Low electricity problem

I had this problem (slide wouldn't come out - even on shore power) with my previous trailer right before I sold it. It was the battery.

If the battery has a shorted cell you will not get full voltage even when the converter is running.

The AC has nothing to do with the 12volt system since it runs directly off the 120volt shore connection. (same for microwave)

Lights (most of them), jacks, slideouts, and control boards for fridge and heat run on 12 volts. Shore power through converter to battery to device. Bad battery or bad converter interrupt the flow.

With the battery disconnected, the converter should be putting out 13 to 13.6 volts measured at the battery terminals. The disconnected battery should show AT LEAST 12.4 volts across the terminals under no load.

From what you have said, I'm starting to suspect the converter.

Yes, a battery could be the problem.
It could also be a bad connection around the battery.

If the 12v DC is not powering the systems it's a good indicator of a poor battery situation. A fully charged battery will easily power those things. It is simple to check voltage coming from the convertor when on shore power. It may also be a simple ground issue. Fully charge and test the battery first. If that's not the problem look at the ground. The dim lights are a dead giveaway that the battery is not producing/supplying enough power.

a good battery likely will be required even if plugged into shore power for jacks and slide outs

He's actually using my battery and has checked the electolyte? level and says that it is good.
The jacks and slideouts should work no problem on AC, so I can't see the battery being the problem.

2oldman wrote:
High on the suspect list is the battery.

I agree, if the battery is low, it likely won't operate heavy electric loads, even if plugged into shore power.

Jerry

High on the suspect list is the battery. IF it's a few years old and has been neglected, not good. Take a voltage reading sans shore power.