noisy converter November 21, 2017, 09:18:25 am Just purchased a new Lazy Daze. Very pleased BUT the converter noise is intolerable. The Parallax fan runs continuously. I have an RV to listen to the ocean or the birds, not the converter. Question is what do I do? Can I expect help from the factory in replacing the converter with a different kind or am I on my own? I'd like to replace it with a progressive. It's a 1500 mile drive back to Montclair. 1 Likes
Re: noisy converter Reply #1 – November 21, 2017, 08:51:13 pm Quote from: Touress - November 21, 2017, 09:18:25 amJust purchased a new Lazy Daze. Very pleased BUT the converter noise is intolerable. The Parallax fan runs continuously. I have an RV to listen to the ocean or the birds, not the converter. Question is what do I do? Can I expect help from the factory in replacing the converter with a different kind or am I on my own? I'd like to replace it with a progressive. It's a 1500 mile drive back to Montclair.All the late model Factory converters are noisy.LD will tell you the same, their advice is to get used to it or replace it on your own dime.Many shut the converter's breaker off at night, depending on their batteries to get them through the evening.Even if LD is willing to do something, it will cost more in fuel, to get there and back, than what a new converter cost.If you are interested in a large inverter, use a 2000-watt model, one with a 100-amp charger. Here's question for late model owners with the noisy converters, who have changed to a quieter model.What converter did you use and how well is it working?Larry 1 Likes
Re: noisy converter Reply #2 – November 21, 2017, 09:23:21 pm Have not replaced mine yet but would love to know why Steve insists on this constant run fan rather then one that runs as needed for cooling. And runs quietly when it does run. Frank 1 Likes
Re: noisy converter Reply #3 – November 21, 2017, 09:31:08 pm Quote from: Touress - November 21, 2017, 09:18:25 amJust purchased a new Lazy Daze. Very pleased BUT the converter noise is intolerable. The Parallax fan runs continuously. I have an RV to listen to the ocean or the birds, not the converter. Question is what do I do? Can I expect help from the factory in replacing the converter with a different kind or am I on my own? I'd like to replace it with a progressive. It's a 1500 mile drive back to Montclair.Previously, we had a 2002 MB and the converter fan would turn on rarely. When we picked up our new LD in October we had the same reaction to the noisy converter that you did. When we get too annoyed, we'll just turn off the breaker. 1 Likes
Re: noisy converter Reply #4 – November 21, 2017, 11:32:52 pm We have a 2015 27 MB and had the same issue with the converter. Discussed the issue with Vince and Todd at the mothership who was unaware of the issue until he went out and checked each of the units on the floor, finding that they all have the 75 amp units no matter whether it was a 24, 27 or a 30 ft rig. Apparently Steve made the decision to standardize. They would not consider doing anything about this issue, which we found to be completely unsatisfactory. So, we bought a 55 amp unit, which is the largest size that does not have the continuous fan and had it installed by a local shop, a 20 minute project. Well worth the cost, which was not great.We were on a 3 month 11000 mile trip this summer and had the fan come on twice, for a short period of time each time, not a problem."Silver Fox", SeattleIan
Re: noisy converter Reply #5 – November 22, 2017, 07:54:17 am Other than the noise reduction, what other effect would switching to a 55 amp converter cause in the functionality of ones unit.Does having Solar panels a factor?Just curious.Tom
Re: noisy converter Reply #6 – November 22, 2017, 09:22:10 am 55 amps would not charge the batteries as fast as a 75 amp. This is not necessarily an issue in most cases. Solar panels mean you are not as reliant on shore power to recharge your batteries since solar is doing at least a part of it depending on how many panels you have. Interesting that Steve is so stubborn about making this small change. Maybe he feels that 75 amps is necessary for some reason he doesn't want to bother to reveal. Frank
Re: noisy converter Reply #7 – November 22, 2017, 09:34:57 am If one shuts off the converter at night and is hooked up to 120, does this mean the air conditioner/ heat pump can run without affecting charge in the batteries?
Re: noisy converter Reply #8 – November 22, 2017, 10:13:39 am If every new LD has this issue, it seems worthwhile to look into a thermostatically-controlled fan substitute chosen for equal or better airflow, lower noise, mounting consistency, and doing some digging to target just exactly where to put the temperature-sensing element in order to prevent heat-related problems. And then balance noise vs. warranty issues. And design the sensor side of things so failure=fan on rather than off. (Doesn't help with fan failure, though, just sensor failure.)What is the exact make/model number of the 75-watt device?Ian, do you still have the 75-watt device in your possession? (I have a 2000 LD, so haven't noticed noise issues...)I've done this before on various bits of electronic gear and computers. Takes some digging around in specs, but there are alternatives available.Chip
Re: noisy converter Reply #9 – November 22, 2017, 10:39:19 am Maybe this one? Parallax Power Supply - 8375 Power CenterI'm skeptical about LD not being aware of the fan noise issue; from previous posts on this topic (and reports of noisy Parallax-Magnetek converters on other sites), the manufacturer is aware of the noisy operation, so it's a stretch (at least, for me) to think that LD was/is not.If I had a buzzy, humming, fan-blowing-constantly converter, the thing would be out of its hole in short order, replaced by a multi-stage 'Charge Wizard' model of appropriate amperage from Progressive Dynamics. YMMV, of course. 2 Likes
Re: noisy converter Reply #10 – November 22, 2017, 12:24:52 pm Quote from: Ian & Jean - November 21, 2017, 11:32:52 pmWe have a 2015 27 MB and had the same issue with the converter. So, we bought a 55 amp unit, which is the largest size that does not have the continuous fan and had it installed by a local shop, a 20 minute project. Well worth the cost, which was not great.I have run a 70-amp Progressive Industry converter for a decade. The cooling fan is silent except when it is supplying a lot of 12-Volt power or during a heavy recharge, after boondcking for several days.New converter | FlickrPD9270 - 70 Amp RV Converter/Charger - Progressive DynamicsWe have been out traveling the last week, plugged in at night. The converter's cooling fan has not come on once.No reason why LD couldn't have installed a quiet converter...except, maybe, for the extra cost.Larry 1 Likes
Re: noisy converter Reply #11 – November 22, 2017, 01:01:03 pm I still have the 75 amp unit, any offers?"Silver Fox" Ian WalkerSent from Mail for Windows 10
Re: noisy converter Reply #12 – November 22, 2017, 01:29:04 pm Chip,The Paralax Power Supply Co. Product number is 8375R and is the converter lower section. The upper section, which I did not replace, is the circuit breaker panel which is the same for all the units, 45 thru 75 amp. Contact me directly is interested, inanandjean@frontier.com."Silver Fox" Seattle Ian WalkerSent from Mail for Windows 10
Re: noisy converter Reply #13 – November 22, 2017, 01:37:53 pm Larry,The 55 amp unit works just fine. We do have 2 solar panels, which help. Have not had any problems with low battery. On our 3 month, 11,000 mile trip this summer we had hook ups all but a couple of nights. We traveled to a new RV park nearly every day. The fan in the converter only came on a couple of times for a short period of time.IanSent from Mail for Windows 10
Re: noisy converter Reply #14 – November 23, 2017, 12:27:00 am Quote from: Ian & Jean - November 22, 2017, 01:37:53 pmThe 55 amp unit works just fine. We do have 2 solar panels, which help. Have not had any problems with low battery. On our 3 month, 11,000 mile trip this summer we had hook ups all but a couple of nights. We traveled to a new RV park nearly every day. The fan in the converter only came on a couple of times for a short period of time.A 55-amp converter is fine but it doesn't take advantage of the AGM batteries ability to safely absorb a higher charge current than lead-acid batteries. Downgrading to a smaller converter is a step backward IMO.I have install many larger converters for folks who full-time or regularly boondock and need to run their generator, usually in the winter, to charge their batteries. A larger, smart converter can significantly reduce the generator run timeThere is little solar power available in the winter sun and it's the time of year where most of us use more battery power, for interior lights and electronics. A solar power system that is fine in the summer may fall short in the winter.If you don't camp in the winter this may not be an issue but many of us use our rigs year round.Larry
Re: noisy converter Reply #15 – November 23, 2017, 10:15:21 am I am not familiar with the brand or design of the 75A converter LD has used in current models, but in the past they used single-stage converters that deliver less-than optimal charging voltage for the initial stage of battery recharging. Since the charge current the battery will accept is dependent on the charging voltage and battery state-of-charge, a single-stage 75A converter would likely not significantly reduce recharge times compared to a 55A single-stage model. An accurate battery monitor will tell the story, and is a highly-recommended after-market tool.The 55A multi-stage converter charger we have will dramatically outperform a single-stage 75A converter in bringing the batteries up to spec. However, a 75A converter will power more toys and appliances than ours, if you are heavily accessorized in that area.Steve
Re: noisy converter Reply #16 – November 23, 2017, 12:50:36 pm Quote from: Steve - November 23, 2017, 10:15:21 amI am not familiar with the brand or design of the 75A converter LD has used in current models, but in the past they used single-stage converters that deliver less-than optimal charging voltage for the initial stage of battery recharging. Since the charge current the battery will accept is dependent on the charging voltage and battery state-of-charge, a single-stage 75A converter would likely not significantly reduce recharge times compared to a 55A single-stage model. An accurate battery monitor will tell the story, and is a highly-recommended after-market tool.The 55A multi-stage converter charger we have will dramatically outperform a single-stage 75A converter in bringing the batteries up to spec. However, a 75A converter will power more toys and appliances than ours, if you are heavily accessorized in that area.Today, no one should be using a single stage converter, when "smart" chargers are widely available and will vastly increase the charging efficiently and possibly the battery life.LD could easily use a better, quieter converter, with a higher output, and still have the converter fit in the stock position.It's just a matter of doing a little research and spending the bucks.Larry
Re: noisy converter Reply #17 – November 23, 2017, 02:03:00 pm According to the product description of the power center/converter used in newer LDs (linked above), the converter charger is a 'three stage':"The 8375 is a 30 Amp Power Center with a three stage 75 Amp Converter Charger."I suspect that the bottom line, rather than vetting and selecting a better product, is the main reason newer LDs have 'overactive' fans!
Re: noisy converter Reply #18 – May 11, 2021, 10:01:55 pm I am in the process of purchasing a 2017 27RB with very low miles. It has 75 amp converter and I noticed the factory reduced the converter back to a 55 amp in 2019. This tells me they realized their mistake and I'm assuming it's based on the noise level mentioned in this thread. Am I making a mistake to purchase this year model? Or, can you tell me the approx. cost of replacing the converter with a quieter version?
Re: noisy converter Reply #19 – May 11, 2021, 10:08:51 pm If you have a chance to purchase a 2017 LazyDaze, I wouldn't let the converter influence your decision. It's easy to change if you want to, and I would guess that the cost would be well below $500. If you don't want the 2017, there will be a line of buyers behind you.Rich 1 Likes
Re: noisy converter Reply #20 – May 11, 2021, 10:47:08 pm They must have worked this issue out.My 2021 is silent. Most of this thread is 4 years old.
Re: noisy converter Reply #21 – May 11, 2021, 11:26:26 pm I would not pass on the 2017 if it meets your needs otherwise just because of the converter. It’s a fairly easy swap to do. As Rich said, it should be less than $500 depending on what you swap it out for. 1 Likes
Re: noisy converter Reply #22 – May 12, 2021, 01:20:05 am Quote from: HiLola - May 11, 2021, 11:26:26 pmI would not pass on the 2017 if it meets your needs otherwise just because of the converter. It’s a fairly easy swap to do. As Rich said, it should be less than $500 depending on what you swap it out for.That was one of the first upgrades I did on my '95.
Re: noisy converter Reply #23 – May 12, 2021, 02:32:31 am $500! Just incredible. This isn't rocket science! E-outstanding 2PCS KSD9700 Thermostat Normally Open Temperature Switch Metal...Just put one of these in series with one of the wires going to the fan. If it has two fans, you've got two switches. easy to put in...small wire nuts. It's not like soldering a new part into a surface mount PC board. Or this https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cantherm/CS704025Y/2195521 or this CA-100-80 Selco Thermostat | Hawk Electronics And you could just cut a wire to the fan(s) and let it shut down once in a while..(internal protection that is already there). Quieter fans are available. To me an audible fan is a good thing. Absolute quiet is something I don't like. I could just say, get used to it! It's like a heartbeat of a good machine. I have friends I visit, that let their air compressors go on/off all night. I suppose that your refrigerator bothers you at home when it's compressor cycles on/off at night? RonB 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: noisy converter Reply #24 – May 12, 2021, 09:46:42 am Quote from: RonB - May 12, 2021, 02:32:31 am$500! Just incredible. This isn't rocket science!Ron, it is for some of us! 😳
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