Community Forums

dbartlett · 07-02-2014, 06:31 PM

Hi. We are relatively new to rv'ing and have a question about converter and fridge. When running on LP is the converter in use? We believe our converter is bad and can't get it replaced for a few days. We are leaving tomorrow for 5 days and want the fridge to work. Will it without the converter? We have a 2005 Winnebago Adventurer.

Skip426 · 07-02-2014, 07:00 PM

Welcome to iRV2.
The fridge control board and the lp control solenoids require 12v power to operate so you will need a fully charged 12v battery. If you have no converter/charger operation carry a battery charger and an extension cord so you can keep the coach battery charged.

Even if no converter/charger operation the fridge may work if plugged in on 110v but the control board still need 12v to control the switch to 110. Keep the battery charged somehow.

RV Wizard · 07-03-2014, 03:24 AM

Hello and

We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy our website and forums. Good luck, stay safe and keep us posted.
Make sure the house battery disconnect is turned on and as stated above have a good 12 vdc charge in the battery bank and you should do fine.

dbartlett · 07-03-2014, 04:48 AM

Thank you for the replies. My question though pertains to using the LP mode for fridge without converter. Do the same things apply? I apologize in advance if I should already know this but alas I'm new and trying to learn!

I look forward to greening tons of info from these forums.

homeless · 07-03-2014, 05:07 AM

howdy

nothermark · 07-03-2014, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbartlett

Thank you for the replies. My question though pertains to using the LP mode for fridge without converter. Do the same things apply? I apologize in advance if I should already know this but alas I'm new and trying to learn!

I look forward to greening tons of info from these forums.

Not trying to be a smart ass but what part of "the control board needs 12V from the house battery" did you not understand? If you cannot keep the house batteries charged nothing works.

The rest of the first answer was ways to run with a bad converter. I will add that they house battery is probably charged. You will also have issues with your slides, lights and furnace among other things.

What makes you think the converter is bad?

dbartlett · 07-03-2014, 07:15 AM

Well, let's see...I bought 2 brand new 12v batteries so I know they are good. And when we tested the voltage at the converter it did not register what it should have. The breaker for the converter keeps tripping as well. These things lead me to believe the converter is bad. Am I wrong?

Also, don't the house batteries charge from the chassis battery when the engine is running? I was under the impression that the converter was not the only way the house battery gets charged.

Clarification would be great!

336muffin · 07-03-2014, 07:29 AM

I'll try and simplify this, 12v has to be there to run the control board no matter if propane or 110v is used to cool the fridge. This is also true for air conditioner, water heater and furnace, 12v is critical to operate any camper.

RV Wizard · 07-03-2014, 07:31 AM

To test the converter, disconnect the positive cable from the converter and see if the breaker holds. The engine alternator should charge the house battery bank when running. To check this, check battery voltage with engine off and then recheck it with the engine running; the voltage should go up with the engine running. Let us know what you find.

Skip426 · 07-03-2014, 09:10 AM

No charge output to the batteries , from the converter/charger and it trips it's C/B; 99% sure you have a converter problem.
The batteries do charge from the alternator, but it is a slow process, depending on the state of charge , if you were traveling 6to8 hours a day the system might keep up , then there is the question of use when parked, as to if you run out of 12v power overnight and have the fridge quit , and food going bad.

More info at.
http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm