battery humming

That is probably the transformer in the converter making the noise. The plates may be a bit loose allowing them to vibrate.
 
I can't say that you can fix it. The coil windings are actually what vibrate because of the changing magnetic field from AC current which in turn cause the plates to vibrate. Transformers years ago had the plates bolted together and could be tightened, but they now could use some type of adhesive to keep them together. You may also want to see if the transformer is tightly mounted to the chassis and if there is something against it that could be vibrating with it. As transformers age the materials they are made from dry out and make things not as tight as when new thus allowing things to vibrate. The cost to replace the transformer, if you could find one, would probably approach the cost of a new converter.
 
RichR said:
I can't say that you can fix it. The coil windings are actually what vibrate because of the changing magnetic field from AC current which in turn cause the plates to vibrate. Transformers years ago had the plates bolted together and could be tightened, but they now could use some type of adhesive to keep them together. You may also want to see if the transformer is tightly mounted to the chassis and if there is something against it that could be vibrating with it. As transformers age the materials they are made from dry out and make things not as tight as when new thus allowing things to vibrate. The cost to replace the transformer, if you could find one, would probably approach the cost of a new converter.
Click to expand...

Remember safety though any time you work around electrical components!
 
Luckydog671 said:
Remember safety though any time you work around electrical components!
Click to expand...

Agreed, before you start opening up the converter, make sure that the trailer is not connected to AC power. Also, disconnect the batteries.

If the noise is truly a hum and not a rattle, you may not be able to do anything about it because some transformers make noise no matter how tight they are. Do not use any type of adhesives, tapes, etc. Transformers get hot and this may melt or catch fire.

A simple fix may be to support the outer case of the whole converter better. In other words, make it more rigid. With the converter connected and making the noise, press on the front, sides, etc, to see if the noise decreases. If it does, you can use some wood blocking to make it more rigid. But you need to make sure that you don't violate any installation clearance requirements that the converter may have (check the converter manual for this).

Lastly, you may be able to glue some noise deadening material to the outer case (again, check for clearance requirements). Do a web search for, automotive sound deadening. You will find a number of materials that you can use, some have an adhesive backing already.

Good luck.
 
Norton Rider said:
Agreed, before you start opening up the converter, make sure that the trailer is not connected to AC power. Also, disconnect the batteries.

If the noise is truly a hum and not a rattle, you may not be able to do anything about it because some transformers make noise no matter how tight they are. Do not use any type of adhesives, tapes, etc. Transformers get hot and this may melt or catch fire.

A simple fix may be to support the outer case of the whole converter better. In other words, make it more rigid. With the converter connected and making the noise, press on the front, sides, etc, to see if the noise decreases. If it does, you can use some wood blocking to make it more rigid. But you need to make sure that you don't violate any installation clearance requirements that the converter may have (check the converter manual for this).

Lastly, you may be able to glue some noise deadening material to the outer case (again, check for clearance requirements). Do a web search for, automotive sound deadening. You will find a number of materials that you can use, some have an adhesive backing already.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Yes to all of the above.
 
Now ya'll got me curious as to the architecture of a converter-charger. Is the charger portion a separate component inside the converter box that can be replaced or is it just a board? Could it be the charger making the hum?
 
If you glued or attached noise deadening material to the outer cover, wouldn't this tend to cause the converter to overheat and create other problems? Just wondering...................

Bob
 
retiredcamper47 said:
If you glued or attached noise deadening material to the outer cover, wouldn't this tend to cause the converter to overheat and create other problems? Just wondering...................

Bob
Click to expand...

Good point. On my model the converter is under the rear dinette bench seat. There is an air intake screen in the front which I placed a red label reminding myself not to block it.
 
retiredcamper47 said:
If you glued or attached noise deadening material to the outer cover, wouldn't this tend to cause the converter to overheat and create other problems? Just wondering...................

Bob
Click to expand...

It depends on the converter. Some of the standalone ones have fins for cooling on the outside and those should not be blocked, have stuff glued on, etc. Others use a fan or convection to circulate air through the inside via vents on the front, rear, etc. In these it may be OK to add something to the outer surface, provided any clearance requirements listed in the installation manual aren't violated.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

HD
24D classic 1996
sam-HILO
SA

New posts

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days

  • New Ad-Free experience on this RV LIFE Community.
  • Plan the best RV Safe travel with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
  • Navigate with our RV Safe GPS mobile app.
  • and much more...
Try RV LIFE Pro Today
Back
Top