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All converters have solid state electronic components internally to
produce “clean” 12V power.
This load center will have a brown plastic front with a small door to access
fuses and breakers.
Some models have fuses and breakers in a distribution box, with
converter free standing, installed in a different location (not mounted into
distribution box). This is the 50 amp option.
When the converter receives 120V power, it transfers power into 12-volt
without any manual switches. The converter also charges the auxiliary
battery(s) when installed on the coach and attached to 120-volt power.
The third function of a converter is to send 12-volt power to the fuse panel
and throughout the coach.
Each converter has a “built-in” fan which operates through a load sensor
control or temperature sensor. As more current is drawn, fan will speed
up, run faster, or slow down, based on amp draw and/or temperature.
Should the fan not run at all, the converter may overheat and will cut-out
and/or stop.
Auxiliary Battery (Optional on Some Units)
All travel trailers and fifth wheels are pre-built to accept a battery.
Batteries are not standard equipment, or offered as an option on units.
They can be purchased from your dealer or battery store.
Recommended batteries are the deep-cycle type as you need longer,
slow consuming power rather than cold-cranking power. A battery is
always required for a break-away switch to function, a legal requirement
in most states.
A battery requires routine maintenance for long life. First, terminals need
to be kept clean to avoid corrosion. Second, a battery used daily will
consume water as long as the converter is in operation. Be sure to check
the battery no less than every 30 days and keep the battery filled with
distilled (rain) water. Most good deep cycle batteries are NOT
maintenance free.
A converter will not overcharge a battery unless a battery has a dead cell,
or the converter has a malfunction. Some type of converters have full
battery charge shut-off. Other types reduce the rate of charge as battery
conditions reach 12.7 volts or 1.265 specific gravity at 80°F. By electronic
standards, a battery is discharged at 10.5 volts. Dropping voltage lower
than 10.5 volts will begin damaging plates in the battery.
The interior lights will operate from the converter and/or auxiliary battery.
Some lights will have wall switches and other lights have switches in the
lights themselves.
