Would this be a power converter issue??

[jbesper]

Hi everyone, first post so thanks in advance. I've actually been living full time in my 5th wheel for a year (2007 Summit Ridge) and thankfully had minimal issues. I can work through most things by trial and error, except electrical gremlins - I don't have a knack for that.

Anyway, here's whats going on;
-RV doesn't move, hasn't moved for 2 years.
-Been plugged into reliable shore power the whole time.
Suddenly my interior overhead lights have become extremely dim, and they are on a slider/dimmer.
-If my a/c is on and I try to turn my interior lights on and slide them from dim to bright, the a/c shuts off as though it's not getting enough juice.

-As mentioned the lights have suddenly become noticeable dim as though there is a lack of power - but the interior lights are DC while the air conditioner is AC....how are they connected and interfering with each other?

-Not sure where to start and I don't want to lose a/c in Florida right now, nor do I want to fork out tons of money to have someone find a simple fix.

Any ideas are appreciated.

[time2roll]

jkwilson wrote:

bikendan wrote:

jkwilson wrote:
Your air conditioner uses 12V too. I suspect your converter has failed or the battery has a shorted cell.

How does an air conditioner use 12v? They are powered by 120v AC power and most thermostats are powered by little AA/AAA batteries.

Most thermostats are not powered by AA or AAA batteries, and even when they are the HVAC is still controlled by 12VDC because the furnace doesn’t use AC power and the thermostat controls both.

My RV thermostat is powered by the RV 12 volt system.
OP is having issue with the A/C and low battery voltage.

No need to cover all RVs until the OP has the issue resolved.

[garym114]

You should get a multimeter to check and understand your 12 volt systems.

[enblethen]

Have you used a multimeter to verify shore power voltage?
Is your rig a 30 05 50 amp shore power?
Use the multimeter to verify 12 volts at the 12 volts power distribution panel.
Some have a fuse marked BAT, pull this fuse if equipped and see if it makes a difference. If it does, this could indicate a shorted battery.

[Gdetrailer]

jkwilson wrote:

bikendan wrote:

jkwilson wrote:
Your air conditioner uses 12V too. I suspect your converter has failed or the battery has a shorted cell.

How does an air conditioner use 12v? They are powered by 120v AC power and most thermostats are powered by little AA/AAA batteries.

Most thermostats are not powered by AA or AAA batteries, and even when they are the HVAC is still controlled by 12VDC because the furnace doesn’t use AC power and the thermostat controls both.

Not "ALL" RV A/C units are connected via a remote wall T stat..

More are manual controls built onto the roof mounted A/C unit than remote T stat..

[jkwilson]

bikendan wrote:

jkwilson wrote:
Your air conditioner uses 12V too. I suspect your converter has failed or the battery has a shorted cell.

How does an air conditioner use 12v? They are powered by 120v AC power and most thermostats are powered by little AA/AAA batteries.

Most thermostats are not powered by AA or AAA batteries, and even when they are the HVAC is still controlled by 12VDC because the furnace doesn’t use AC power and the thermostat controls both.

[bikendan]

jkwilson wrote:
Your air conditioner uses 12V too. I suspect your converter has failed or the battery has a shorted cell.

How does an air conditioner use 12v? They are powered by 120v AC power and most thermostats are powered by little AA/AAA batteries.

[QCMan]

When was the last time you added water to the battery?

[time2roll]

Yes very likely the converter has failed. If the battery is original it may also have issues. If you remove a battery cable and the lights go out I say it is the converter as it should operate the interior items without a battery.

A 10+ amp automotive battery charger from a local store should get you through a week or so to get this sorted out. Attach direct to the battery and let it run. Don't forget an extension cord if needed.

Many items in the RV use 12v for the controls even if powered by propane or 120vac.

[jkwilson]

Your air conditioner uses 12V too. I suspect your converter has failed or the battery has a shorted cell.