Hello folks,
I'm in the process of fixing up my 1972 Barth 25 footer. I got the Progressive Dynamics AC to DC converter working today. The cord was rotten, and I replaced it with a cut-off 12ga extension cord from Home Depot. It looks factory!

With AC power plugged in to the motor home, the DC lights and accessories work. But if the AC power is not connected, nothing DC works either. Why would this be?

Any ideas?

You didn't mention the model or vintage, but I suspect you have an older dual-output unit. Unlike contemporary versions, the dual output powers all the 12VDC house circuits from the converter, bypassing the batteries when on shore power. A relay closes to power 12VDC from the batteries when shore power is absent. Either this relay is bad, or the batteries are.

A single-output converter powers (keeps the batteries charged) the batteries, which power the house 12VDC circuits. There is no need for a relay.

If you replace a dual-output with a new converter, you'll need to connect the old relay output to the new 12VDC.

Thanks Rusty, It seems to be the original converter. I just took it back to storage, otherwise I'd pull off the model number. I think it's a Progressive Dynamics PD-710 or 711. That's what my literature says. I got a binder with the original manuals with my 45 year-old RV!

quote:

45 year-old RV!

It is all about the fun with a rig that is 45 years old.

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Keep on truckin Snakedriver!

Cheers

to you

Kevin

Thanks Kevin. I think the problem is that the wire from the battery to the converter is broken/disconnected. I'll have to do some more troubleshooting.