I only have a red and black wire should I not have 2 more for charging?

[3'senough]

No, just two. The converter backfeeds through the black and red cables. They end in junction blocks at your converter/fuse and breaker panel to feed the 12V block which then go out the variuos 12V items you have in your camper. When your converter is on it supplies the 12V block and then charges the battery at the same time.

You simply put a 12V meter on the battery terminals to check if the converter is working. 13.4-13.6V for charging or 14.4V if smart charger. Turn on some 12V items such as lights to listen if a fan kicks on too. If with all the lights on, plugged in and the reading is not above 13V you most likely need to replace the converter.

[Stuart.c]

thanks I will give it a test