Converters

[spindrift]

A standard features listing on the RW website show a Progressive 90 amp/12v DC converter and a 100 amp power converter. Since I missed this during the orientation, would anyone mind describing the difference and purpose between the two features? Thanks.

[Adamsvr]

Easy way to think about it is that a converter, converts 110VAC to 12VDC, and an inverter takes 12VDC and converts it to 110VAC. So if you are going to run a microwave, as an example, and are not hooked up to shore power, using an inverter allows you to convert the RV's DC to AC and run the microwave.Edited by: Adamsvr

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by spindrift

A standard features listing on the RW website show a Progressive 90 amp/12v DC converter and a 100 amp power converter. Since I missed this during the orientation, would anyone mind describing the difference and purpose between the two features? Thanks.

That's a good question. They are both converters, but I think they are trying to say the 90A is standard, and the Full Time Living Package comes with a 100A.

[Oriana]

That's how I read it. We have that package and the 100A converter

[spindrift]

Once again, I'm confused. Why in the world would you need a converter rated at 90, or even 100 amps if all it's doing is charging the batteries in the coach? What am I missing?

[atom ant]

It's a good thing - The Converter has two functions. When you plug into 110VAC, it provides converted 12V power to all of your 12V lights and appliances so they are no longer running off batteries, and it charges the batteries. The higher the amps, the more capacity for running 12V items. Kind of like having a larger capacity electrical panel on your stick house.

I now have only a 55A, which was big at the time. When I disconnect the batteries and plug into AC for the winter, I noticed the converter alone does not have enough power to run the slides.

[Red River Sage]

i have a 2012 36FB, does anyone know where the converter is located?

[Rick and Mindy]

Originally Posted by Red River Sage

i have a 2012 36FB, does anyone know where the converter is located?

I can tell you that if you are using your 12volt lights you will probably be able to hear the converter cycle as it has a fan for cooling purposes. Just follow the fan sound and you will probably find it. I have a 31 sl and it is located in the same place all the plumbing, water pump, filter is located.

[Dave&Ginny]

I believe you can get to it through the compartment Known as "Dad's Tool Box".

[mhs4771]

On our RL access to the Converter is by removing the Curb side Rear Basement Bulkhead.
FYI, if you have all LED lites about the only time you'll hear the converter fan is right after moving the slides in or out, provided you connected to shore power.

[Rick and Mindy]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

On our RL access to the Converter is by removing the Curb side Rear Basement Bulkhead.
FYI, if you have all LED lites about the only time you'll hear the converter fan is right after moving the slides in or out, provided you connected to shore power.

It seems like I hear mine quite frequently but my mind has been wired to hear different sounds so when I hear something I don't normally hear I investigate. Maybe I can hear mine more because I have the 31sl and the location is different or maybe it's just me.

[mhs4771]

Before we switched to the LEDs, all I needed to do was turn on the ceiling lites in the Living room/kitchen and the fan would kick on.

[Rick and Mindy]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

Before we switched to the LEDs, all I needed to do was turn on the ceiling lites in the Living room/kitchen and the fan would kick on.

Thank you for that info, I was beginning to think maybe I was hearing things. I do not have the LED's, still halogen.

[Red River Sage]

Thanks for the info. I suspect my hearing is not so good. I don't remember hearing the fan kick on. I need to pull the panel and see what all is in that compartment. Have been just reaching through the little door to change the water filter.

[Rick and Mindy]

Originally Posted by Red River Sage

Thanks for the info. I suspect my hearing is not so good. I don't remember hearing the fan kick on. I need to pull the panel and see what all is in that compartment. Have been just reaching through the little door to change the water filter.

Get ready for a shock. Everything is in that compartment. Actually, it is fairly impressive that all that "stuff" is in there. I had to rebuild the compartment door to change the filter. The door was too small and really not in the right place. I enlarged it considerably, makes it easier to change the filter until I can relocated the filter.

[mhs4771]

Hope you have a strong stomach when you pull either of those rear basement bulkheads. What you see in there is enough to make you sick (not a slam against RW because our Montana was just as bad).
Saw Dust, Wires, water lines, and furnace heat runs all over the place, with no rhyme or reason.

[hoosierguy]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

Hope you have a strong stomach when you pull either of those rear basement bulkheads. What you see in there is enough to make you sick (not a slam against RW because our Montana was just as bad).
Saw Dust, Wires, water lines, and furnace heat runs all over the place, with no rhyme or reason.

There is considerable construction debris to be found. For most of the first two years while traveling, I frequently find some saw dust appearing at the base of the steps in the kitchen on our 2012 36RL. A year ago, I tried to clean up that area behind the bulk head with a shop vac as much as could, but, I still get some saw dust appearing on the floor in front of steps.

It would be nice if RW would spend a few minutes cleaning that area prior to closing it up.

[atom ant]

You just said all that so you could use that emicon

Serious - I still get debris in front of my step. It all comes apart here in a month or so. I'm changing out the water filter, adding a sonic antipest device, adding smoke detection in there, and cleaning out the mess before I put the wall back up.

[rcflame]

This is our third new trailer since we went full time 12 years ago. They have all had saw dust and construction material in different places especially when you go into areas that are normally enclosed. If you want Redwood to take the time to give these areas a good thorough cleaning, be prepared to pay for it. They don't do any harm except normally looking a little messy when you open them up. It was the same situation when we built the house many years ago. I would just as soon let them go and not pay someone to take care of it, and if it bothers me I can take the time to clean it up myself.

[hoosierguy]

When you bought your new truck ($50K plus) or even a used truck(from a dealer) to tow you coach, it was detailed and cleaned very, very nicely which generally cost less that $100. to $200. When I have sold a vehicle privately, I have always paid to have it detailed and prepared for sale. That has typically cost me approx. $180. including detailing, washing and waxing. I don't try to get that back in the sale........that is just my cost for making the sale; to do what for someone else what I would like to have done for me.

Cleaning up the construction debris out of one of these RW's would cost maybe another half hour of time beyond what is done now. That might be $25. worth of labor time (and I am being liberal ) at most. At $70K plus cost for one of these units, I would have been more than willing to pay a tiny little more for a finishing touch. JMHO

Sorry..........I think I may have contributed to the wandering of this thread.