Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

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Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

May 03, 2021, 10:59:54 am

My wife has great patience, but has finally decreed that she can no longer tolerate the noisy Parallax Converter fan running continually. She wants it replaced like the one we had on our 2002 MB - the fan seemed to be triggered by a thermostat. This would involve purchasing a different converter and finding someone to install it. I don't want the expense of that. At night, I have been turning off the circuit breaker that runs the fan - my wife can't sleep with the noise. She even gets startled awake if a meteorite enters the atmosphere. And if we're stuck inside during the day (because it's raining or too cold outside), I will also turn off the breaker. I would prefer that continue to be my action plan. What I would like to know (from you electrical gurus) is what damage or negative impact might happen by having the circuit breaker that runs the fan turned off. All of our camping is at sites with electric hookup and we also have two solar panels.

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #1 – May 03, 2021, 11:13:36 am

Hi Glen L.; You could just take off the front at the base (4 screws) and you will have access to the fans. Then install a switch to turn the fans on and off manually. I would put an LED to indicate the fans were off. If you aren't running a lot of power to the coach or batteries, it shouldn't overheat. I'm sure it still has overheat/shutdown protection. There is enough room in the 110VAC breaker area to conceal the switch, so it wouldn't show. I don't know if the fans are 110vac, or 12vdc. not that it matters much. You would have to open the top area to access a hidden switch. Of course you are already doing that. Price would be less than $10.
RonB

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #2 – May 03, 2021, 12:19:09 pm

LD used the wrong converter in your 2017, now LD uses a quieter model.Your converter’s fan is not temperature controlled. Many other converters are available that fit and are not noisy.

Considering you spent several ten of thouand dollars to buy your LD and now you wife is unhappy, you may want to reconsider.
As long-term married guy, I can advise you that an unhappy wife can cost you many times more in misery than what it would cost to fix in dollars.
As Blueox’s signature shows, “happy wife, happy life.

You can shut the converter off at night, the coach battery can cover the night elelctrical needs but the fan will still run all day, when powered up. I would find that annoying.
Randy at Best Converter has alternative choices.
BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics

Larry

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #3 – May 03, 2021, 12:38:43 pm

Quote from: Larry W - May 03, 2021, 12:19:09 pm

You can shut the converter off at night, the coach battery can cover the night electrical needs but the fan will still run all day, when powered up. I would find that annoying.

Larry

Larry,
Just so I'm clear, turning off the circuit breaker (It's Breaker #2) isn't just turning off the fan, it's turning off the whole Converter - correct? If I'm always plugged into shore power, and the Converter is off, what function is the Converter not doing?

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #4 – May 03, 2021, 12:59:29 pm

Quote from: Glenn Lambert - May 03, 2021, 12:38:43 pm

Larry,
Just so I'm clear, turning off the circuit breaker (It's Breaker #2) isn't just turning off the fan, it's turning off the whole Converter - correct? If I'm always plugged into shore power, and the Converter is off, what function is the Converter not doing?

Breaker #2 traditionally in LDs has been the power shut-off for the converter.
If plugged and the converter’s breaker is shut off, the converter is a paper weight.
Are you plugged in most of the time you are camping?
Out West, many parks do not have electrical, compared to eastern parks that have a much better chance at having power available.

Larry

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #5 – May 03, 2021, 01:03:02 pm

Quote from: Larry W - May 03, 2021, 12:59:29 pm

Are you plugged in most of the time you are camping?
Out West, many parks do not have electrical, compared to eastern parks that have a much better chance at having power available.

Larry

Larry,
Yes, all of our camping is plugged in.

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #6 – May 03, 2021, 01:04:47 pm

Glenn,
Sounds like our wives have something in common. We had the same issue in our 2017, finally swapping out the 75 amp model that LD used for a couple of model years for a 55 amp model that I bought used from one of our forum members when they upgraded theirs. It’s a fairly easy swap, even for someone like me who is electrically challenged. More info here:

Converter Cycling

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #7 – May 03, 2021, 01:17:51 pm

If I understand, you are talking about the converter that converts 120 AC to 12DC. I only hear my fan when I first turn it on or use a lot of 12v items. If you power it of you are batteries which you could have to replace sooner by cycling me so much. So maybe like implied it is the unit they used.

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #8 – May 03, 2021, 01:27:52 pm

Hi StevenJill; The 55Amp converter has a fan, thermostatically controlled, so it goes on and off with heat and demand. The 75 Amp models the fan just runs all of the time, needed or not. Glen L. if the converter is turned off, all your 12 volt power day and night is coming from your batteries. 110VAC needs are from the power pedestal. But your lights, 'fridge logic board, water pump all run on 12vdc. If you take it out of your rig, send it to me (just the converter, 4 wires) and I'll alter it for free. The postage might be a bit. RonB

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #9 – May 03, 2021, 02:13:26 pm

I have several old, 55-amp converters in the garage, left from upgrades, one is yours for the shipping costs.

I don’t recommend it, Instead, suggest going the route I and other have, replacing it with a bigger, 4-stage smart converter .
The original 55-amp converter in our 2003 LD was replaced 14 years ago, switched to a Progressive Dynamics PD9270C
70-amp converter, it's fan only comes on when Charging heavily discharged batteries.
It was the largest converter that would fit in the stock converter’s position and charges at a higher rate than the old converter, holding the higher charge rates longer. It brings the battery up to a full charge quicker than the 55-amp converter.
After all these years, it is still what I would still go with if doing it again..
New converter | Flickr

Larry

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #10 – May 04, 2021, 08:17:31 am

On our one trip back to the Mother Ship, we had LD replace ours in our 2017 with the new one they were using. They did it for the cost of the new one. We are both happy now!

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #11 – May 04, 2021, 09:37:19 am

Quote from: Glenn Lambert - May 03, 2021, 10:59:54 am

All of our camping is at sites with electric hookup and we also have two solar panels.

Take the advice here and replace the converter. But in the meantime, your solar is a good source to charge the batteries. Consider campsite siting where you have good solar during the day and turning the converter off. You can still use your roof air, fridge on AC, nuker, etc. The solar will probably keep your batteries charged up without the converter.

Steve

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #12 – May 04, 2021, 09:56:20 am

Quote from: Steve - May 04, 2021, 09:37:19 am

Take the advice here and replace the converter.

And you can keep the annoying 75 amp model at home as a spare. That’s what I’m doing.

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #13 – May 04, 2021, 10:30:10 am

I have a paralex 7155 out of my 2017 Casita. The dc portion is not working(odd because it was driven from Texas to South Florida and owner passed...sat 3 years....sometimes plugged in.). I removed it and replaced it with a smart charger. I'm sure the fan is good. Pay shipping and the whole thing is yours...that is if it is a bad fan on yours and not just the way it is all the time...

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #14 – May 04, 2021, 01:49:39 pm

Quote from: Larry W - May 03, 2021, 02:13:26 pm

I switched to a Progressive Dynamics PD9270C
70-amp converter, it's fan only comes on when Charging heavily discharged batteries.
It was the largest converter that would fit in the stock converter’s position and charges at a higher rate than the old converter, holding the higher charge rates longer. It brings the battery up to a full charge quicker than the 55-amp converter.
After all these years, it is still what I would still go with if doing it again..

Larry

Well, I'll continue with my "unplugging" method and will look into replacing the converter with the Progressive Dynamics PD9270C 70-amp model that Larry mentioned when I can find some place local that can replace it.

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #15 – May 04, 2021, 02:04:34 pm

I pulled the converter out when replacing the transfer switch. It was within my capabilities. I didn't have to disconnect more than a couple of wires. With the right tools the job can be done. Some times the right tool is checkbook

Quote

Some say the legal and medical professions are equally professional.
The law will let you defend yourself in court, but the hospital will not let you remove your own appendix.

Re: Parallax Converter Fan Runs Continuously

Reply #16 – May 04, 2021, 03:02:38 pm

Just a thought Glenn.

Any qualified electrician should be able install that converter in less than 1 hour. It's only 1 dozen or so wires , but I know that working with electrical gadgets are scary for many.

Often a house call by a technician to your RV is significantly less money then hauling your RV to a repair center. Especially now a days.

Cheers,

Tony R. (aka codefour)

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