Buck Converter Mod - Reducing the RV 12 VDC to 4.5 VDC

In this video, I install a device called a "buck converter" in my RV to power my Lacrosse Weather Station display. By doing this, I will no longer need to replace the 3 AAA batteries.

I explain what the buck converter does and give you a demo of it in action. I also show how I modded my weather station display to accept the converter and how I installed it in the RV.

I used the same 12 VDC power source that my See Level tank monitor runs off. I was able to hide the wiring behind the wall for a clean looking installation.

**Disclaimer: Working with electricity can be dangerous. I’m not a certified RV technician merely an RV owner. This post and video should not be taken as instructional. If you decide to do a similar type mod as depicted in the video, do the research and be aware of all risks involved. I accept no liability, you have been warned. – Ray

Just an update. I did some testing. I found what I think is the main filter capacitor 470uf 16 volts. I plugged in the OEM 5VAC wall adapter and measured 7 VDC on the cap. This would be expected after a bridge rectification.
Then I fed 5 VDC into the input jack and measured 4.5 VDC on the cap. Also expected as there would be a voltage drop across diodes.
It's quite the difference. I guess there is enough regulation to compensate. But folks supplying 5 VDC to the jack with things like USB adapters are definitely supplying much lower voltage than the OEM design.
I changed my buck converter to 7.0 VDC and wired it right to the cap. Now I have the full features just like it was plugged into the wall and the correct DC supply voltage.

Parts and test gear mentioned in the video (Note: These are Amazon Affiliate Links)

Visit the Love Your RV! Amazon Page to shop a selection of my favorite RVing products, parts, and accessories

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[MrJimgalpin]

if you connect it to the adapter input your display will stay on. if you go to the battery your display will only stay on for a short time then go out. its a battery saving feature. also any heat out of that converter will mess with your indoor temp reading.

[RVHabit]

I have a LaCrosse that has a 5v port. I purchased a 12v plug that comes with an adjustable feature. Set the plug to 5v and connect to a 12v source. Works great. I never saw a buck converter though so great info, Lou

[johnebakeriii]

Even in Sleep Mode, Supervisory Beagle is on the job!! Great video, Ray! Very informative and, I would think, no RV tech would take issue with it. ;)

[raym]

I have used that same power supply, and they work good

[darwinhall]

Another good video. The only comment I would like to add is to make sure you use 'Electronic' grade RTV. The standard grade RTV releases acetic acid as it cures (the vinegar smell) which can corrode electrical devices.

[seanwalsh]

Ok Ray, you are now the " BoonDocktor " I think it's your bedside manner.

[bbolin]

Hey Sparky, DROK makes a bunch of stuff like this. Recently picked up DROK Numerical Control Regulator. Was using it to charge lithium batteries when I was tinkering around with e-bike stuff. Better than having a seperate charger for 36/48/52v batteries. Would think using DC voltage for most all RV gadgets is better than using inverter.

[johnalex]

Love your videos, Ray. It gives me ideas I didn't even know I could use. Very informative!

[greggallen]

Love Angie! She sure had a great life with you.

[kurtmcmichael]

Little bummed. Can’t get that battery box from amazon anymore. I really wanted it Great video !

[projet]

Thank you !! Picking un on lots of different tricks here, , , would have loved to witness the Milwaulky multitool cut, always nice to see the handyman at work :-0)) You are the Boondoctor !! lol :-0)) Angie coughing ? 😉

[knutblaise]

Hey Ray. I saw a YouTube video (G2I7_Ik7_WI) where a 16-17" (seek to 2:35) radiator fan was converted into a box fan, kind of like the Fan-Tastic Endless Breeze. If you look at my comments, he states this fan can push about 2000 CFM which is about double the Endless Breeze but I'm not for sure of the power being consumed. At 3:30 he has it running and consuming 45W and a few seconds later consuming 30W (he might be switching out solar panels for this - not for sure).

The reason I posted on this video is because he is using this DROK speed controller (Amazon part - B00DVGGWC0). Checking the Amazon product images, I see it has 3 heat sinks which I'm guessing is converting excess power into heat so the fan will run slower but the same net power is consumed as resistance heat and fan speed. Do you know if this sort of controller and the one used for your project burn off excess power as heat? I did not see heat sinks used in the controller you used.

One potential use for this sort of fan is to help with keeping mosquitoes away from the area in front of your RV door when boon docking. Here is a video (zzSFCABlsi8) on using a 120V rotating fan for this purpose.

[ronwasser]

Learned something new.... Hmmmm. a Buck converter. I could use several. Thanks Ray

[CruisingTheCut]

That is really useful and couldn't have been better timed; I'm doing a small campervan conversion and wonder, could this device be used simply to regulate the van leisure battery's output to 12V such that even when it's on charge (AGM, up to 14.7V), the devices in the van still just get a constant 12V? I'm particularly thinking of some cheap LED lights that might not accept a wide range.

[MrEroshan]

i did a similar thing with mine. I wired a usb cord to it and plugged it into a care usb device i had.

[craigwflys]

Another great video. I'm thinking you should almost change your channel name to "Mod Your RV".

[jdux]

Look out Water Pik --- You could be next!

[kevinthomas]

Do you watch Long Long Honeymoon? They have an RV channel and sometimes travel to the west coast.

[saharts]

You can never sell that Cougar, you have too much invested in gadgets. LOL. Nice video.

[OldMeanGeezer]

Ray, if you were a Medical Doctor, I can bet there would be people walking around with extra arms - LOL Thank You for the video, it gives me some ideas!