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Old 11-24-2015, 12:48 PM   #1
Allen in MT
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Inverter ????

Had a power issue which blew out the toaster and dish system nothing else I think, but now wondering about inverter as 12 volt lights started going dim and battery check shows 1 light. batteries not being charged while plugged in.
Is the inverter on a 2005 3400rl behind the fuse panel in the bathroom? Smelled like some wires got as in there when it happened.
thanks for any info
 
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Old 11-24-2015, 01:06 PM   #2
dieselguy
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You mean converter not inverter ... inverter takes 12 VDC and turns it into 120 VAC
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Old 11-24-2015, 01:09 PM   #3
Rondo
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I don't think you have an inverter in your 2005 3400rl. I would guess that you have a converter instead. The converter does as it states and converts the 120 to 12 volt. Let me ask you something, are you running any type of protection on your incoming power to the unit? If you had a power surge it could have done what you have described and there could have been some burning of the wires by the converter and that is probably what you are smelling. Our converter was in the basement behind the front wall and we did have to replace ours on our 2004 Montana. Have you checked to see if you batteries are charging and also if you can operate you landing gear switches? That is what went out on ours when it happened. Hope you find the problem and you are up and running correctly in the near future! Let us know what you find out when you find the converter.
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Old 11-24-2015, 01:25 PM   #4
Allen in MT
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Yes I ment the converter, no surger protector on the line. Landing gear and slides seem to work. Kitchen lights seem to be about 1/2 of normal. Will check behind front panel in the morning. Will operat3ed 120 till morning to see if battery comes back some.
Thanks for the help.
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Old 11-24-2015, 02:49 PM   #5
NCFischers
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Send a message via Yahoo to NCFischers
GET SURGE PROTECTION !!!
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Old 11-24-2015, 04:28 PM   #6
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Hi Allen,

To expand on Jim's comment, "GET SURGE PROTECTION", AND voltage protection! Invest in a protection device that protects against surges, low voltage, high voltage, pedestal wiring probelms/errors. Typical price is about $350, not cheap but it's protecting a $50,000+ rig, an insignificant cost in comparison.

Not only do these protect your rig and equipment against surges and low/high voltage, but also protect YOU. They will not apply (or will remove) power to the rig if there is a wiring error at the pedestal that could cause a shock hazard.

You can get one that plugs into the pedestal and then plug into it. There is also the option to install a hardwired unit if you're knowledgable working with electricity, if not, have a qualified person install it or just use the portable/plug-in version.

There are two main options; TRC Surge Guard, and Progressive Industries EMS. These both make plug-in and hardwired versions. Camco has just come out with a plug-in version as well, making a total of three options for plug-ins. The Progressive Industries EMS is generally considered the best, offering more overall protection and a lifetime warranty, but any of these will protect you and your rig.

I think if you were to take a poll, the consensus would be that surge and voltage protection is only second to having appropriate tires. Check the above protectors and let us know if you have any questions.

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Old 11-24-2015, 05:56 PM   #7
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Allen
In our 06 3400 RL the converter is indeed behind the bathroom fuse panel.
+1 on the electrical protection, unless you never use RV park power!!

-Steve
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Old 11-25-2015, 12:41 AM   #8
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Check your air conditioners. Hope it didn't damage them and the reefer too! This could get expensive.
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Old 11-25-2015, 01:24 AM   #9
WaltBennett
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Your converter probably has a fuse or breaker on it. Once you find it, check that out before trying to get a new one (along with surge protection!).
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Old 11-25-2015, 02:11 AM   #10
Allen in MT
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Found a box behind the IOTA distribution panel. Is is a IOTA DSL55. Is this what I,m looking for?? Has 2 30 amp fuse will try to get to to check. Never saw such a maze of wires, tough to get a hand inside the hole.

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Old 11-25-2015, 02:34 AM   #11
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That's the converter. Looks a lot like the converter in my SOB. Good news is they are fairly inexpensive (if dead) particularly when compared to inverters and appears the install is very simple. Access is probably the biggest issue as you've found out.

http://www.iotaengineering.com/dls55.htm

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Old 11-25-2015, 02:48 AM   #12
Allen in MT
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[quote]Originally posted by davidaf

That's the converter. Looks a lot like the converter in my SOB. Good news is they are fairly inexpensive (if dead) particularly when compared to inverters and appears the install is very simple. Access is probably the biggest issue as you've found out.

http://www.iotaengineering.com/dls55.htm


Thanks got it out but I think the fuses are welded in as they won't pull out
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Old 11-25-2015, 04:37 AM   #13
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They are tight, needle nose pliers should do the trick. Hold the board close to it when pulling.
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Old 11-25-2015, 04:55 AM   #14
Allen in MT
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Thanks for the help.
The converter was fried.
Picked up a 60 AMP inteli-power, got it back in and going to get a progressive surge protector for the system.
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Old 11-25-2015, 05:02 AM   #15
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Now that was quick! Good job.
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Old 11-25-2015, 08:30 AM   #16
Allen in MT
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Well they told me they had a progressive in and when my wife stopped to pick it up they didn't have one and sold her a Surge Guard mdl 44270, don't think this is good enough, so I'm going to take it back and get something better, good for high and low voltage.
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Old 11-25-2015, 09:02 AM   #17
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Congrats on getting the converter replaced, and good choice on not keeping the Surge Guard 44270.

The options for plug in models that you might want to consider are:
Progressive Industries EMS-PT50C ~$325
TRC Surge Guard 34850 ~$325
Camco 55306 ~$275

The Progressive offers slightly more protection than the others, I use the hardwired version of this one in our 5er.

I hope the info above helps. BTW, all of these are available on online from amazon and others (luv me my amazon Prime!)


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Old 11-25-2015, 10:42 AM   #18
Allen in MT
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Well there will be no more unexpected surprises in my camper, every time I plug in I've got protection
Got the TRC 34850 surge protector. Everything seems to be up and working. Guess I got by lucky with only the converter, toaster and dish receiver going out.
Thanks for all the help
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