Is my alternator going?

[kilboar]

I have a 2017 Coleman 30' TT that I keep parked at a camping ground where we have power at. It sit for 4-6 weeks then it gets used for 3-4 days and repeat.

I had to replaced the battery in a few months back, I forgot those things needed water:-/ and put in a gel battery and now I'm hearing the small cooling fan running at variable speed most of the time. I assume it's cooling the alternator. It's back behind the fuses in the bottom of the TV consul Anybody familiar with this. I've owned the TT for a few years and never heard it run like this before.

I have photos on my phone but not sure how to post from the computer.

Any help is greatly appreciated

[kilboar]

MFL wrote:
All converters (not alternator) are not equal, so hard to say how normal yours is. If you have not heard the converter fan running often, in the previous several years of ownership, then you may have an issue.

If you have a digital volt meter, what does it read at the battery posts, with the converter in use. A reading of 13.2 is a float charge, and anything over 13.6 is indicating the converter is charging to catch up.

You say your camper is at a place with available shore power, so if plugged in, not disconnect switch shut off, your battery should be at full charge, each time you return.

If you are not plugged in while away for a month, yes your battery is depleted, may be damaged.

Jerry

Ok, I'll check the voltage at the battery next time I'm up there.

Yes I do unplug the battery when I leave because we have heavy trucks and side by sides running over the cord a lot. We're burying the power line now so I could leave it plugged in the future just wasn't sure that was a good idea. It's in a lot of woods 4 hours drive north of me.

[enblethen]

Connected to shore power, it sounds more like a failing battery.
Take it to your local auto parts such as AutoZone or O'Rielly's and have it tested.

[MFL]

All converters (not alternator) are not equal, so hard to say how normal yours is. If you have not heard the converter fan running often, in the previous several years of ownership, then you may have an issue.

If you have a digital volt meter, what does it read at the battery posts, with the converter in use. A reading of 13.2 is a float charge, and anything over 13.6 is indicating the converter is charging to catch up.

You say your camper is at a place with available shore power, so if plugged in, not disconnect switch shut off, your battery should be at full charge, each time you return.

If you are not plugged in while away for a month, yes your battery is depleted, may be damaged.

Jerry

[kilboar]

schlep1967 wrote:
Your camper does not have an alternator. It has a converter. It converts A/C voltage to D/C voltage. Yes the fan runs when it is working properly. You will notice that the more 12 volt lights or vent fans you turn on the louder the fan will get. Totally normal.

Ok, thank you.

I have all LED lights and I'll have the TV on in the evening but I'll hear the fan running all night when the lights are all out. I guess fridge is running.

My understanding is the Coleman TT needs a 12v battery for the AC to run, which it runs a lot in the summer. My feeling is the battery is getting depleted while I'm not using it then try's to get to full charge the 3 days it's plugged into the 30amp outlet.

Your help is very appreciated. I'm new to this.

[schlep1967]

Your camper does not have an alternator. It has a converter. It converts A/C voltage to D/C voltage. Yes the fan runs when it is working properly. You will notice that the more 12 volt lights or vent fans you turn on the louder the fan will get. Totally normal.