adriang305 Report post Posted November 12, 2014 My parents recently bought a 2003 Fourwinds Infinity model 32R. The reason for this thread is because, when we purchased it, it didn't have the Converter. I spoke with someone at a recent RV dealership and they said they couldn't help us figure out what converter we need for our RV. I was wondering if you guys would be able to tell me what converter I should use for this RV. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted November 12, 2014 Adriang305, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. Couple of points: I would definitely go with one of the smart/multi-stage converters. Tell us what kind of house battery bank you have-- that will help determine what size (in amp) converter you need. How many batteries, what size/amps each? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dickandlois Report post Posted November 12, 2014 Adriang305. Welcome ! This is a link to the Brochure for the coach, your coach is built on a Ford Chassis with the V10. http://www.coltonrv.com/Portals/1/Manufacturer/Thor/2003-Thor-Four-Winds-Infinity-Brochure.pdf They are kind of handy to have on file. The file mentions that the model in question has a generator, but no size is mentioned. The 2 optional units mentioned are a 5.5 KW and a 7KW. Thinking your coach mighe be equipped with a 4.5 KW. Chances are that it is wired with a 30 Amp electrical and not a 50 amp. service. The one thing that is not mentioned is an inverter or a charger / inverter. So do you have an owners manual and might it have some information regarding a inverter and or a charger? From the picture you posted it sure had something in the area ! So the number of batteries, there size and voltage that Brett mentioned are important. Rich. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dickandlois Report post Posted November 13, 2014 Adriang305. There is a gap in the owners manuals I could find for yor model year, but I did find these manuals in PDF format. One for 2007, that in section 9-page7 mentions a inverter. It might be real close to what was in your coach. Thinking that between the two manuals there might be some information that will be useful. links 2007 first. http://thormotorcoach.com/media/documents/2007-Four-Winds-Motorhomes-Owners-Manual.pdf http://thormotorcoach.com/media/documents/1996-Four-Winds-Motorhome-Owners-Manual.pdf Rich. Note, I will look and see what Information might be available on the RS- 400 Inverter. looks like te unit was in production from 2003/04 to 2008/09. So it could have been the style from OEM of your coach. Manual link for RS-400. http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Discontinued-Products/RS400_Sine_Wave_Inverter_Owners_Guide%28445-0167-01-01_Rev_A%29.pdf Flier- http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Discontinued-Products/DataSheet/DS20080729_RS400%20Sine%20Wave%20Inverter.pdf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adriang305 Report post Posted November 13, 2014 Thank you for the feedback guys, I am not absolutely positive as to what it exactly is I need. My father and I are very new to this community. I happen to know that whatever is missing is right under where the bed is located, whether it's a generator, or converter, I have no idea. I will try to look at the brochure for information as it seems to be a pretty good tool. I was hoping a google search would help me figure out what exact part was missing but I'm torn between generator and converter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dickandlois Report post Posted November 13, 2014 adriang305, The Generator is powered by an engine, gas engine is common, but LP engines are also used in gas power coaches. The inverter is an electronic device the converts 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC and the wiring pictured in you picture closely matches what one would expect to see. The generators are mounted in one of the outside compartments and they do not mount them in carpeted areas and if that black area is melted carpet, something got very hot. An inverter connected to a couple of 6 or 12 volt batteries can create a lot of heat ! When something shorts out. Rich. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted November 13, 2014 With out a better look, to me it looks like back of an inverter. I would also be concerned about the burnt spot. Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted November 13, 2014 More details: Inverter: 12 VDC to 120 VAC Converter: 120 VAC to 12 VDC Inverter/charger (very common): does both. Tell us whether the house batteries are charged when you are on shore power or when the generator is running (use a digital voltmeter (you can get one for under $20 and they are very important to have on any RV). Take a reading at the battery before plugging in/starting the generator and then after plugging in/starting the generator. That will tell you for a FACT whether your converter (or inverter/charger) is functioning. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites