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How do I tell if my Converter is charging the Batt - Event Date: 20 Apr 2025 |
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troutpodder
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Joined: 15 Apr 2017 Location: Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 15 |
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Calendar Event: How do I tell if my Converter is charging the BattPosted: 20 Apr 2025 at 3:23pm |
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Hey All,
Question on how can I tell if my power panel is charging my batteries. I have had a 2016 RPOD 186 for almost ten years. In the past, whenever I would plug in the camper to shore power, I would also hear a hum coming from the power panel which i have understood to be the panel charging the battery. And for years, plugging into shore power always resulted in the batteries getting charged to full. Now when i plug into shore power, I am not hearing the panel humming. All the appliances work when plugged into shore power , the micro wave, the fridge, the ac.. they all work so the shore power connection is good. and when not plugged into shore, the lights, h20 heater and furnace switches and the fan work, so again, that all works as well. The batteries are currently reading 2/3rds full. Might I be mis-remembering things and possibly the panel only charges the batteries when then are below a certain level BUT, i don't remember things like this ... I remember that regardless of the battery level (other than if they were full) the panel would be humming and charging when I plugged into shore power. also, i checked all the fuses - all good and the breakers are all in on position. When i do plug into shore power, I do hear a beep but then that's it. The batteries are new, purchased them last year - good quality and they were kept on a battery tender for the winter and did not freeze and like I said, the lights etc all work when not plugged into shore power. I would appreciate any advice on how to determine if the panel is still functioning . I am not strong in my knowledge of electrical systems ... obviously! Thanks, Troutpodder
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jato
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3394 |
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Posted: 20 Apr 2025 at 8:02pm |
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Pick up a simple multi-tester or multi-meter at Harbor Freight. Their cost is anywhere from $4-$10. Place the red and black leads on your battery. While hooked up to shore power you should read 13.5 volts or better. Compare that to when you aren't hooked up to shore power. What reading are you now getting on the battery? This will be an indicator as to the health of your battery and also if the converter is charging your battery. How old is your battery and how well have you maintained it? Have you kept up on the electrolyte levels as well.
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God's pod
'11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
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ppine
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Joined: 15 Nov 2025 Location: nevada Online Status: Offline Posts: 45 |
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Posted: 17 Nov 2025 at 10:33am |
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The power converters in rPods are known to fail. They rest on the floor and are subject to vibration. Single axle trailers move around more than double axle trailers. Some people like to travel on the dirt and rough roads. Some of the solder connections can break. Some people carry an extra power converter because this is so common. WSCO 55 amp.
Edited by ppine - 17 Nov 2025 at 10:34am |
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Forester
2022 Ram diesel 2019 Nash 26N 2015 rpod 177 |
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GlueGuy
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Joined: 15 May 2017 Location: N. California Online Status: Offline Posts: 2747 |
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Posted: 17 Nov 2025 at 1:01pm |
They are WFCO converters (https://www.wfcotech.com/product-category/converters/), and they are used in a large number of travel trailers (not just Rpods). At least in our RP179, it does not "sit on the floor", but is mounted in the wall near the floor (a few inches above the floor). I can't say I know anyone carrying an extra converter except possibly a handful that I know have had an actual failure.
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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
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poohbill
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Joined: 22 Aug 2019 Location: Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 132 |
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Posted: 20 Nov 2025 at 4:35pm |
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Our 179 battery level indicator shows actual charge when batteries are running the DC, and FULL charge when on shore power to both DC/AC systems. To determine if the batteries are charging, I check the indicator only when off-shore—has it improved in a day?
I know what you mean about the sound but never associated it with just charging, only total DC load.
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2016 179 Gastropod
2017 Ridgeline |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6475 |
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Posted: 21 Nov 2025 at 10:54am |
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I did have one converter fail. The replacement did not fail. I replaced it with the one suitable for LiFePO4 batteries when I upgraded from dual 6V FLA batteries to a single LiFePO4 battery. That one did not fail either. Your best bet is to get a suitable battery monitor such as this one: https://www.amazon.com/AiLi-Voltmeter-Ammeter-Voltage-Motorhome/dp/B07FGFFHC6 which is the one I bought when I converted to the LiFePO4 battery. It will work for lead-acid or lithium batteries, measuring amperage in and out, acting like a fuel gauge that is much, much more accurate than the stock lights. There are various brands from which to choose. Victron is probably the best, but carries a corresponding high price. Renogy is moderately priced and likely very good quality. Mine was on the lower end of price, but does work.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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dhoni44551
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Joined: 24 Dec 2025 Location: USA Online Status: Offline Posts: 4 |
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Posted: 26 Dec 2025 at 10:16am |
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It does sound like your converter/charger may not be charging even though shore power is working. The easiest way to check is with a multimeter: measure battery voltage unplugged, then plugged into shore power if it doesn’t rise to ~13.6–14.4V, the charger isn’t working. The hum isn’t always reliable, but the lack of voltage increase usually points to a failing converter. |
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