By Dustin Simpson
In this video, Dustin and Zach discuss RV electricity basics—specifically, the difference between an inverter and a converter. They also cover what items run off of 12 volts (DC) and what items run off of 110 volts (AC). Knowing the difference will not only help you manage your RV electricity, but can also help you troubleshoot problems when you are out on the road.
Tech support phone numbers for RV electricity issues
Should you need tech support with your RV electricity, locate your converter or inverter and gather the brand name, model and serial number. Tech support will be able to assist you based on the year, make and model of your RV.
WFCO: 1-877-294-8997
Progressive Dynamics: 1-269-781-4241
Samlex Power: 1-800-561-5885
GoPower!: 1-866-247-6527
Xantrex: 1-800-670-0707
IOTA: 1-800-866-4682
Parallax Power Supply: 1-800-443-4859
Park Power: 1-800-307-6702
More about our groups
These Facebook groups were created to help educate owners about parts, problems, repairs, fixes, and upgrades on RV units. We will be sharing videos that include WHAT’S IN THE SHOP? and SHOP TALK episodes with information on accessories and products that we use and install on the units from the shop.
We try to help as time allows to answer questions and problems. We encourage others to share their experience so we can build a resource page to help everyone.
Please follow us on YouTube, see our published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages.
Please feel free to share your stories, problems, and upgrades with us so we can build a resource page to help others.
Thank you,
Dustin
More from Dustin
Read more of Dustin’s articles here.
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RVDT2940
We have a 2022 Gulf Stream 189DD. It is time to replace the battery. I would like to go Lithium. I can afford the battery, but not a battery AND a new converter to charge the battery.
While I don’t know for sure where the converter is located, I suspect it is behind the power center which in turn is under the refrigerator and in the narrow isle between the refrigerator and dinette bench. I don’t even know what brand converter I have. In short, I am looking for a way to find out my converter’s charging capability without pulling apart the trailer.
Any ideas?
Jim, according to Gulf Stream, your rig *should* have a 45-amp WFCO Converter.
Locate your power center, which houses your 12V fuses and 120V breakers (usually near the floor).
Open the front door and find the model number printed on the WFCO faceplate or internal board.
If it does not explicitly mention “AD” or “Auto-Detect”, you don’t necessarily have to replace the whole unit; you can often just upgrade the internal main board (e.g., using a WFCO Lithium Converter Replacement Kit).
If the model ends with “AD” such as “WF-8945-AD”, it’ll auto detect the battery type and charge the LifePo4 to the proper voltage.
Magnum Inverters.
DMX Tech Support: 1-800-553-6418
Thank you for sharing the video and providing the technical support phone numbers, Dustin. No problems on this end. We have a Xantrex inverter in RV #2. RV #3 will have a Victron inverter. Have a great day and safe travels!