Forum Discussion

JC2's avatar
JC2
Explorer
Jul 10, 2019

AC Issues have me baffled

Last August 2018, we traded our 2004 Newmar DS Diesel Pusher for a 2010 Newmar Dutch Aire DP. In the following approximate time frame, 8/10/18-10/15/18, we travelled to no less than 8+- cgs, private & state but mainly private and encountered approx. "26" instances where ac power would shutdown for anywhere from 30 seconds-2 minutes. 99% of the time, the Progressive Dynamic hardwired system would show error message of E4, which is Line 1-Low Voltage. About the third week of Sept, I replaced the Progressive Dynamic EMS & the Transfer with new and noticed the 50A plug showed burn marks on one of the prongs and was loose where it went into the rubber plug itself. Headed towards Tx on about 10/15/19 and stopped at the dealer where purchased for a fridge exchange to a Samsung and had them replace the plug. The shutdowns seemed to stop after the plug was replaced with only error messages showing up after as described. Arrived in southern Tx for the winter and only had (2) issues from 10/20/18-4/26/19. The first was error code E2-Open ground and the second was the E4- low voltage-L2. Left and headed back north on approx. 4/27/19 and stopped at 4-5 CG's with no issues until 6/22/19 at which time we had (1) E4 error message. On 6/25/17, we had an incident of no power when we plugged in and ran generator for 2 hrs before trying the pedestal again. This time we had power. Took to an rv shop and had it checked and of course every thing ran fine. The tech talked with Progressives techs and every thing check ok when he ran there tests. On 6/30/19, no power when plugged in at a KOA in Newton, Ia, Tried another newer pedestal (2) hrs later and the power came on in the coach. In Shipshewana, Ind from 7/1/19-7/8/19 and had one incident where the 50A pedestal breaker tripped when I plugged a small vac into the 20A pluin of the pedestal. Reset and everything ran ok. We are at a cg n Holland, Michigan at this time and have had (1) E4 message only.


Any rv electronic savvy people have any idea(s) what might be causing this fiasco?
  • Cord reels are known for having connectivity issues
  • 3_tons's avatar
    3_tons
    Explorer III
    Does your coach have a pass-thru type inverter/charger?

    Even when only Standby mode (not inverting) it may passively shut off shore power from entering the coach if the CG voltage or Hz is sub-par...Sub-par voltage could be caused by a bad connection.
  • After arriving back to the KC area, I disassembled the cord reel and found what the problem was. Two of the 3 metal contacts were badly pitted/corroded as was the metal cylinder they were in contact with. Will most likely not replace the electric cord reel with a new one but continue to store it in the electric bay as there has been no problems since wiring directly to the Progressive EMS switch. Thanks everyone for your comments/suggestions.
  • Update. We left the CG in Holland, Michigan this at 11a this morning. Pryor to turning off the pedestal 50a breaker, I reached in and started to pull out about (3) ft more of power cord from the reel. Heard the transfer switch click and lost ac power to the coach. Quit pulling on the cord and the ac kicked on at 20 seconds as it should. Me thinks that something(wire connections/brushes) in the cord reel itself might be the culprit. We are now at a cg close to Mackinac Island for 4 days or so. Plugged in with no problems. I will check the cord reel for loose connections or try and find a mobile rv tech if one is available here. I know my limitations when it comes to electricity. I remember reading a discussion on another forum(?) about cord reels causing electical issues. Now to find which forum.
  • Darryl&Rita wrote:
    That many parks pretty much eliminates them as the source of the issues. Time to start checking every connection between the pedestal and the Progressive.


    Thanks

    Good idea and will check in 2-3 days after we get to another cg.
  • newman fulltimer wrote:
    I have ran across this twice with newmar both times were loose neutrals in the breaker box


    Good idea,
    I'm usually good about checking these connections 1-2 times every year. Will find the time in the next 2-3 days as we will be heading to St Ignace, Mich for several days.

    Thanks.
  • That many parks pretty much eliminates them as the source of the issues. Time to start checking every connection between the pedestal and the Progressive.
  • I have ran across this twice with newmar both times were loose neutrals in the breaker box

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