Bad converter problem

notanlines · 09-28-2016, 04:08 AM

We are in the middle of west coast swing and the refrigerator flashed a code
of "lo dc" and quit operating. I checked into things and found a voltage of
11.2 on the batteries. Further investigating brought me to the converter,
hidden behind a couple of panels in the basement. I hooked up my 10 amp
charger to the batteries and sent to work. Sure would have been handy
to be 118 pounds just for 20 minutes. I pulled the converter, checked the three
fuses, plugged it into a good outlet and the voltage reading is zero. The three
lights on the back of it also are not lit. My problem is that it seems to be a 100
amp converter and not a soul in California has one in stock. Is this an
oddity or is it normal for a 50 amp fiver to have one this size? I can't figure
out how to order one and pick it up somewhere along the way over the next
two months. Do most of you think the 10 amp charger while parked and the
truck charging while in motion would do the trick temporarily? Thanks.....

**chuckster57** · 09-28-2016, 05:02 AM

100A converters are not a commonly stocked part. If you know where your going to be in a couple of days you could call an RV parts store and they should be able to order you one. Until then your probably okay with what you are doing.

**JRTJH** · 09-28-2016, 05:12 AM

Jim,

WFCO only builds the 9900 series (50 amp) power centers using one of two converter assemblies. They are sized at 60 amps DC and 90 amps DC. The "main AC panel" is rated at 100 amps, but the converter assembly is rated at either 60 or 90 amps. Is it possible that you read the "amperage rating" from the main panel? I don't recall ever seeing a 100 amp converter/charger in any towable RV. My guess is, knowing how "thrifty" Keystone is, that you've got a 60 amp charger/converter behind the 100 amp power center.

As for using an "add on" charger, as long as it will keep your batteries charged, you should be OK. Just keep an eye on your battery water levels, with most manual chargers, you don't go into the "trickle charge" mode, so you'll always be supplying over 13.5 volts. That can "overcharge" your batteries and cause them to "dry out". Just keep an eye on them and don't overcharge, you'll be OK.

But doublecheck that converter rating, I think you might have missed the actual converter rating ?????

Good Luck,

notanlines · 09-28-2016, 05:15 AM

Thanks for the quick reply We just went through Modesto and saw it up close and personal. GPS gave us some bum info and we ended up down on I think 4th street where the police had an area cordoned off. Finally ended up here in Olema. A very nice campground, by the way.

**chuckster57** · 09-28-2016, 05:32 AM

9th street is one of the "main" roads. 4th street isn't RV friendly. Had I known you were coming so close to the house, I would have had coffee and doughnuts.

notanlines · 09-28-2016, 05:55 AM

Does this image help any? I sure would be curious as to what it is.

**JRTJH** · 09-28-2016, 06:58 AM

You're right, you DO have a 100 amp converter/charger. The WFCO 68100A is a "stand alone" converter/charger, not typically what Keystone uses. If you know where you're going to be for any specific time frame, Amazon.com does have it in stock and with Prime shipping (2 days) you could have it delivered to a campground by Friday. Some coordination with the campground manager would probably assure your delivery ?????

It's a "pricey" converter, at $311, but here's the amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/WFCO-WF68100-...ords=WF-68100A

**chuckster57** · 09-28-2016, 07:00 AM

I would call that a 100A converter. Depending on how much "stuff" you turn on, 60A may be enough.

**chuckster57** · 09-28-2016, 07:38 AM

Amazon has a great price. I'm looking at the NTP book and it shows $463.79 retail.

bobbecky · 09-28-2016, 02:19 PM

http://www.rvautoparts.com/WFCO-Conv...0A_p_2818.html

notanlines · 09-28-2016, 03:59 PM

We did bite the bullet and order the one from Amazon, I think $360 or so with 2nd day delivery to the RV park. I will keep everyone posted on my warrantee claim with CW later in November when I get home. Many thanks for all the replies. And I darned sure hated to miss the coffee and doughnuts in Modesto!

**JRTJH** · 09-28-2016, 04:26 PM

I hope it works out for you !!! If you're not an Amazon Prime member, you may want to consider it??? You almost paid for a yearly membership in shipping charges for that one item. We've found that even without the added benefits of membership, just the "free second day shipping" has paid for our membership many times over.

Keep us posted and hopefully things will work out both with the converter and with CW once you're back home !!!!!

**sourdough** · 09-28-2016, 06:01 PM

Not to try to push Amazon, I would agree with John, especially for those of us that travel and need to get a part in short order at times. I've also love that I don't worry about ordering a $20 abc and paying $25 in shipping, or making a big list so I can get to a minimum order for reduced shipping....I just buy what I want.....plus you get Amazon TV; what more could you want? Sorry, it's not an ad, I just like them too.

I'm hoping the new converter arrives shortly and fixes your problems so you can enjoy your trip!!

You may also like: