Hello, I have a 2007 Itasca Navion. I noticed my RV would only run on shore power. long story short, i ended up replacing my batteries and converter. I can see that converter is generating 13 plus volts (as expected) but when I test the positive across both batteries doesn't indicate that the 13 volts are getting to the batteries to charge them. Which btw I realized I have a solar panel connected which I believe is what is charging the batteries....the batteries have juice (not sure if it's just because they are new and/or if the solar is charging) but even then if I unplug from shore no juice (no lights, no pump, etc). I think I have two issues 1) converter power is not getting to batteries to charge them (I think it may never have and it's always been the solar system that I didn't know was connected) and 2) Even thought the batteries have power, they are not powering anything. Any ideas? (we also checked fuses and breakers and reset the GFI outlet in my bathroom)

two immediate thoughts..- the battery disconnect switch (aka the "salesman switch") is off- the circuit breaker(s) ON the converter have popped

unless you have an inverter (properly wired) the batteries won't run ANY 120V appliances, like the GFI outlets. All the batteries power are the 12V lights (likely all the lights), fridge on gas, furnace, WH on gas, etc. No microwave, No AC, maybe no TV etc. Do the battery(s) have a disconnect that is turned off? Many trailers have a 12V disconnect switch to keep the batteries from discharging from loads like the propane/smoke detectors, radio on standby etc.

Battery disconnect would be first item to check. Cycle it to off (store) then back to on.Next is a fuse or circuit breaker adjacent to the battery(ies)Next would be the battery fuse in the 12 volts DC power distribution panel.Do you have a volt meter?

confirmed the salesman switch is on and also confirmed all breakers and fuses are on/working at the power center (where converter is under the fridge) - any other breakers/fuses located elsewhere in the rig to check? (yes, we have a voltage meter) And I know a/c, microwave, etc won't run. But right now I got nothing (no lights even) unless I"m plugged into shore.

- check for CB on the converter. - flip the battery disconnect the other way. a buddy had a MH when the disconnect was ON meant the power was off.

Battery charged but RV won't run on house batteries

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Jul 10, 2019
Turn off or disconnect the solar as it's confusing the issue. Unplug shore power and it the battery voltage is above 12.7V add a load (or wait overnight) until the surface charge is depleted and you have 12.7V.

Now plug in shore power and you should see 13V+ at the converter and 12.7 at the battery. Track down where the open circuit is located.

Tip: Measure voltage from a frame ground ONLY and not a ground wire. You might have a ground problem and using a ground wire can mask the problem. I carry a 40' wire with clips for this purpose. Any size wire will do as voltmeters draws are extremely small.

Also consider adding a battery monitor. There are several inexpensive ones available and have been posted on other threads. A AC/DC clamp on amp meter is another good option. From your description you'll see 0A into the battery.
opnspaces
Navigator II
Jul 10, 2019
I missed the part that there was solar involved. Yes definitely turn off or disconnect the solar first.
D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Jul 10, 2019
I have a couple of questions for you, first is the solar system you refer to the 10 watt that Winnebago was installing on a lot of coaches. second is do you have the electrical schematics for your rig?

If the answer to the first is yes, I don't think that the solar system is at fault. Don't worry about it.

If the answer to the second is yes, you should look at the battery switches how they are operating, I would bet the converter is supplying powere to one of the switches and that switch is bad. By switch, I mean solenoid, not toggle or other manually operated switch. I would start there looking for trouble. If the answer is no, download it from Winnebagoind.com. You'll find it under the resources tab.

The circuits are right there and should be easy to trouble shoot.

I have a third question, does your rig charge both batteries and the 12 volt system work when the engine is running and you are disconnected from shore power?
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Jul 10, 2019
Why would a mfg install a solenoid between the charger and house battery?

A solenoid between 2 battery banks is however useful.
enblethen
Nomad
Jul 10, 2019
I beleive D.E. Bishop is talking about a battery disconnect
D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Jul 10, 2019
enblethen wrote:
I beleive D.E. Bishop is talking about a battery disconnect

You are quite right.

I'm sorry but I did say Battery Switches. The switch on the wall is just an activate switch and the two solenoids in most Winnies are often on here called switches. Of the two in the battery compartment, one is a single action continuous duty solenoid and the other is usually called a latching relay(or switch, or Solenoid. Folks use different names but most often Winnie uses an intelletec latching solenoid.
enblethen
Nomad
Jul 10, 2019
Terminology sure effects how some reads posts including myself!
AllegroD
Nomad
Jul 10, 2019
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