Lights get bright and then dim

[bilmarde]

I have a new to me 08 Bounder in which the lights change brightness. I've turned off all electric appliances but it continues. Sometimes with greater frequency than others. I have absolutely no mechanical ability so I don't know what to do. Help! Thanks.

[wildmanbaker]

Southwind98 wrote:
Agree with those posting it most likely the converter. Experience the same symptoms several years ago with lights dimming on our 08 Bounder. Had to replace the converter, which was a straight forward job. My converter was located behind a rear bedroom drawer.

Posted this on a previous post a couple of years ago:
If you do need to replace the converter I highly recommend best converter http://www.bestconverter.com/
They were recommended from many others on this forum. I was very happy with my dealing and purchase from them. I purchased the Power Max Boondocker 75 amp

I have found that this is the best performing and lasting converter out there. It also seems to use less AC power, which is important when using a smaller generator. We went from a 40 amp, to a 70 amp for boondocking, but found it really pulled a lot of power when first placed on line while boondocking. When it died, we went to the boondocker 60 amp and it does not trip the 2,000 watt inverter generator when first plugged in.

[-Gramps-]

You said a battery was replaced. Was that a house battery or the chassis battery? Because replacing only one house battery at a time is not the best thing...if one needs to be changed both need to be changed at the same time. If the chassis battery was replaced, that means you could still have a bad house battery causing the problem.

I had the same issue with my 04 Bounder (when I let them go dry-hard to check when located under the stairs) and also with the coach I have now...until I replaced the house batteries. I had a dead cell in one. Mine performed well for six-seven years and then started to fade on me.

[rseymour21]

I had a battery casue me the same issue. But I hope we will hear about the fix soon!

[CG_Dawson]

I agree with those folks who think it's most likely that your converter is failing. I say this because the same thing happened to me. My problem was actually caused due to the converter cooling fan failing which allowed the converter to overheat and reduce it's output.

[Southwind98]

Agree with those posting it most likely the converter. Experience the same symptoms several years ago with lights dimming on our 08 Bounder. Had to replace the converter, which was a straight forward job. My converter was located behind a rear bedroom drawer.

Posted this on a previous post a couple of years ago:
If you do need to replace the converter I highly recommend best converter http://www.bestconverter.com/
They were recommended from many others on this forum. I was very happy with my dealing and purchase from them. I purchased the Power Max Boondocker 75 amp

[SCVJeff]

I'm in a CG right now with a mini-Bounder rally going on. I'll,walk over and ask the question, but I still submit that what yo are seeing IF it's times repetitive, is an auto-resetting circuit breaker opening and closing. It's been awhile but I think the rate was less than 30 sec on and off.

(Later): They are all out gambling.. I'll check back later

(More Later): went back over there again and none of them were around. Probably still in the Casino

[Old-Biscuit]

John&Joey wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Converters don't cycle on/off....are always on when AC power is supplied to them

DC Output voltage will change from 13.2V (float mode) to 13.6V (absorption mode) to 14.4V (bulk mode)

Converter is supplying the DC System (Lights, circuit boards, water pump, furnace etc) when AC Power is supplied to them PLUS maintaining battery voltage.

Well that sounds like some old school book smarts, but 'splain me this Lucy. When I bought my rig the PO just installed a new battery and a new "smart" converter (per his words.) When my lights go dim the OEM battery meter shows 3/4 charge. When the lights jump up to bright, the OEM battery meter reads full charge. :h

Do you think it might just have something to do with preserving the lifespan of a deep cycle battery, like there might be some science to that also and there could be a bigger picture to this simple problem. :E

Sounds more like you have an issue..........
Have you checked out your actual DC voltage using a multimeter?
Lights should not be dimming/going bright

[John_Joey]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Converters don't cycle on/off....are always on when AC power is supplied to them

DC Output voltage will change from 13.2V (float mode) to 13.6V (absorption mode) to 14.4V (bulk mode)

Converter is supplying the DC System (Lights, circuit boards, water pump, furnace etc) when AC Power is supplied to them PLUS maintaining battery voltage.

Well that sounds like some old school book smarts, but 'splain me this Lucy. When I bought my rig the PO just installed a new battery and a new "smart" converter (per his words.) When my lights go dim the OEM battery meter shows 3/4 charge. When the lights jump up to bright, the OEM battery meter reads full charge. :h

Do you think it might just have something to do with preserving the lifespan of a deep cycle battery, like there might be some science to that also and there could be a bigger picture to this simple problem. :E

[Gjac]

As Wildman says you got a lot of good info. If you can answer a few questions it would help. Does this happen when the generator is running, or hooked up to shore power? If you disconnect from shore power and run off just batteries(no generator power) do the lights still behave the same way?

[wildmanbaker]

Bill, you have had a lot of information thrown at you, and all could be helpful, but it you do not know how to do the testing to find out what the problem really is, maybe you could ask a friend if they could help you get on the right track to fix the problem. Most RVers are more than happy to try and help others find and fix small problems like these. As always, try to get back to us with the fix.

[-Gramps-]

It is most likely your house batteries...they need water or possibly you have a dead cell. I would check them first. You should consider getting a hydrometer to do a charging check. Its a tool all rvers should have on board.

[Old-Biscuit]

Converters don't cycle on/off....are always on when AC power is supplied to them

DC Output voltage will change from 13.2V (float mode) to 13.6V (absorption mode) to 14.4V (bulk mode)

Converter is supplying the DC System (Lights, circuit boards, water pump, furnace etc) when AC Power is supplied to them PLUS maintaining battery voltage.

[Sam_Spade]

bilmarde wrote:
I have absolutely no mechanical ability so I don't know what to do. Help! Thanks.

Ask around in your area for a reliable RV shop to take a look at it.
In addition to checking out your dimming lights, they should be able to explain to you what you need to do for routine battery maintenance.
You are to be commended for admitting your own limitations.

It is possible that it is a normal result of the converter/charger cycling on and off.....IF it is attached to a source of 110 V power when this happens, including a generator.

[John_Joey]

Maybe you have a smart convertor that doesn't run constantly when plugged in.