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Lights very dim on shore power

paulm235
Explorer
Explorer
Hi all, we are out with our keystone cougar 327res and are having an electrical problem. While on shore power the battery keeps draining and the lights in the coach are getting very dim. I checked the 2 fuses in the power converter and they look ok. The converter is a WFCO 55 amp converter if that worth the info. Not sure what to try next.
All the appliances are working as I would expect it's just the lights that seem to be the issue.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as we are currently using the rig.

Also keep in mind I'm not an electrician so please keep the solutions fairly simple :?

Thanks
2 dogs
06 Chevy Silverado LT3 2500HD CC SB D/A
MBRP Turbo Back, Airaid Intake, Predator Tuner
50gal Transfer Flow in bed aux fuel tank
Firestone Ride Rite Air bags
PullRite SuperGlide 14K hitch
2012 Keystone Cougar 327RES
9 REPLIES 9

Coach-man
Explorer
Explorer
Your lights work on 12 volts, from your battery! The battery is run down, you are not charging it. The converter everyone is talking about charges your batteries. It either has no power going to it, tripped breaker, or a fuse at the converter, or it has gone bad, which will require replacement !

lawnspecialties
Explorer
Explorer
1. Clean the terminals on your battery. I have seen the exact thing you're referring to on a friend's camper and all it was the battery connections needed cleaning.

2. Hook a battery charger to your camper's battery. If the lights get bright, then yes, the converter is probably going bad.

Puttin
Explorer
Explorer
OP, You should also be using some sort of surge protector as well. If not, this might have been a reason the converter failed. I agree the converter needs to go- it's a simple job but if you have the 55amp model it will run about $200.00 or so. Don't know about Best's pricing or Amazon, etc. If you're out camping you just may have to go to a store...call first with the model# and make sure they have it. Hope you're back on the mend soon!

tvman44
Explorer
Explorer
Sounds like the converter died. ๐Ÿ™‚
Papa Bob
1* 2008 Brookside by Sunnybrook 32'
1* 2002 F250 Super Duty 7.3L PSD
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dave17352
Explorer
Explorer
Old-Biscuit wrote:
While on shore power the battery keeps draining and the lights in the coach are getting very dim


Your WFCO converter has failed.........replace it

Best Converter....ask Randy for options


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Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
While on shore power the battery keeps draining and the lights in the coach are getting very dim


Your WFCO converter has failed.........replace it

Best Converter....ask Randy for options
Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31

Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Explorer
Check for a tripped GFI in the bathroom, or possibly in the basement storage. Try plugging in the battery charger to a extension cord plugged directly into the campground plug in. Or if at a friend's house, another receptacle than the RV is plugged into.

Good luck,

Fred.
Money can't buy happiness but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a

Porsche or Country Coach!



If there's a WILL, I want to be in it!



I havn't been everywhere, but it's on my list.

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time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
Probably need a new converter. Skip the WFCO and get a PD or IOTA.
Do the lights go out if you remove a battery cable?

For now run down and get a 10+ amp automatic battery charger. Put it direct on the battery. No need to disconnect anything. Pick up an extension cord if needed.

Appliances run fine down to at least 10.5 volts where the lights are real dim.

garyemunson
Explorer
Explorer
You'll need a meter to see if the converter is getting 120 volts AC in and, if so, if it's putting out 13-14 volts DC to the batteries. If the first is yes and the second no, time for new converter. The appliances work on the 120.