Is this a bad idea?

[bebel]

Looking for any feedback on this change.



The 12 volt converter has been failing to give a complete charge when we are hooked into 30 amp post. Yesterday I went to Wal-mart and purchased a Schumacher converter that will automatically adjust the charge as needed. I already had 110 volt power in the storage areas for cordless drill. I simply disconnected the converter that was acting up and now using the new one. Anyone think this a bad idea? Got to admit, the $50 spent sure beats the $289 the local dealer was asking for an RV replacement converter.



Today is a traveling day, so any questions may have a delay in response.



Thanks,

Brent

[Hamops]

The description of your converter is a little vague. Are you talking about the converter that provides the DC power for your trailer lights and auxiliary equipment. Before you decide on at new converter, I would suggest that you check you battery first. The converter will generally keep your battery charged and even freshen it with an equalize charge. If it's a wet battery, make sure that the cell electrolyte is up to the mark in each cell. If during your inspection, you find any cell/cells dry or the plates exposed then your battery maynot be taking a good charge. Add demin water to any cell below the mark. Disconnect your shore power and then your battery from the trailer circuit and charge it with a ordinary 10 amp charger. Watch for any excessive bubbling.10 ampchargers aregenerally two stage in that when thebattery is charged, the charger willdrop to a floatmode and provide a trickle charge. When thecurrent is about 2 amps, disconnect the charger and reconnect thebattery to the trailercircuit.

If your battery is a sealed valve regulated battery then the only thing you can do is measure the voltage and monitor for excessive temperature buildup.



You haven't indicated how old your trailer is but if it's less than two years and is a Crossroads product and the converter is defective then it should be a warranty issue.

[bebel]

Yes, the converter in question is the one provided in the trailer (a 2006, about 1 year out of warranty). The battery is a new (purchased 5-11-09) Interstate Deep Cycle battery with proper water level in all cells.









Presently, all seems to be working just fine using the battery charger setup. The AC to DC battery charger keeps battery charged fully when we are "plugged in" and 12 volt battery takes over as usual going down the road.



Brent