DC Converter - Page 2

Travler · 08-09-2010, 09:01 AM

Well I finally got around to installing that ..8955 Main Board Assembly (DC Converter) It went in slicker than snot.....I tell ya at the end of the install I got kinda heated thinking that the RV place wanted to charge me over 300 dollars just for the purchase of the assy plus labor to install it. It took me 20 min to install the entire assy....and I've never done this type of install.......so to those of yall who read this......If I can do it ........anyone can do this install with no problem. It did help alot to have all of the input from the people on this forum. Thank you again.

**Joesjunk** · 08-16-2010, 06:49 AM

I replaced mine years ago with an Inteli Power 9200 from Progressive Dynamics (PD9245c). I purchased it from ebay for about $120. I wouldn't advise this job for someone not famaliar with electronics. It was a little tough to fit it in the existing hole, but, it works great an is very quiet. Had to replace the fuse on the battery with a 20 Amp. It kept popping the 15 amp when the battery was way down.

**Bill** · 08-16-2010, 09:01 AM

I don't know about the 2000 model year, but for the 2002 models and forward, the battery fuse should be rated at 30 amps.

Bill

**ShrimpBurrito** · 08-16-2010, 09:57 AM

In my 2000 TM, the fuse is 30A. But obviously a 15A won't hurt. Worst case scenario is it keeps blowing on you.

Dave

**mjlaupp** · 08-16-2010, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

....Worst case scenario is it keeps blowing on you.....

Worst case scenario is the fuse is blown, you don;t know it when you hook up to tow, TM & TV become separated on freeway @ 65 mph and the TM becomes an unguided missile because the breakaway brakes did not work!

**ShrimpBurrito** · 08-16-2010, 11:25 AM

According to the wiring diagram included in my blue book, attached, the break away brakes are not fused, but I have not looked to confirm that.

Dave

**Bill** · 08-16-2010, 01:29 PM

Dave, you are correct. The breakaway line is not fused, because it is assumed that if the line is activated, there is a lot more to worry about than a discharged battery or an overheated wire. An overheated wire could, in theory, cause a fire - but in contrast to having two tons of metal flying down the highway unattached and uncontrolled, that doesn't seem to matter much. The real need is to ensure that power goes to the brakes for as long as possible, even if there is a fault.

As Mike points out, an undetected fuse failure could be catastrophic. And a fuse failure can happen for lots of different reasons, including the simple fact that a fuse is a mechanical device, and subject to mecahnical failure.

Bill

**ShrimpBurrito** · 08-16-2010, 01:32 PM

Bill - So if the breakaway brakes are not fused, how could an undetected fuse failure be catastrophic? The CO detector won't work, but my guess is you'll replace the fuse as you won't have lights, water pump, toilet, water heater, fridge, etc.

Dave

08-16-2010, 01:43 PM

I am sorry but I can't resist. I love reading this forum and learning all there is to know about TMs. However, sometimes I am struck by all of the hazard analysis and risk mitigation that is involved. It makes me think of a hypothetical interview.

Q) Sir, you are a frequent user of a trailer whose comparatively high tongue weight places great strain upon your tow vehicle and requires you to take extra measures to preclude it from having excessive adverse effect upon your handling and braking ability. Moreover, you haul yourself and your family around in all types of road, visibility, and weather conditions with 4000 lbs or dead weight behind you hoping that your brake controller is configured properly, and that no corrosive or mechanical damage has occurred to your electrical system so that you can apply the brakes in an emergency situation. Why do you choose to take on such a burden week after week, tempting fate with each passing mile?

A) It is relaxing.

**Bill** · 08-16-2010, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

Bill - So if the breakaway brakes are not fused, how could an undetected fuse failure be catastrophic? The CO detector won't work, but my guess is you'll replace the fuse as you won't have lights, water pump, toilet, water heater, fridge, etc.

Dave

Sorry, Dave, I guess I wasn't clear. What I meant to say, as Mike said, was that if the breakaway brakes were fused, and if there were an undetected fuse failure, that undetected failure could be catastrophic. But since the breakaway line is not fused, there can't be an undetected failure.

So your observation was correct - and that's why it is done that way.

Bill