Converter Fan off/on

[j1234]

I have a new Starcraft 2404 PU.  We have used it 5 times. The electrical converter fan constantly turns on every 3 minutes (literally cause I timed it) and off after 10 seconds.  This repeats *continuously* when we are plugged into the main socket at the campground. This does not happen on battery power.

This bothers me to no end.  I called the dealer and they said it is normal. I asked if there were ways to fix & was told I could purchase a $300 converter (plus $200 labor) that does not use a fan, but that is excessive.  Apparently this is caused by the lights and LP detector. I am OK with the noise when using the lights b/c I am up anyway, but at night I don't think it should happen so often.

Is this normal?  Did the dealer mess up when wiring the PU? How can I fix??

Thank YOU!

John

[mike4947]

As "normal" as they get. You could very well have a very sensitive themostat for the fan, but replacing it isn't an owner function or a dealer function as you've found out.
If the obvious problems such as the space where the converter is installed (in a cabinet or end er a dinette seat) isn't completely blocked off and no where for the air to go so the volume heats up; or you haven't stored something right up against it to block air flow; my suggestion would be to Email the manufacturer of the converter including the model/SN of the converter, discribe your problem and ask if they have any suggestions.
Most companies don't want you to have problems and usually are very helpful. You might end up getting a new converter, stranger things have happened. Or they might send you a new thermostat if you include you are handy with directions on how to replace it even though it's not listed as a "replacement Part". Or they might tell you to buzz off (pun intended)...but you'll never know until you try.
 
As an aside on a 70 's vintage Rockwood I had a converter with a loose plate in the old style mechanical transformer and the sucker would buzz like crazy every now and then. The company was willing to send me out a new one if I sent the old one back first, but I didn't want to "lay the trailer up" waiting so I asked if I banged on it and it stopped would that harm anything. They said no it was just a vibration and not anything dangerous, so for the next 3 years I just slapped it now and then when it acted up....LOL

[fritz_monroe]

Yep, it's normal.  It doesn't run when on battery because the whole purpose of the converter is to make DC from AC.

It probably won't run as often after bed.  The only DC drain when everything is turned off is the propane detector.

Do some looking around, I've seen some ideas around on how to quiet things down.  I think I've read of people replacing the fan to something quieter.  Then others feel that better air flow makes it run less.  But if you end up replacing the converter with a higher priced one, I'm sure you could handle it.  I would think it would be a fairly lengthy mod, but I don't think it's worth a $200 install charge.

edit:  I just got to BestConverter.com via the add on this site and even a larger replacement converter isn't anywhere near $300.  I don't know anything about that company, but it gives an idea of the cost for a replacement.

[tlhdoc]

This does not happen on battery power.

On battery power the converter does not run.  The job of the converter is to convert AC power to DC power.
 

Is this normal? Did the dealer mess up when wiring the PU?

The dealer does not wire the trailer.  The manufacturer does.  I would contact the manufacturer of the converter and the PU.  Explain the problem that you are having and see what they are willing to do.  Good luck with getting the converter replaced or fixed.

[Billy Bob]

I would check a couple of things first.

1) Is the fridge on 12 volt because if it is this will drain the battery and kick on the converter.

2) Is the battery in GOOD shape

3) Do you have a battery drain (short somewhere). You can check this by putting a volt meter across the battery and take a reading with NOTHING on. Then disconnect the neg side of the battery and take another reading. If the second reading is higher you have a drain (short) somewhere.

[Billy Bob]

If you can't stop the converter fan from running on my above check points here is a way you can stop it especially at night - DISCONNECT the battery. You will still have power to everything but the converter will not try to charge the battery.

[tlhdoc]

If you can't stop the converter fan from running on my above check points here is a way you can stop it especially at night - DISCONNECT the battery. You will still have power to everything but the converter will not try to charge the battery.

The converter will still run to power lights, propane detector, water pump, furnace, and any other 12 volt items you might be using in the camper.

[mike4947]

If the trailer has been plugged in for any length of time and is of recent vintage the battery will be fully charged and the draw from the converter will be minimal to do any charging of the battery.
If you pull the shore power at night the trailer will run off the battery, only no 120 volt items, and thus no power through the converter and no heat, so no fan comming on.

[j1234]

Thanks for all the ideas/comments.
The next time I get the PU out (in a couple weeks), I will see if the fan keeps going all night with no lights on.  
I am also thinking the issue may have been the battery being charged.  I know one time we went out with an uncharged battery -- it did not occur to me that the converter would control the charging of the battery.  Now I know....

Thanks again for all of the assistance!

John