12V problems

[uccrev]

I purchased a used Class A -- All works well, but am having problems with using 12V. Human error? or mechanical/electrical?? We did not have electric hookups, so was able to use the generator (worked great). When we shut the generator off... the LP gas for the refrigerator kicked on and ran well... until I turned on a light (on the 12V system). As soon as I turned the light on (or water pump) the refrigerator lights started blinking, the LP stopped and there was no power to the refrigerator. Also, when I tried turning 12V light/pump on, the alarm would beep on the CO2 monitor... Am I suppose to do something to run on 12V or should it automatically work?? Any suggestions on fixes, etc.? Thanks.

[Ivylog]

3 PM and 4th... If you stay on here Dennis it should get interesting.

OP, the refer needs at least 11.8V to work. Also the CO2 detector makes a good audio low voltage detector.

[Executive45]

vic46 wrote:

wa8yxm wrote:
I will second the suspect list:

Batteries low on charge: (Takes at least six hours of generaztor time to FULLY charge, possibly more)

Or bazd/dirty connections (This is suspect #1) Need not be at the battery but odds fazvor the bzattery negaztive leazd, then positive, then the chassis end of the negative lead then all the rest of the connections.

Digital Volt meter the batteries to find out how well chazrgbed they are.

Was there a memo about "Z" replacing "A"?
Couldn't help myself.:B

It made perfect sense to me...of course, I'm on my fourth glass of wine....:B:B.....Dennis

[vic46]

wa8yxm wrote:
I will second the suspect list:

Batteries low on charge: (Takes at least six hours of generaztor time to FULLY charge, possibly more)

Or bazd/dirty connections (This is suspect #1) Need not be at the battery but odds fazvor the bzattery negaztive leazd, then positive, then the chassis end of the negative lead then all the rest of the connections.

Digital Volt meter the batteries to find out how well chazrgbed they are.

Was there a memo about "Z" replacing "A"?
Couldn't help myself.:B

[Artum_Snowbird]

You have no way of knowing whether it is the positive side or the negative side that isn't working (assuming the batteries are).

The way to figure this out is to connect two short stubs from the "+" and the "-" side of your 12 volt panelboard.

First, take one lead of your jumpers from the negative battery post, and connect to the negative lead. Did that make things work?

If not, disconnect the negative jumper, and connect from positive battery post to the positive lead. Did that make things work?

If your batteries are good, and doing this test makes it better, one way or the other, you have eliminated have of the wiring to check.

[azrving]

Buy a digital voltmeter.

[Roadpilot]

Since things worked with the generator on I'd say you converter works. I think you didn't leave the genset on long enough to charge your new batteries. If you can, plug it into AC or connect a battery charger to the house batts. If you can't you'll have to run the genset for quite some time.

[wa8yxm]

I will second the suspect list:

Batteries low on charge: (Takes at least six hours of generaztor time to FULLY charge, possibly more)

Or bazd/dirty connections (This is suspect #1) Need not be at the battery but odds fazvor the bzattery negaztive leazd, then positive, then the chassis end of the negative lead then all the rest of the connections.

Digital Volt meter the batteries to find out how well chazrgbed they are.

[uccrev]

Thank you!

[handye9]

rcmiller32 wrote:
Sounds like low 12 VDC power or possibly bad batteries. Not enough amperage from them. Have the batteries tested, then check connections.

DITTO !!!


Corrosion or loose connection on the battery terminals. Possible a dead cell in the battery. Remove the battery and take it for a load test. Most auto parts stores will do it free of charge.

If battery is good, with good connections, then you may need to look at the converter. Most likely, it's the battery.

I'm a slow typer, didn't see the new battery post.

[uccrev]

It has new batteries...

[jplante4]

Bad ground. Clean and re-tighten all battery connections and find where the negative attaches to the chassis, unbolt that and wire brush the hell out of it.

Also, some coaches switch the negative side on what's called the salesman switch. Check the connections on that and squirt some contact cleaner in the switch.

[rcmiller32]

Sounds like low 12 VDC power or possibly bad batteries. Not enough amperage from them. Have the batteries tested, then check connections.