Jump to content

Cricket noises from the lights


Recommended Posts

We brought home our "new" 2017 Oliver Elite II this past weekend, hull #235.     After plugging in the shore power, we noticed a chirping/cricket noise when we turn on the lights.   

 

 

Not happening when running the lights on the solar.  I have a video below.   After reading some older posts, is this the inverter going out on our trailer?  

Harlan & Margie

2017 Oliver Elite II Hull#235, 2006 F250 Tow Vehicle

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

travel trailer units for sale
Find Oliver Travel Trailers for Sale
New Travel Trailers for Sale
  • Moderators

Your lights are 12v and run off the batteries, even when you are on shore power.  The inverter changes 12v from your batteries to 110v for your 110v outlets, it does not power your lights.  Solar charges your batteries and doesn’t directly run anything.

I don’t know what could be causing your issue, I’m not sure I hear it in your video.  I’m sure someone will have an idea.  Mike

  • Thanks 1
  • Like 3

Texas Hill Country | 2016 Elite II #135 | 2020 Ram 2500 6.7L

ALAZARCACOFLGAIDILKSKYLAMDMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKSCSDTNTXUTVAWVWYsm.jpgALAZARCACOCTDEFLGAIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMS

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

The only "noise" I hear is the "clicking" of the switches being turned on/off.

A 2017 most likely has lights that are only operated by the switches (i.e. they are not "touch" lights)  Therefore, either these lights are on or they are off with the only power control being the switch.  

Bill

  • Like 1

2023 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5EB FX4 Max Towing, Max Payload, 2016 Oliver Elite II - Hull #117 "Twist"

Near Asheville, NC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

If you are unplugged from shore power and turn on your inverter to use an outlet, does item you plug into the outlet function normally and do the "crickets" start singing then?

If not, your inverter is likely fine.  I heard nothing in your video except the flipping of the switches.  Do your "crickets" sing only momentarily, as the switch is turned on, or do they launch into a full operetta?   

Where do the "crickets" seem to live?  Behind the switches?  At the lights which were just turned on?  Somewhere in the basement?

  • Like 3
  • Haha 1

Pete & "Bosker".    TV -  '18 F150 Super-cab Fx4; RV  - "The Wonder Egg";   '08 Elite, Hull Number 014.

 

Travel blog of 1st 10 years' wanderings - http://www.peteandthewonderegg.blogspot.com

 

visited-united-states-map (2).pngvisited-canadian-provinces-map.png

ABBCMBNBNLNSONPEQCSKYTALAKAZARCACOCTFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMIMNMSMOMTNENVNHNJNMNYNCNDOHOKORPAPRSCSDTNTXUTVTVAWAWVWIWYsm.jpg

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 5/25/2023 at 8:40 AM, bugeyedriver said:

If you are unplugged from shore power and turn on your inverter to use an outlet, does item you plug into the outlet function normally and do the "crickets" start singing then?

If not, your inverter is likely fine.  I heard nothing in your video except the flipping of the switches.  Do your "crickets" sing only momentarily, as the switch is turned on, or do they launch into a full operetta?   

Where do the "crickets" seem to live?  Behind the switches?  At the lights which were just turned on?  Somewhere in the basement?

When unplugged from shore power (running on solar/batteries) there is no noise...absolutely quiet.  Cricket noise only when plugged in.  Will try to upload a better video.

Thanks,

Harlan

 

Harlan & Margie

2017 Oliver Elite II Hull#235, 2006 F250 Tow Vehicle

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I also have a 2017and have experienced this exact same noise off and on for years. Just last week. I contacted Progressive Dynamics and they told me that they have made upgrades to the PD4045 KA converter and I needed the upgraded part PD4045CSV which I ordered fromBOAT & RV Accessories it costs about a buck eighty 

  • Thanks 2
  • Like 3

Rick & Jerry

2017 Elite II, 2015 F 250 Lariat 6.2 L

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Rpopp said:

I also have a 2017and have experienced this exact same noise off and on for years. Just last week. I contacted Progressive Dynamics and they told me that they have made upgrades to the PD4045 KA converter and I needed the upgraded part PD4045CSV which I ordered fromBOAT & RV Accessories it costs about a buck eighty 

Awesome!  Thank you!

  • Like 3

Harlan & Margie

2017 Oliver Elite II Hull#235, 2006 F250 Tow Vehicle

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

So, the upgrade is to the charger?

2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4

2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12

Florida and Western North Carolina, or wherever the truck goes....

400 watts solar. DC compressor fridge. No inverter. 2 x 105 ah agm batteries .  Life is good.


        
 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's sounding like PD is suggesting an upgrade of the converter section of the converter/charger:1729379302_Screenshot2023-05-30at14_53_48.thumb.png.80025ae6882fc9bc2f5a51a8a47c15ce.png

Or are we missing something?  Our Ollie is a '17 also, but isn't behaving as @Going Coastal has described...  it appears to function correctly without crickets.

  • Like 1

Art, Diane, Magnus & Oscar (double-Aaarrf!)

  • 2022 TUNDRA
  • 2017 LE II; Hull #226 "Casablanca"
  • HAM call-sign:  W0ABX

ALAZARCOIDLAMSMTNMOKTNTXUTWYsm.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators
1 hour ago, MAX Burner said:

Or are we missing something?  Our Ollie is a '17 also, but isn't behaving as @Going Coastal has described...  it appears to function correctly without crickets.

Is yours as dusty/dirty as Coastal's?  That dust and resultant heat generated due to the "blanket" it is always wearing can cause premature failure.

Bill

2023 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5EB FX4 Max Towing, Max Payload, 2016 Oliver Elite II - Hull #117 "Twist"

Near Asheville, NC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, MAX Burner said:

It's sounding like PD is suggesting an upgrade of the converter section of the converter/charger:1729379302_Screenshot2023-05-30at14_53_48.thumb.png.80025ae6882fc9bc2f5a51a8a47c15ce.png

Or are we missing something?  Our Ollie is a '17 also, but isn't behaving as @Going Coastal has described...  it appears to function correctly without crickets.

I ordered this one from etrailer today...Looks like it has a switch to use lead acid or lithium batteries...not sure if the oem one has this?

Replacement Converter Section for Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power 4000 Series 45 Amp Power Center Progressive Dynamics Accessories and Parts PD4045CSV (etrailer.com)

 

 

Harlan & Margie

2017 Oliver Elite II Hull#235, 2006 F250 Tow Vehicle

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I received the replacement/upgraded part today and it took about 30 minutes to swap out. Turned everything back on and flipped every switch previously causing issues and it works great no noise at all

  • Like 7

Rick & Jerry

2017 Elite II, 2015 F 250 Lariat 6.2 L

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks to everyone who replied on this post...Received new board from etrailer and as Rpopp stated...took about 30 minutes to install.  No more Crickets!  In addition, it does appear to have a switch on the board to allow lithium batteries, which the original board in my 2017 ollie does not appear to have.

IMG_20230604_051739429.jpg

  • Like 2

Harlan & Margie

2017 Oliver Elite II Hull#235, 2006 F250 Tow Vehicle

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

And here I was just researching upgrading the converter from an old PD4045 (lead acid only) to the newer lithium-capable PD4045CSV. Since I have tinnitus, it does not bother me to hear those "crickets", but it sounds like, no pun intended, that upgrading the controller in preparation for a Lithium upgrade will kill two birds with one stone.

Since I don't trust purchasing the parts like this on Amazon anymore.  I'll get it from Etrailer.  I've used them before with great success.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Progressive-Dynamics/PD4045CSV.html 

  • Like 4

Chris
2016 Legacy Elite II  o--o  Hull #110 o--o  Wayfinder  o--o  Twin Bed  o--o  2020 RAM 1500 Limited 5.7L 
Augusta, Georgia

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators
19 hours ago, Wayfinder said:

Since I don't trust purchasing the parts like this on Amazon anymore.  I'll get it from Etrailer.  I've used them before with great success.

Chris - 

For what its worth - back in March I paid $147 for this same converter.  I found it in Amazon's Warehouse!  Given that it came with a 30 day guarantee I figured that 30 days would give me plenty of time to install and test it to make sure that it functioned properly.

Certainly I seconded guessed my purchase when it showed up bouncing around inside a large cardboard box with no padding material inside.  However, I installed it (very simple) and everything has worked as it should.

Good luck!

Bill

  • Like 1

2023 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5EB FX4 Max Towing, Max Payload, 2016 Oliver Elite II - Hull #117 "Twist"

Near Asheville, NC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Bill.  I thought I found it on Amazon the other day, but when I just looked, I could only find the 60 amp.  Oh well.  I just got it from eTrailer for now.

I'll love to pick your brain about if you moved to Lithium on your own, and what pieces you ended up changing out.

Thanks Much. I can call you if it makes things easier/quicker, whenever is convenient.  No rush.

Chris
2016 Legacy Elite II  o--o  Hull #110 o--o  Wayfinder  o--o  Twin Bed  o--o  2020 RAM 1500 Limited 5.7L 
Augusta, Georgia

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators
Posted (edited)

I've been planning to do a new post on my install/replacement of my original lead acid batteries - but - in preparing for the Annual Owners Rally and then my annual 2 month fly fishing trip to Wyoming plus all of the "normal" house projects that hit at this time of year I've simply not had the time.

While I will not be able to do the job I would like on this topic - I'll get to it before I leave on July 5th.

Bill

how about a "teaser"?

 

P1030370.JPG

Edited by topgun2
added detail
  • Like 2
  • Love 2
  • Wow 1

2023 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5EB FX4 Max Towing, Max Payload, 2016 Oliver Elite II - Hull #117 "Twist"

Near Asheville, NC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 6/23/2024 at 10:34 AM, Wayfinder said:

... upgrading the controller in preparation for a Lithium upgrade will kill two birds with one stone...

When I read this yesterday, I was thinking I would have to do the same upgrade prior to adding LiFePO4 batteries. Then I realized there may be a bigger plan in my future. Many of us have this inverter: Amazon.com: Xantrex Prowatt SW2000 2000W True Sinewave Inverter Model# 806-1220 : Automotive

This model is inverter only, hence the separate charger (and hulls without an inverter only have the PD charger). What if I was wanting to upgrade to a 3KW inverter at some point? Many new inverters on the market are inverter/chargers and may have superior charging performance over this upgraded PD charger.

Although it may be difficult to fit an inverter/charger like one of these, under the rear dinette seat where OTT mounted the Xantrex in our hull. It would also need modification to wiring if the PD charger was to be deleted.

Amazon.com: Victron Energy MultiPlus-II Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger for 120 amp Battery, 120V, 3000VA 12-Volt : Automotive

Amazon.com: Victron Energy MultiPlus Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger for 120 amp Battery, 3000VA 12-Volt : Automotive

  • Like 2

Chris & John in Prescott, AZ | 2016 EII #113 | '01 Ram 2500 Cummins!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

Several people have done that. 

A link to a search for "multiplus."

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/search/?&q=Multiplus&search_and_or=or

 

  • Thanks 1
  • Like 1

2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4

2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12

Florida and Western North Carolina, or wherever the truck goes....

400 watts solar. DC compressor fridge. No inverter. 2 x 105 ah agm batteries .  Life is good.


        
 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, topgun2 said:

...how about a "teaser"?

Bill,  you big tease!

 

 

Chris
2016 Legacy Elite II  o--o  Hull #110 o--o  Wayfinder  o--o  Twin Bed  o--o  2020 RAM 1500 Limited 5.7L 
Augusta, Georgia

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...