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jterr's avatar
jterr
Explorer
Jan 22, 2018

Batteries and inverter

Another problem.
Was really cold and batteries were low , had to put on auto charger.
Question where is the inverter/power box located(most times), and should it keep batteries fully charged?
  • I have 2005 Fleetwood Jamboree The batteries went dead. I got new AGM Batteries in July of last year. When I first bought my Jamboree 26Q I replaced the 2 batteries under the step and added 4 more to the coach I also replaced the chassis battery, They were all Interstate U2200 6v batteries. And a Chassis battery that was was an Interstate. I bought my RV in 2006. I also added Solar Panels and a Xantrex 2000w inverter When I replaced the batteries they were all boiled dry. Interstate Chassis Battery for 2004 Ford E450 group 65 chassis battery.

    The inverter/charger is und the dining area seat. I don't know what brand your rv is . Also my RV is a Class-C no slide outs.

    I think I did pretty good I got 11 years out of them. Even though I really neglected my RV and the batteries. I believe the solar panels boiled my batteries dry.
  • 2004 5th wheel
    13 years old
    Good possiblity the auto reset 12v breaker died, or the connections are rusted all to H****
    From the batteries trace the the black Aka positive wire until you find a little silver/Gray rectangle with 2 studs and wires
    Check voltage at both wires to ground,
    Replace it, buy a new one at your favorite auto parts store
    Most likely a 40 amp, but look for any markings that might be on there to indicate amp size, they function as thermal circuit breaker
    They are exposed to the weather, and know to died,
    13 yrs, a good life
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    jterr wrote:
    Another problem.
    Was really cold and batteries were low , had to put on auto charger.
    Question where is the inverter/power box located(most times), and should it keep batteries fully charged?


    Not enough information so I will respond in the generic

    First> Invertor/charger or Converter only charges *IF* shore power present (or generator power) and breakers are all set and device is working as designed. If batteries are OFF or breaker is TRIPPED or OFF, may not charge.

    Converters (120 volt to 12 volt only) can be anywhere. But if your Power distribution panel is a singal "Box" with both 120 volt breakers and 12 volt fuses.. GOOD chance it's the back of that box right behind the fuse/breaker panels.. If like me you have a 12 volt fuse panel and a 120 volt breaker box, (Different panels different boxes) it can be ANYWHERE. Happy hunting Listen for the fan though it does not always run.

    INVERTERS: If you have a big (IE 1,000 watt or more) inverter it is most likely in the compartment NEXT to where the batteries live..
  • jterr wrote:
    04 Wilderness Advantage 5th wheel


    Probably doesn't have an 'INverter' unless added by previous owner

    It does have a 40A 'CONverter'-------part of the MAIN AC Panel/DC Dist Panel...lower section

    Takes 120V AC Input....converts it to 12V DC Output to supply DC System AND maintain/charge battery

    With battery cables disconnected converter output should be 13.2V DC MINIMUM....if lower converter is failing

    2004 Wilderness Advantage Info
  • Usually integrated into the lower section of the fuse/breaker panel or very close behind.
    Don't replace with a WFCO.
  • How cold? Cold temperatures reduce the available energy in a battery. Conversely, warm temperatures increase the availability.
  • Converter charges the batteries If you are plugged into shore power
    The charge section of an inverter/charger combo does the same thing
    Unless it has been turned off, unplugged, etc..

    Make model of RV?
    Somebody can tell where it is in their RV
    Mine is one of the storage bays
    97 Bounder ... Passenger side under the kitchen
    95 Safari DP, driver's side rear, next to generator compartment

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