Strange house battery issue
My rig is a 1993 fleetwood 30ft chevy class a. So i think i need a little education before i can properly explain whats happening, but I’ll try. When plugged in, all my 12v powered items are strug...
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the power converter/charger does two things simultaneously while plugged into shore power or when the genny is running:
- it charges the house battery (or batteries). it usually does not charge the chassis (starting battery)
- it converts 120vac to 12vdc and powers your 12vdc appliances. lights, rv fridge, etc.
it sounds like one of two things are wrong.
- there should be two circuit breakers on the converter. one or both may have tripped. if so your batteries will not be charged. that could explain what you’re experiencing.
- the converter is kaput and should be replaced.
- disconnect from shore power and don’t run the genny. are your lights still dim? if yes then using a battery hydrometer check the state of charge in each cell of each battery. i’ll bet the charge is low. if so disconnect the cables from each battery and using a standard automotive battery charger charge them overnight. reconnect the batteries and while still disconnected from shore power and the genny off see if your lights and other 12v stuff is normal.
- if you’re handy and can use a multimeter check the voltage coming IN to the converter (should be ~120vav). then check the output voltage (should be 12vdc)
betcha your converter is dead.
good luck.
- it charges the house battery (or batteries). it usually does not charge the chassis (starting battery)
- it converts 120vac to 12vdc and powers your 12vdc appliances. lights, rv fridge, etc.
it sounds like one of two things are wrong.
- there should be two circuit breakers on the converter. one or both may have tripped. if so your batteries will not be charged. that could explain what you’re experiencing.
- the converter is kaput and should be replaced.
- disconnect from shore power and don’t run the genny. are your lights still dim? if yes then using a battery hydrometer check the state of charge in each cell of each battery. i’ll bet the charge is low. if so disconnect the cables from each battery and using a standard automotive battery charger charge them overnight. reconnect the batteries and while still disconnected from shore power and the genny off see if your lights and other 12v stuff is normal.
- if you’re handy and can use a multimeter check the voltage coming IN to the converter (should be ~120vav). then check the output voltage (should be 12vdc)
betcha your converter is dead.
good luck.
