Symptoms: We were traveling down the road the other day, and we decided to start the generator to use the microwave while in motion. Less than a minute later, the vehicles headlights went dim, then out, then dim (I held the high-beams on for emergency lighting). Eventually, we shut the generator off and the problem went away.
We simply canโt figure out why!
We have a a bit of an odd AC electrical arrangement in the coach. We have a two automatic transfer switches; 1st supplies coach power between two sources: shore power and generator. This is the usual switch most coaches have. The second converter supplies convenience outlets between two sources: an onboard inverter and the output of the 1st transfer switch. This allows the inverter to supply outlets in the coach without the risk accidentally trying to run big appliances from the inverter.
But this issue, realistically, would be on the 12v side of things.
I donโt know much about the isolator/solenoid setup on this RV. I know Iโve accidentally sparked the bottom terminal from the isolator when changing the oil (dipsticks are quite conductive, FYI). However, even if this part was damaged, it would presumably either fail closed or fail open. If it was closed (coach battery and chassis battery were in line, expected when the engine is running), then converter would be simultaneous trying to charge both batteries. But, it would be the only way that AC activities could interfere with the 12v system, as least as far as I can imagine. I donโt see a problem with this, but if something (especially during the aforementioned shorting incident) causes a bad ground somewhere, that could conceivably be the root cause.
Can the community give me some ideas of things to check/test to pinpoint this issue?
