Forum Discussion

paulm235's avatar
paulm235
Explorer
Jul 12, 2016

Lights very dim on shore power

Hi all, we are out with our keystone cougar 327res and are having an electrical problem. While on shore power the battery keeps draining and the lights in the coach are getting very dim. I checked the 2 fuses in the power converter and they look ok. The converter is a WFCO 55 amp converter if that worth the info. Not sure what to try next.
All the appliances are working as I would expect it's just the lights that seem to be the issue.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as we are currently using the rig.

Also keep in mind I'm not an electrician so please keep the solutions fairly simple :?

Thanks

9 Replies

  • Coach-man's avatar
    Coach-man
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2016
    Your lights work on 12 volts, from your battery! The battery is run down, you are not charging it. The converter everyone is talking about charges your batteries. It either has no power going to it, tripped breaker, or a fuse at the converter, or it has gone bad, which will require replacement !
  • lawnspecialties's avatar
    lawnspecialties
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2016
    1. Clean the terminals on your battery. I have seen the exact thing you're referring to on a friend's camper and all it was the battery connections needed cleaning.

    2. Hook a battery charger to your camper's battery. If the lights get bright, then yes, the converter is probably going bad.
  • Puttin's avatar
    Puttin
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2016
    OP, You should also be using some sort of surge protector as well. If not, this might have been a reason the converter failed. I agree the converter needs to go- it's a simple job but if you have the 55amp model it will run about $200.00 or so. Don't know about Best's pricing or Amazon, etc. If you're out camping you just may have to go to a store...call first with the model# and make sure they have it. Hope you're back on the mend soon!
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2016
    Check for a tripped GFI in the bathroom, or possibly in the basement storage. Try plugging in the battery charger to a extension cord plugged directly into the campground plug in. Or if at a friend's house, another receptacle than the RV is plugged into.

    Good luck,

    Fred.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jul 12, 2016
    Probably need a new converter. Skip the WFCO and get a PD or IOTA.
    Do the lights go out if you remove a battery cable?

    For now run down and get a 10+ amp automatic battery charger. Put it direct on the battery. No need to disconnect anything. Pick up an extension cord if needed.

    Appliances run fine down to at least 10.5 volts where the lights are real dim.
  • garyemunson's avatar
    garyemunson
    Explorer II
    Jul 12, 2016
    You'll need a meter to see if the converter is getting 120 volts AC in and, if so, if it's putting out 13-14 volts DC to the batteries. If the first is yes and the second no, time for new converter. The appliances work on the 120.

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