Forum Discussion

jurob's avatar
jurob
Explorer
Jul 09, 2015

12 volt issue shutting of my overhead AC's

1997 Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser.

When AC's are running, If I turn on a 12 volt light it shuts the it shuts them off. I'm pretty sure it's both and maybe it might be one ac on 1 occasion (just purchased).

AC's are on a time delay so they don't start up at the same time and after they are tripped they come on at 3 minutes and all is fine unless I turn on another light and it repeats the cycle. No issue if I turn on a 110 light or microwave, etc...

Happens on shore power and gen power.

Almost makes the noise as if you raise the thermostat and you can hear the click when it shuts off.

All ideas would be appreciated! Or is this normal? Old gentleman I bought it from kept mentioning that the AC's are on time delay and its 3 minutes like clockwork.

13 Replies

  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Unlike home HVAC systems that have a transformer for the 24V control/thermostat system, a RV uses the house 12V... no transformer. You have a problem with your house 12V system... converter not working, weak battery, poor connections...... although it's hard to believe one bulb is enough to drop the voltage to where the Tstat cannot work, but that's what's happening.
    Is it just one particular 12V light near the Tstat or any 12V light? If you have a battery charger I'd put it on the house battery and see if this solves the problem. IF so your converter is not working and your battery has a surface charge only.
  • What type of 12 volt lights? Fluorescents can interfere with some types of thermostats that communicate via RF signals.