Community Forums

Jason1955 · 03-15-2017, 12:12 PM

I have a 92 Southwind and was wondering if it was a good idea to keep it plugged into shore power at all times when at home? I was thinking as far as keeping the house battery charged and fridge running. Does it hurt anything to do that or is it too much wear and tear on the converter?

That brings me to my next question....it is normal for these converters to hum when plugged in? It hums at all times.

Thanks!

LJowdy · 03-15-2017, 12:17 PM

You probably have an inverter vs a converter Inverters change Direct current to alternating current. Converters Change Alternating current to direct current. Yes, they all seem to hum. Leaving it plugged in usually doesn't hurt anything

Cranemec · 03-15-2017, 12:32 PM

Ours stays plugged into 50 amp all the time.

twinboat · 03-15-2017, 12:33 PM

If it's an original " converter ", it may be a single stage type. Your best bet is to replace it with a 3 or 4 stage converter.

The old single stage models often slightly overcharge your batteries, where the 3 stage drop back to a safer float voltage.

If it's an " Inverter/charger ", they often have a 3 stage charging section, built in them, and all would be fine.

Many old converters hum, so that may be normal. Find what's humming and get a model number from it. With that, you can research what you have.

Woodchopper · 03-15-2017, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason1955

I have a 92 Southwind and was wondering if it was a good idea to keep it plugged into shore power at all times when at home? I was thinking as far as keeping the house battery charged and fridge running. Does it hurt anything to do that or is it too much wear and tear on the converter?
That brings me to my next question....is it normal for these converters to hum when plugged in? It hums at all times.
Thanks!

Jason1955
My '96 Safari is always plugged in.... (except when it's moving, when we're overnighting with no hookups and when we're dry camping/boondocking).

I only run the fridge if/when/while we're using the coach.

My Heart Freedom 20 inverter/charger always hums when the coach is connected to shore power... (and when my generator is running).

Jason1955 · 03-15-2017, 02:19 PM

Thank you all for the responses. If I had to speculate I would say my converter is a single stage. I'll check into upgrading to the 3 stage. Thanks again!!

Podivin · 03-15-2017, 02:24 PM

Just check your batteries regularly to make sure they stay topped off.
You WILL be charging your batteries, which is good, but that also means they're going to want to 'boil' off.

jimmy braden · 03-15-2017, 02:40 PM

YMMV but my chassis bats would not charge so I just ran a 20$ trickle charger to both and skipped the shore plug all together

I just checked the batts. They are just barely bubbling (full) and are 14.6 volts for the house and like 13.0 for the chassis.

Podivin · 03-15-2017, 02:42 PM

On my '96 Southwind both house and chassis batteries are charged when plugged in.
Not sure if the OPs '92 Southwind would be the same or not.
The best way to know for SURE would be to put a voltage tester on all the batteries while plugged in to see what the reading are.

twinboat · 03-15-2017, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmy braden

YMMV but my chassis bats would not charge so I just ran a 20$ trickle charger to both and skipped the shore plug all together

I just checked the batts. They are just barely bubbling (full) and are 14.6 volts for the house and like 13.0 for the chassis.

You need an automatic charger. You shouldn't maintain any battery at more then 13.4 volts.

You can charge at a high voltage but it must drop back when full.

If you float them at 14.6 volts, they will fail early.

cruzbill · 03-15-2017, 04:28 PM

You can replace the innards of your conveter with new, 4 stage 'innards'.
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...RmXxoCDOPw_wcB

cruzbill · 03-15-2017, 04:30 PM

Wrong link, try this one

4600 Series Upgrade or Replacement Power Converters

"no doubt about it, its time I get another hat"!

jimmy braden · 03-15-2017, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

You need an automatic charger. You shouldn't maintain any battery at more then 13.4 volts.

You can charge at a high voltage but it must drop back when full.

If you float them at 14.6 volts, they will fail early.

Its fully auto. Rated at 1 am and is across all 4 six volts. about to be on the road soon anyway. Ill try switching the two trickles between the bats.

If all else fails Ill put a timer on it and cycle it half time or less.

Murf2u · 03-15-2017, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Podivin

Just check your batteries regularly to make sure they stay topped off.
You WILL be charging your batteries, which is good, but that also means they're going to want to 'boil' off.

Or just put a tablespoon or two of mineral oil in each cell and not have to worry about them 'boiling off' at all.