Converter Access

[gregm2k]

All - need help gaining access to my converter. Here’s the scenario:
1. Arrive campground. Check power at post with surge protector. All looks good.
2. Connect 50a cord and turn on. Hear a “zzz” and loud pop. Turn off power at post.
3. Check surge protector and see burned connector. Assume it’s bad now.
4. Connect 50a cord to post and turn on. All inside looks good. Appliances work and voltage shows 117.
5. Check dc volts via lci level control pad. Shows 12.9 and dropping. Connect truck to 5ver and voltage goes back to 14.
6. Suspect pblm with converter but cannot get at it. I know it’s in cabinet in kitchen behind power panel but cannot get at it (img2). Tried to get at it via basement but not accessible (img3).
Looks like they built cabinet around all the power cables. Anyone have ideas how to get at it without destroying the kitchen???
Appreciate your inputs.
-Greg
2017 Keystone Cougar 327RLK
2017 F-250 6.7

[chuckster57]

Your power distribution panel is held in by 4 or 6 squarehead #2 screws. Best way to access them is to remove the frame of the cover. You may have to squeeze the hinged lid to get the pins out. Then just look for 2 or 4 small silver Phillips head screws.

[gregm2k]

Thanks Chuckster. I did take off the outer panel (cover w 4 screws) earlier but was unsure about taking the whole power panel out. I will do that in the morning. It’s getting dark now and I’m trying not to use the coach lights or anything else dc.

[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by gregm2k

Thanks Chuckster. I did take off the outer panel (cover w 4 screws) earlier but was unsure about taking the whole power panel out. I will do that in the morning. It’s getting dark now and I’m trying not to use the coach lights or anything else dc.

Should go without saying, but disconnect all power before pulling the panel. Never know when an exposed wire can bite you.

[wiredgeorge]

Curious that you mentioned "surge protector". A surge protector doesn't provide protection from wiring problems on a campground pedestal. Most folks here will tell you that an Electrical Management System would have prevented the "zzz" and large pop. When you figure out make/model of your power center/converter you may want to let the folks here know as there will be more contextual suggestions.

[gregm2k]

Thanks George. I have/had an Arcon 240v surge protector. It also has indicators to show wiring faults and low voltage which has saved me in the past. Not sure why the plug end fried like that…

[wiredgeorge]

You have a 50A camper and it isn't 240V; it has two 120V hots, a neutral ground and a ground wire. A Progressive EMS or similar would have shut down power before you zapped anything in the trailer. Hope this works out for you!

[gregm2k]

For some closure…it’s amazing how much actually runs off DC in the rig. Lights, fridge, and 35 degrees last night and the furnace quit at 2am when the battery got too low so it couldn’t ignite 😠

I removed the power panel this morning to get at the converter. Took some work but I was able to remove it. Definite burn smell from it. Took to CW to test and they confirmed it was fried. They didn’t have it in stock but I was able to get one elsewhere. Installed and all is well.

Thanks for all the advice and here’s a hint/tip for anyone else replacing a converter. Don’t just disconnect the AC but disconnect your battery too! I didn’t and got some sparks when removing.