Forum Discussion

littlesonny's avatar
littlesonny
Explorer
Nov 22, 2017

Xanrex Inverter/Charger Over Charging

We had a solar panel and inverter installed when we bought our Jayco Whitehawk TT as well as converting the 12 volt to two six volt batteries. Expensive ones. The first time we used the inverter while dry camping it blew out the batteries, TV, and fried the inverter itself.

Back to the dealer who replaced everything at no cost including a newer upgraded inverter. They admitted they had screwed up the installation somehow.

Next time we took the trailer and hooked it up to shore power the inverter control panel showed an error message E10, overcharged batteries. Back to the dealer, who also did some other work. They said it was working fine there. Service manager said something about turning it off when not in use. Thing is, according to the manual you don't have to shut it off. Everything works automatically. But okay at the dealer the panel was reading normal.

As soon as I got it back and hooked up a shore line, after a short time once again the same E10 overcharging message.

Before I take it back to the dealer yet again I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar situation. I also wondered if somehow the solar panel and the shore line both feeding current to the batteries might be the problem. At the dealer it was in a covered shed. Only thing I could think of not having a clue how these things work.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. BTW, Xantrex support says the fault is not with the inverter.

109 Replies

Show More
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Nov 23, 2017
    • Large dealerships usually rely on one or two individuals for electrical diagnosis and repair - revealed by asking at dealerships
    • Pay.Simple. Tell the tech that shops pay non flat rate of $25/hr.
    • Does not have to be accurate - the tech will reveal his pay grade at the dealership. Call it blabbing/whining/envy
    • Look in hometown yellow pages under ELECTRIC REPAIR AUTOMOTIVE.Start calling around
    • If they reply YES to RV electrical ask the following question
    • Can you zero my (use Xantrex as bait) house battery bank amp hour meter
    • The slightest hesitation means NO keep looking
    • Automotive electrical rebuilders are a potential. For this you need to visit and see if they are a garbage can grade parts replacer, selling someone else's remanufactured product
    • Many competent businesses cannot house recreational vehicles
    • Any self-declared electrical specialist anywhere: Ask how they measure amperage in a circuit
    • Finding a good tech is not easy these days but knowing how to weed out the worst is a great help
    • I have met decent plumbing mechanics, decent bodymen and carpenters in RV ---
      DEALER--- (they sell new RV's) but have never encountered a really talented electrical tech
    • They do not stick around for the same reason you wouldn't --- on a bet.
  • littlesonny's avatar
    littlesonny
    Explorer
    Nov 23, 2017
    Freedom HFS Inverter/Charger.

    Two 6 volt AGM batteries.

    We've only dry camped once. That's when the system blew. We're going out tomorrow for the weekend. I understood the solar panel is supposed to charge the battery.

    As far as contollers with the solar or the factory trailer controller, I have no idea where they are or whether the trailer controller was disconnected. Seems like the dealer crew would have checked those.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Nov 23, 2017
    MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    I have unfortunately had to deal with several "Dealer Electrical Technicians". These individuals are paid a small fraction of what genuine automotive electrical troubleshooters are paid. Two of the three were arrogant. None of them could count past ten without unzipping their pants.

    NOTE HERE PEOPLE!

    I said DEALER techs. Lower your dander.


    Please explain the term (Dealer Electrical Technician). I have NEVER heard that term or met anybody(38 years as an RV tech) that described their expertise that way. OR any Dealership that had such a specialist. Where would you find "Genuine Automotive Electrical troubleshooters"? AND, HOW would an Automotive "troubleshooter" be knowledgeable in Solar/RV/ Inverter-Charger/Converter systems?????? In the past BEFORE RV Certifications for Technicians, I was Certified in all mechanical and electrical aspects by the NIASE and had passed all the tests, except for Transmission and Auto Body. NEVER was the Electrical portion had anything to do with Solar/RV/Inverter/Converter systems. Doug

    PS, HOW WOULD YOU KNOW WHAT THEY MADE OR WERE PAID?????. You are a pretty smart person from your posts here, but your Arrogance shows itself sometimes
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Nov 23, 2017
    I have unfortunately had to deal with several "Dealer Electrical Technicians". These individuals are paid a small fraction of what genuine automotive electrical troubleshooters are paid. Two of the three were arrogant. None of them could count past ten without unzipping their pants.

    NOTE HERE PEOPLE!

    I said DEALER techs. Lower your dander.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer II
    Nov 23, 2017
    If your installers are that bad they likely didn't program the inverter/charger correctly. Most units (don't know which one you have) can be programmed based on the battery manufacturer's specifications for their batteries.
    You should never HAVE to turn it off or unplug it if it's installed correctly. All operation should be seamless and automatic, again, it's it's installed correctly.
    You might try finding a company who is familiar with off grid solar systems like those installed in cabins and homes. These are very similar to an inverter system installed in an RV. Be careful here thought, many solar installers only do grid-tied systems and know absolutely nothing about battery based systems.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 22, 2017
    What is the battery voltage when you get E10?
    Can you adjust the voltage on the solar controller?
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Nov 22, 2017
    1. Need Model of Xantrex unit
    2. Need model to see if it is an INVERTER or an INVERTER/CHARGER
    3. Your Jayco comes with a CONVERTER. You disconnect the Converter if you install an Inverter/Charger
    4. The Solar Panel set up SHOULD have a Controller between the Solar panels and the Battery bank
    5. Are you positive you have 2- 6 volt batteries and not 2-12 volt batteries?
    6. When Dry camping, HOW do you recharge the batteries? Portable Genset? Doug
  • newman_fulltime's avatar
    newman_fulltime
    Explorer II
    Nov 22, 2017
    seen this when a item is on and you plug in it throws the code need to change the perimiters or shut it off plug in then turn it back on.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Nov 22, 2017
    I rarely plug in but never shut off my solar when I do. Sounds to me that your entire electrical system needs a complete test and this dealer isn’t qualified.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,294 PostsLatest Activity: Aug 01, 2025