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Topic: Some More Identification Help (Read 844 times) previous topic - next topic

Some More Identification Help

Can some help me identify what this is?  I looked up the PN showing, but its just the fan PN.  Is this the converter or something?  Seems like an abnormal place for it in my sewer hook up bay.
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: Some More Identification Help

Reply #1 –
Benji, it sure looks like a converter and yes that seems to be a very odd place to install it.

By the way, how is the trip going. I trust things are working better this time and you are able to stand the heat.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Some More Identification Help

Reply #2 –
Looks like a converter to me to.  The black cord coming out on the right is your 110 vac and the 12 volt much come out on the left side that we can't see.  What that blue disconnected wire is, I have no idea.  Strange location for converter!  Looks to be a modification.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Some More Identification Help

Reply #3 –
All thanks for you feedback.  I'll have to get in there and see if I can identify a PN other than what's on the back of the fan.  Would be nice to understand what I'm looking at should this thing ever need replacement.

Kent, things are definitely working much better this time!  My wife was ready to sell the thing after our first botched attempt a few weeks back along with the tire issue I listed in my Maiden Voyage post.  It may not look like it from all the posted questions, but I consider myself pretty handy with most mechanical and electrical issues.  I enjoy getting my hands dirty and fixing things, but I don't like tearing into things unless I somewhat understand what's going on or what I'm looking at.  I've found the brute force method is sometimes good for learning but can create a lot of unnecessary issues or costly mistakes.  Just trying to avoid those mistakes with all the experience on this forum.

What's really going to determine whether we're RV'ers for life or passing through with a costly mistake will be how well this Foretravel holds up.  I've owned a couple boats and understand items break and preventative maintenance is important.  I'm fine with all that and actually enjoy seeing the fruit of my labor, but if each trip were to have issues that take me away from the true purpose of the excursion which is to spend more quality time with my 3 young kids (6, 4, and 1) then we would need to re-evaluate.  The idea of RV'ing is appealing on so many levels.  I'm finding the implementation can be a process.

Hope to see you on the road one of these days!
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: Some More Identification Help

Reply #4 –
Benji,
That actually appears to be a boat anchor!!!  Meaning that it is a converter / single stage battery charger that will coook your house batteries.  The replacement converter / charger of today are of the "smart charger type" which will help your batteries last longer.  Many of us with older Foretravels have replaced those old boat anchors with the new style converter / chargers.  I installed a Progressive Dynamics 9279 70 amp converter with the optional Charge Wizard.  (RV Power Converter/Chargers).  If you want to do some reading up on different options, see BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics.  Randy at Best Converters is great for helping out RVers when they have questions about this kind of stuff.  Just offering this so you can have it in the back of your mind and know what to do when the time comes.  Found my brand new Progressive Dynamics converter at a ebay store who is a PD dealer.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Some More Identification Help

Reply #5 –
On my '89  36' GV the converter is also in the dump valve bay, right above the dump valves themselves, but mounted so the fan blows down. It was replaced when we bought the coach.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Some More Identification Help

Reply #6 –
Looks like my old one located under the stairs.  Pat C is right.  It cooked my batteries.  Replaced with the Progressive Dynamics Smart Charger with Charge Wizard.  Fan went bad after one year.  That compartment doesn't get much circulation and I keep the rig plugged in so it is working 24/7.  Called PD they sent me a new rebuilt one free.  Had to pay to ship them the old one.  Get a smart charger ASAP or say goodbye to your batteries.  There is only on or off.  New chargers have charging cycles.  Also, PD claims you can disconnect the batteries and still supply 12v to the coach via the converter/charger.  Don't know if I will trust that and don't do it with that old style charger for sure. 
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Some More Identification Help

Reply #7 –
Quote from: PatC –
Looks like a converter to me to.  The black cord coming out on the right is your 110 vac and the 12 volt much come out on the left side that we can't see.  What that blue disconnected wire is, I have no idea.  Strange location for converter!  Looks to be a modification.

Pat, I got a better picture.  It's actually a green wire.  Looks to be a ground.  It comes out of a hole in the ceiling of the bay, but doesn't actually ever go in or come out of the converter.  Just attaches to the frame holding the converter.

Thanks for the advice on upgrading the converter.  I'll take a look at the options.

Benjie
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: Some More Identification Help

Reply #8 –
Green wires indicate a ground. That makes sense for a Converter.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback