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Old 03-27-2013, 06:00 PM   #1
lonnie smith
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power converter?

I recently have had several of the 12 volt interior and exterior light bulbs burn out...not unusual, but all of the bulbs have turned black on the inside. I took the latest burn-out to an RV outlet to get a replacement bulb and asked about the black tone...they recommended replacement of the converter because it must be overcharging. We have been snowbirding all winter in Campgrounds w/power, not boondocking. This sound right to anyone, or am I just about to throw more money away? 2011 - 3455SA
 
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Old 03-28-2013, 01:23 AM   #2
Ozz
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Hi Lonnie, I would use a meter and check the voltage output.
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Old 03-28-2013, 04:12 AM   #3
snfexpress
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The incandescent bulbs do turn black over time. Common occurrence.

Like Ozz suggests, put a voltmeter on the batteries when the converter kicks in and check to make sure it doesn't go above 14.5 volts. My thinking is that your converter is good.
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Old 03-28-2013, 04:53 AM   #4
DQDick
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I agree, before I went to LED the bulbs were always blackish when they went bad. Meters are cheap compared to converters. Like Michael, I would be the converter is good and the dealer is bad.
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Old 03-28-2013, 05:01 AM   #5
hookman
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We have changed a few bulbs this winter as it was are first extended stay down south and the burned out ones were black. If you change to LED's Michael has the best prices on the really good lights.
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Old 03-28-2013, 05:29 AM   #6
RickW
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I agree that I would put a meter to it to verify the status of your converter. Also keep in mind most bulbs have life span of "X" number of hours. It could all just be a coincidence of the bulbs being at the end of their life span. Almost all the bulbs in our S&B are now compact florescent bulbs. They have a much longer life span and I have noticed I am not changing light bulbs nearly as much. I am also now changing to LED as bulbs continue to burn out.
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Old 03-28-2013, 08:32 AM   #7
lonnie smith
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Thanks for the input! I pulled the fuse box cover this morning to find the converter and see what I was getting myself into. Converter has only one of two cooling(?)fans running. Is that normal operation? I did use a voltage meter to check the output to the bedroom TV...it showed 13.1 volts. I have not checked at the battery yet. Any other thoughts?
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Old 03-28-2013, 10:52 AM   #8
Tom S.
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Yes, it's normal. The second fan shouldn't run unless the inverter is under heavier load.
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