Converter Wiring Fuzion 412 Dead Batteries Help!

[Jeffrey11]

Hello can any one answer the following

Where is the converter located in a Fuzion 412 with Genset

How is the converter / Battery / 12v distribution wired ? I assume the battery and the 12volt panel are wired in parallel

If so have is the battery isolated from the heavy draw of the system when on shore power running the whole coach?

Do you know what converter / charger brand / model is in there ?

I have lost two batteries so far. The charger seems to put out 13.4 and the battery runs 12.8 the battery drains very quickly if the coach is left with just the control panel and co detector on. It seems to have killed the batteries.

The problem this causes is the landing gear only works on battery.

Help

Thanks

[mikell]

The propane alarm eats batteries too in less than a week best to disconnect.

[Jeffrey11]

More has been discovered. So after a search it turns out the converter is WFCO 68100 it is located behind the pass through storage wall on the floor next to the water heater and HVAC fan box. Of course the factory did not clean up the saw dust and metal shavings and the unit was fully clogged.

After seeing what the draw from the unit is it is clear that massive amounts pf batteries would be need to dry camp. I ma up grading to a Sears PM-1 Type 31. I just want it to keep my fridge running while on the road and landing gear working. It would be nice if it stayed charge to start the gen-set.

Turns out that even with with 100amp charger if the battery is dead the landing gear will not work.

[Hunter757]

When I had issues with my converter I also found mine full of sawdust and in the compartment with the water heater about three feet away. The dealership changed mine out. I would recommend that you look into 6 volt batteries for the money your going to spend you will get more bang for your buck! They will also last longer when dry camping. YMMV.

When you park your trailer disconnect your batteries ( you can do a form search and find many options members have done and posted pictures), or you can leave your trailer plug in to power this will keep you batteries fully charged just remember to check your water levels often.


Happy Camping!

[f6bits]

The Sears PM-1 looks like it’s only 100 amp hours, which isn’t much more than Group 27 batteries. If I had a fiver, I’d go with multiple 6V batteries.

And why is your fridge such a drain on the battery? Doesn’t it run on propane? When dry camping, it’s the furnace that drains my battery in a hurry.

[SteveC7010]

We've dry camped for many years on a single 12 vdc battery. The parks we stay in allow up to 5 hours a day of generator time and no more. With some reasonable conservation efforts on our part, we can get by with 2-3 hours of generator time per day.

The fridge runs on propane, but the heater strip/anti condensation thingie is off.

We only use the lights that we need and we're conscientious about turning them off if not needed.

I have converted my reading light to LED. DW's is not yet because she doesn't like the bright white. I have some warm white ones to try this season in hopes of finding ones that will allow converting the entire trailer to LED.

We only use the furnace when really needed. An extra blanket usually keeps us cozy.

We don't use any exterior lighting. Instead, we have a propane lantern on a 20# tank that also supplies the outdoor kitchen.

The propane detector is turned off by removing the fuse. That's a personal decision. I don't recommend it to people and I don't criticize those who do it. There are fair reasons on both sides of that coin.

The AM/FM/CD player is also off by removing the fuse. Otherwise, it pulls enough current, even when turned off, to bring the battery down a lot sooner. We have a battery operated radio if needed.

I am stepping up to a dual 12vdc battery system this year because of the landing gear but I have no plans to swap out the standard convertor yet.

[Hunter757]

Steve, why would you need to swap out the standard convertor?

[f6bits]

Sometimes people mistakenly call me “Steve,” so I’ll answer .

At some point, I’ll replace my converter because 1) WFCO converters don’t have the best reputation, and 2) Progressive Dynamics converters are 4-Stage, so they’ll keep the batteries in better shape. The fourth stage is desulfation.

Originally Posted by Hunter757

Steve, why would you need to swap out the standard convertor?

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by Hunter757

Steve, why would you need to swap out the standard convertor?

There are beefier ones available, however I have no plans in that direction at all. The OP indicated that he was upgrading his in some manner which is why I mentioned that I did not feel the need to do the same.

However, if my current one fails, that Progressive Dynamics 4 stage is very attractive.

[Hunter757]

Got it!
I would agree with the Progressive Dynamics 4 stage but when mine went south it was replaced at no charge to me so I got stuck with the direct replacement but hey it is working great for us!

Happy Camping to all.