|
03-31-2014, 01:15 PM
|
#1
|
Member
Name: Russ & Vivian
Trailer: Scamp
Pennsylvania
Posts: 94
|
Magnetek converter
Model 3220 one thing I didn't check out before I left was the 12 volt lighting(didn't have a battery) friend loaned me one, gave it a full charge. When I went to use the lights and turn the radio on nothing, I checked the fuse which were all good, the little instruction book that came with it tells me the 3220 switches over between 120 and 12 volt via a automatic
relay. Anyone happen to know why its not switching, could the automatic switch be bad, I'm not an electrician. I was smart enough to take alternate lighting and music options.
|
|
|
03-31-2014, 02:38 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Trailer: Class A Motorhome
Posts: 7,912
|
You don't mention how old your Magnatek is, but there is an electro-mechanical change over relay in there that does give up with age. In as much as there is no overcharging protection on that unit, rather than repairing it, this might be a good opportunity to upgrade to a modern power chassis, one with solid state controls and a 3 stage charger, such as the Progressive Dynamics PD4045. I have them in all of mine and have installed 6-7 in other RV's. Easy to install and very reliable. About $160 if you shop smart.
|
|
|
03-31-2014, 03:22 PM
|
#3
|
Member
Name: Russ & Vivian
Trailer: Scamp
Pennsylvania
Posts: 94
|
It's in my 91 Scamp 16 ft and it's original, I'll have to get someone to install the new one you suggested if we find out the old one is bad, I'll have my buddy look at it.
|
|
|
03-31-2014, 03:41 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Trailer: Class A Motorhome
Posts: 7,912
|
Not to beat it to death, but the Magnatek 3220 was obsolete years ago and putting any money into it will not be in the best interest of reliability or battery life.. That design dates back to about the late 60's and is well known for frying/overcharging/undercharging batteries.
|
|
|
03-31-2014, 04:01 PM
|
#5
|
Member
Name: Russ & Vivian
Trailer: Scamp
Pennsylvania
Posts: 94
|
Did you use to be a salesman Bob, I'll be replacing it as soon as I can, thanks again for the advice.
|
|
|
03-31-2014, 04:16 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Name: Mike
Trailer: 1993 Bigfoot 17 ftCB / 2023 RAV4 Trail
Ontario
Posts: 229
|
Magnetek converter.
I'll add my comments to this discussion. My Magnetek 3220 was overheating and when I pulled it out to replace with a PD9260, I found the floor scorched under the insufficient sized transformer. I recommend replacement.
See:
<http://home.comcast.net/~rabarber/magnetek.htm>
There are also many discussions on this Forum, and on the Web, about it. Do a search on the forum and Google and you'll get LOTS of advice.
Good luck.
Mike
|
|
|
04-07-2014, 01:45 PM
|
#7
|
Member
Name: Russ & Vivian
Trailer: Scamp
Pennsylvania
Posts: 94
|
I went down to the local RV place and was looking around, one of the service guys cam up to me and asked if he could help( I was looking at the converts) I explained my problem, he said as long as the converter was supplying 110 and charging the battery, which it is, that there had to be a problem in the wiring from the batery back. What do you guys think.
|
|
|
04-07-2014, 02:52 PM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Name: Dave
Trailer: Casita SD17 2006 "Missing Link"
California
Posts: 3,738
|
If it were me Russ I would replace it with a modern unit and call it money well spent.
|
|
|
04-07-2014, 04:01 PM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
|
I know absolutely nothing about your converter. But if a new relay is required, they are available. In fact, I sell them. I just need to know what your contact arraignment is, the current you want to switch, and if the coil is 110VAC, or 12 VDC.
G2R-[]-S General-purpose Relay/Lineup | OMRON Industrial Automation
Including relay base you are looking at about $25. It may be necessary to do some soldering and find a place to mount the relay. Trouble is, our minimum order is $100. But there are many distributors of Omron.
And while Bob does not sell stuff, as far as I can tell, he almost always advocates for replacement over repair. I am amazed he did not push a Progressive Dynamics PD4045. He loves those.
In this case I agree, fixing an old converter makes less sense then upgrading to one that can do a good job of charging your battery. Trouble is, they cost a ton. Like $200, or more. Putting solar on your trailer is probably a better investment. For $200 you could get an 80 to 100 W system.
|
|
|
04-07-2014, 04:11 PM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Trailer: Class A Motorhome
Posts: 7,912
|
I did recommend a PD-4045, way back in post #2
But, if you call Frank Bear at Teardrop Trailer Parts, he will be happy to sell you one for $154.95 + shipping.
Heres a link to his site: Teardrop Trailer Parts
I have bought all 6-7 I have installed from him and I've yet to find better pricing
|
|
|
04-07-2014, 05:06 PM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
|
That is a very good price.
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
» Upcoming Events |
No events scheduled in the next 465 days.
|
|