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Roger G · 05-04-2014, 06:28 AM

Have had two strange electrical events happen and my dealer can't explain what is happening nor has Tiffin been able to isolate or reproduce the problem. My 36 LA has a residential refrigerator so I keep it plugged up all the time when in storage. The first time, we were in a campground hooked up to a 50 amp service. The second time it was hooked to a 20 amp plug in my shop. I am losing 120 v power to the refrigerator and the entire entertainment system, TV, sat receiver, surround sound, no breakers are tripped, no fuses blown, the inverter seems to be functioning properly and all other 120v circuits have power. I can turn the 12v disconnect switch at the door off and then back on and the refrigerator and entertainment system immediately has power. Tiffin has replaced multiple things, relays, breakers, and even replaced the coach batteries in hopes of solving this issue but it happened again last week? I'm leaning toward issues with the inverter but it's beyond my electrical skills at this point. Has anybody else had similar problems? Suggestions?

94-Newmar · 05-04-2014, 06:56 AM

Only 3 things that will cause this...

1) Inverter is losing 12v power somehow and the 120v pass-thru in the inverter has failed
2) Inverter has proper 12v power and failing to invert; 120v pass-thru in the inverter has failed
3) EMS management system(if your coach is equipped) is losing 12v power or EMS control board is flaky

All 3 are very easy to troubleshoot, but it needs to be in a failed mode in order to do so.
Were they able to get it to fail before simply throwing parts at it?
Do you have an inverter/converter remote panel display? If so, any errors on it when this problem occurs?
What does the panel display?

Roger G · 05-04-2014, 07:49 PM

No EMS display so there is no faults or codes available. Tiffin was unable to duplicate the problem, I guess the next time it happens, I need to drive directly to the dealer if possible. If the 120 v pass through was failing, wouldn't I lose all 120 v instead of just the refrigerator and entertainment system?

tanstaafl · 05-05-2014, 04:49 AM

Next time it happens, look at your inverter. There are indicator lights on it that might help with diagnosis.

garykk · 05-05-2014, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger G

No EMS display so there is no faults or codes available. Tiffin was unable to duplicate the problem, I guess the next time it happens, I need to drive directly to the dealer if possible. If the 120 v pass through was failing, wouldn't I lose all 120 v instead of just the refrigerator and entertainment system?

I could be wrong on yours but the inverter normally does not power all 120 ac outlets etc, just the appliances you listed.

fla tom · 05-05-2014, 03:52 PM

Our winnebago product had a similar problem ended up being the transfer switch

rick_p · 05-07-2014, 08:38 AM

Sounds like an inverter issue as think those outlets are all powered by the inverter.
When everything is working NORMALLY, check the inverter and feel whether it's warm and if the fan if running.
Then, when the outlets FAIL, recheck the inverter and see if its operating the same.
If not the same as when things are working, that would seem to point to an inverter problem.
If you have a meter, would also be useful to check the 12V input to the inverter under both conditions.

Good luck, rick p

Gary Pilon · 07-13-2014, 03:12 PM

Had a problem somewhat similar in Charleston, SC. Lost power to frig and middle and front AC units. Was on phone with Tiffin rep who suspected inverter. Could not get problem resolved so we drove back to Lazy Days (Tampa, FL) when we had bought bus. Tech had seen problem before. It was a bad GFI outlet (driver side near bathroom in hall)that was causing problem. Said a bad diode was causing feedback in circuit affecting inverter???? Changed outlet and have never had problem again.

Roger G · 07-14-2014, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fla tom

Our winnebago product had a similar problem ended up being the transfer switch

Fla Tom is the winner! Transfer switch was switching from shore power to battery inverter even though it was plugged in. So far , so good. We haven't been able to take a trip yet, but it's working perfectly in storage.

grizz427 · 07-23-2014, 07:54 AM

We are at tiffin repair now for this as one of our problems. Yesterday they replaced transfer switch and told us this was the root of our problem. but after returning to CG for night it worked for about and hour before we started losing power once more. Today we try again.

grizz427 · 07-25-2014, 07:01 AM

Yesterday they had four inspectors come over from the factory and stated that our power problem was related to the lights they installed when camper was put together. they said the circuit board in one goes off and it effects all of them. They replaced all 30 ceiling lights and so far problem solved. Of course we did lose control of the front TV with the remotes. But who cares they will fix or I'll be camping here free till Fall.

Roger G · 07-25-2014, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grizz427

Yesterday they had four inspectors come over from the factory and stated that our power problem was related to the lights they installed when camper was put together. they said the circuit board in one goes off and it effects all of them. They replaced all 30 ceiling lights and so far problem solved. Of course we did lose control of the front TV with the remotes. But who cares they will fix or I'll be camping here free till Fall.

Yea, had the same issue with the remotes. The little red sensor that sticks to the receiver was in the wrong place. They moved it and everything works perfectly now. So far!

grizz427 · 07-27-2014, 05:30 PM

So here's what they came up with. One ceiling light goes bad and all need to be replaced. They also replaced spider board under window in bedroom. Everything is working great now. Should you have this same problem call Tiffin tell them you want to Patrick in bay 10 in service. He can enlighten you on solution to problem.