Too much Converter?

[jmiskovs]

Our 1998 T-2570 has been mostly problem free since we first bought it new. We're camping in Disney this week (Love it!) and we have noticed the converter (MagneTek Power Plus), which is in our bedroom, has had the fan running nonstop since we arrived. The fan used to come on when was had a lot of the DC lights on, but turning the lights off would stop the converter. Not this trip, even with all the lights off the fan still runs. Here's what I found, if I disconnect the negative lead to the camper battery the fan shuts off - all DC lights still work just fine. I also noticed the battery was very warm to the touch. I think the converter is over charging the battery making the battery heat up and the converter fan to stay on. I replaced the battery yesterday thinking it may have a short. That didn't fix it. Maybe the converter doesn't know the battery is fully charged? Am I looking at replacing the converter, or is there something else I can try? Thank you in advance for your help.

[Janalee]

You say you are in Fl. now..could it be the warmer temps? I know when it is hotter outside they do tend to run more..mine runs all the time but louder when I was down South. I would think the fans sounding louder would not have anything to do with the amount of charge it's putting out...JMHO of course! I do take the front of my convertor off from time to time,and using a hair dryer,I blow the accumulated dust out of there..we have a cat and those fan blades love that cat hair! One of our more knowledgeable guys should be along soon!

[jim44646]

See if you can get a volt meter, even a cheap on will due. If I'm correct you should be outputting about 14 volts to battery if you don't have voltage drain. Also in 98 they didn't use smart converters they charged all the time and could cook a battery. I put a battery disconnect on mine to keep in from being overcharged and also prevent parasitic discharges from draining battery. Being in Fla. heat is probably causing fan to run more.

[mainah]

Your battery should not be hot. It sounds like it is over charging. Replacing it with a more modern one would be a step in the right direction.

[JohnB]

You did not state how hot, hot was on the battery however we will assume it is hotter than normal when it should be ambiet temperature for where ever you are.

I agree, a hot battery leans towards high energy going in or coming out. In your case, going in.

A new battery from the store could be drained down some from just being filled or not charged since being filled. It is not uncommon to take over night and maybe the day after on a normal charger (~ 8 amps) to bring the battery up close to full capacity. But it should stop then.

Standard charge is in the 13.65 volts area. If it is cranking in 13.7 or even worse, 14.0 and above for 2 plus days, it points to your current/voltage regulator going out on the converter. You will cook the battery dry in about a week this way, maybe sooner.

The older converters are not the best at battery charging. Getting a new Progressive Dynamics or other good new 3 stage smart charger with desulfate mode will make your battery happy.

Odds are high your older charger may not even have a float mode, drops to 13.25 volts once the battery is fully charged. So they just keep pumping in the current.

Good luck and hope this helps

John

[jmiskovs]

Just reporting back on what I found to be the problem. Looks like JohnB hit the problem right on. Apparently, the new battery was drained somewhat when I purchased it and it took about 3.5 hours being charged by our TV as we headed back home to fully charge the battery. The converter is now working like it always had. Thank you to everyone who replied.

[OhhWell]

Glad you got that sorted out. You could always put a new converter on the upgrade wish list anyway. Those old ones just barely did the job and certainly didn't do the battery any favors.