Mobile RV repair is an excellent choice for any camper owner, especially if you have a big rig! Towing broken-down motorhomes is a cumbersome, expensive task. Having a repair person come to you is especially convenient for minor fixes, and if you’re not sure the repairs needed.
One common issue for RV owners is a bad converter. Your RV converter changes or converts 120 volt AC power from a battery to 12 volt DC power. Most electronics in your RV, including fans, lights, and so on, run on 12 volt DC power.
In turn, a working converter is then vital for proper electronic operation. Even if you own the strongest battery available, you can’t run electronics in the camper without a good inverter. Note some signs your RV converter has gone bad so you know when to schedule needed repair or replacement. Need more information? Visit https://mobilervrepairtampa.com.
Recognize These Signs? You Need Mobile RV Converter Repair!
Here are 6 quick signs that it’s time to schedule mobile RV converter repair for your camper or rig.
- Interior lights are usually the first indicator of a malfunctioning RV converter. The lights might flicker, dim, or otherwise, fail to operate properly.
- When a refrigerator doesn’t maintain the temperature it should, it can be breaking down or the inverter might need replacing! Not sending enough power to the refrigerator can mean warmer temperatures no matter how often it cycles on.
- Internal fans might also struggle to work. You might notice the fan running more slowly than usual, or needing a “nudge” to cycle on.
- Check the RV outlets to see if they’re providing enough power. For example, you might plug in your cell phone charger and check its charging speed. If it’s not charging quickly, this can signal a bad inverter.
- House batteries or deep cycle batteries provide power to the RV when you’re not at a full hookup site. If these batteries don’t hold their charge, they might be old and worn, and ready for replacement. On the other hand, the inverter might also be failing to charge them properly!
- Don’t overlook warning lights and other indicators on the inverter itself. RV owners often forget that an inverter will usually have an indicator light or other means of signaling needed repairs.
What Happens When the RV Converter Goes Bad?
Because an RV converter changes electrical voltage, uneven power is the first sign of a bad inverter. In turn, lights and fans might run, but intermittently. This means flickering lights, fans that run slowly, and so on.
Lack of proper power is also an indicator of a bad converter. For example, the refrigerator might not stay on as long as needed to maintain proper cooling. You also might notice phones taking too long to charge, and other such electrical issues.
A damaged inverter also means improper voltage into your RV. If you have a voltage meter you can test your rig’s electrical supply. A 108-130 reading at the entry point is normal. At the breaker box, check for a reading between 11-13 volts.
How Do I Know If My Inverter Is Working?
To test your batteries, disconnect them from each other. When batteries are connected, they draw power from each other! Once disconnected, you can use your voltage meter to test their strength. Many RV supply shops also offer free battery testing.
To test your inverter, use your voltage meter at the entry point and junction box. Check the readings against the information above and note if the RV has proper voltage. If not, this is a sign that the inverter is faulty and needs repair or replacement.
Will an RV Converter Work Without a Battery?
Your RV converter typically works when connected to shore power, meaning a full hookup electrical source. The converter will still invert that power to what’s needed to run your RV appliances, lights, and other electrical features.
However, one important note is that some older batteries can overcharge! If you hook up to a shore power source, RV batteries should charge as needed. While modern batteries might maintain that charge, outdated batteries are damaged easily when consistently plugged into shore power. Check the battery manufacturer for advice on when to unplug the battery, if ever.
Note, too, that a mobile RV repair company can often check your rig’s inverter and batteries. He or she might also be able to bring out a new inverter or battery and replace them, as needed.
Relying on mobile services ensures you won’t run out of power on your way to the repair shop. Their services also ensure your new inverter or batteries are installed properly, so you can get back to enjoying your RV and time on the road!
When to Call a Mobile RV Repair Service
Along with a damaged inverter, you might call a mobile RV repair service for other issues with your rig. Many such services address any of the following issues:
- Call a mobile service to repair a damaged awning! Your awning should work easily and provide protection from the elements. There’s no need to bring your rig into a shop for such a quick fix.
- Don’t suffer through extreme temperatures with damaged appliances. A mobile camper repair service will typically have mechanics on staff who can repair or replace furnaces and air conditioners quickly and easily.
- Appliance repair also includes fixing refrigerators and stovetops. It’s especially vital to schedule needed services for appliances running on propane. Just like gas furnaces and stoves at home, it’s vital to ensure these are working properly and without leaks or damage.
- Not all mobile RV services offer mechanical fixes, but many will replace batteries or flat tires, just like towing services for your car.
If you’re going to be on the road with your RV, and especially if you’ll be boondocking or in remote areas, you might check for mobile RV services ahead of time. Note what services and fixes they offer. It’s also good to map out local repair shops along your route. This will ensure you can call for quick repairs for your RV or camper as needed!
