When we arrived at our campsite everything was working normal except I noticed the interior lights seemed dimmer than usual. 24 hours later, the lights starting going more dim and the A/C units stopped working along with the refrigerator, the only things that work are a few outlets and both TV's. Has anyone had this happen? A fuse maybe? We have a 2006 Hurricane. Thanks.

It sounds like you are experiencing a low voltage situation on your input power. This can damage things like your AC units. Reset the circuit breaker on the shore power pedestal and if that does not help, put a voltmeter on the incoming power and see if it is at least 110 volts. It should be closer to 120 volts. You may also try starting your generator and see if things get back to normal since your generator should be putting out the correct voltage.

Might have low batteries. Check with a meter. Make sure converter is ON. Get some electrical help if need be.

Our generator died just as we were arriving the camp ground. Thanks for the tips we'll check it out.

The Lights work off 12 volt (Battery/Converter) the A/C may use 12 volts for control.. Also the Fridge and water heater and furnace.Your problem is a lack of 12 voltsTribble shooting guideIs The RV 30 or 50 amp. If 50 amp and thigns like the TV and microwave still work make sure the plug is well set and the park breakers are both set (turn off hard and on)If 50 amp on a 30 amp site you may have a bad adapterIf 30 amp skip the above If Microwave and TV working read onCheck your breakers.. The one marked CONV turn off and onFinally check your converter (may be part of power distribution panel) post make and model and use a voltmeter on the output.. I'm guessing there is none or very lowIf that is the case get a 30 amp SMART CHARGER and hook it to the house batteries till you can fix.UNLESSFUSES.. There are fuses as part of the converter, usually 2 or 3, These must be replaced all at the same time by the way (Small converters may have just one)UNPLUG and wait a few mintues before repalcing if they test badHOW TO TESTusing the voltmeter probe the small square openings at each end of the top of a blade fuse.. Should be same voltage.. Or the clips on a cartridge fuse (same should be) Differnet voltages = blown fuse Cartridge fuses = UPGRADE YOUR CONVERTER.If the converter is part of the power panel the fuses are usually the two on the right and usually 30 amp.

Like Wa8 said ALL of your problems are because you house batteries are below 10V... not getting charged. I'd try starting your engine in the hopes the alternator will charge your house batteries... some are wired so it can, some can not. If you have a boost switch on the dash you can hold it down while the engine is running... after 2-5 minutes things should start to work again.Sounds like your generator uses the house batteries which are not getting charged by your alternator or your converter... that noisy thing usually under the bed with all the little 12V fuses. If it's not humming, it's not working. If it's humming then wiggle the cables at the house batteries to clean them, even if you have to loosen the nuts and then re-tighten. If not humming, in your 120V panel there should be a circuit breaker for it. Try turning it on/off several times in the hopes it's just tripped/not making contact. If all else fails buy a 10 amp battery charger ($35) and hook to your house batteries to charge them.

Power in Only Part of RV | Good Sam Community

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Jul 17, 2016
OP,

Decent voltmeters are widely available for under $20. Good tool to know how to use and get to the source of electrical issues.

Your description sounds like the batteries are not being charged by either the alternator or the gen/shore power. Could be simply a tripped CB or something more sinister.

The sooner you get the batteries charged the happier they will be. Don't wait buy a charger as lvylog suggested.
booty51
Explorer
Jul 17, 2016
Harbor freight has cheap volt ohm meters for about 6 dollars Works great . If you drop it and it breaks your not out much. Buy two one for rv and one at home. Ants love to get in circuits . Happens all the time. Are camp sites close can you reach another pedestal Borrow extension cord from fellow camper for a few minutes , to get slides in and move to another site.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jul 18, 2016
YOu do not need a volt meter.. In fact I prefer to use a test light.
Like This one

You can get them at most Auto Depts including Wal Mart and Camping world, also most auto-parts stores like Discount Auto Zone (That's two stores depending on which word you cut off). or NAPA.

No need to READ the meter.. Bright = Good, Dim poor, Dark bad That simple.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2016
I love it when you try to help someone out and they have the courtesy of replying back the solution to their problem.
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2016
Let's review: Gen died, no shore power, slides won't come in, batteries discharged, batteries questionable, engine won't start due to slides out and no voltmeter. :@

Time to call for help. :B
FLfamily
Explorer
Jul 22, 2016
Update: loose connection at the converter. We had someone come out to our campsite and when he took the panel off the power came back on. We made it through the rest of our vacation with A/C and full power (lights would dim occasionally) but we're going to replace the converter before our next trip. We appreciate everyone's quick response and help!
Ivylog
Explorer III
Jul 23, 2016
Thanks for the update. Are you sure you need a new converter if a loose connection was the problem? If it is not a three stage converter (onLy put out 14V) then a better converter will pay for itself in not boiling the water out of your batteries.

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