Buzz when plugged in...

[SSDoug]

Hi all - new owner here. Does the converter always have a loud buzz when plugged into outside power?

Thanks!

[gordon2]

In my experience... Loud buzz.. no... But Mild buzz.. yes... kinda like 8 beers vs 3 beers.
I usually dont notice it unless I am sleeping, esp since the converter is right under my head.
Note that it might be louder when under heavy load.. once battery is fully charged and little or nothing is running on 12 VDC then it MIGHT be quieter.

[Iowa Dave]

Check all of your battery terminal and converter connections. I’ve heard them buzz when a cable is not cranked down all the way tight. If your cables seem a little light for the job, new heavier cables may help.
Iowa Dave

[Defenestrator]

It could have a cooling fan with worse-for-wear bearings causing a buzz, or even just need cleaning out.

If it's older, it's also possible that the transformer wiring is no longer as tightly secured as it was when it was new and is buzzing. Not really a problem per se, but potentially annoying.

If it's the original converter, it may be worth swapping out anyways. The older single-stage converters aren't very smart and can be rough on the batteries.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Defenestrator

...If it's the original converter, it may be worth swapping out anyways. The older single-stage converters aren't very smart and can be rough on the batteries.

+1 on this.

[thrifty bill]

Coverters were not designed to last 40 + years. If it is original, its time to go. If it is a replacement, connections and the fan are the two things to check. The original power center in my 1977 Trillium had the 12V fuse melted permanently in place. And it was not a good unit anyway.

[SSDoug]

Thanks!

[SSDoug]

There is currently no battery attached...

[SSDoug]

Definitely original converter. Thoughts for where to find new one? Calgary area...

[thrifty bill]

I get most of my parts on eBay or Amazon. I put a PD4135 on mine. Plenty of capacity for my Trillium, more than enough really.

I’ve given up going from store to store looking for RV stuff, only to find no inventory “we can order it for you”. OK, I can order it too and have it delivered to my home in one or two days, at 40% less $$$.

[gordon2]

https://www.bestconverter.com/

They can provide advice based on your camper and your needs. Give em a try.

[Bing M.]

Originally Posted by gordon2

In my experience... Loud buzz.. no... But Mild buzz.. yes... kinda like 8 beers vs 3 beers.
I usually dont notice it unless I am sleeping, esp since the converter is right under my head.
Note that it might be louder when under heavy load.. once battery is fully charged and little or nothing is running on 12 VDC then it MIGHT be quieter.

When I was doing RV repair I had a convertor with a buzzins sound. When checking it out I found the paper tape around the coil on the converter had started to come loose and the fan was hitting it. Like playing card on bicycle spokes. Was an easy fix with a couple of turns of tape around the coil. Had some interesting "problems" when repairing RVs.

[SSDoug]

Shall check that out - thanks for the idea!

[bigangelman]

Originally Posted by SSDoug

Hi all - new owner here. Does the converter always have a loud buzz when plugged into outside power?

Thanks!

Those cheap oem converters always hum and they overcharge your battery. Get a new style.

[jkcronan]

With the classic "electrical buzz" sound, it's usually a loose winding on a coil. Some drops of a quick set epoxy can fix it. That's if you feel like screwing around with it. Higher efficiency on a newer converter might be nice.

[Keith2000]

Originally Posted by gordon2

https://www.bestconverter.com/

They can provide advice based on your camper and your needs. Give em a try.

Really good service from these folks. And their prices are either the best or within spitting distance of the best. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.