Converter or Battery problems?????????

[TROYSTOYS]

Hi, 'Im a new member so bear with me, I have 1990 Pace Arrow model 34L class "A" . I have a problem with my converter I think? When I plug into shorepower none of my appliances work, if I start the generator ALL of my appliances work as they should. Could this be a converter problem or maybe a battery problem? Thank you in advance for your help.

[4Knights]

Sounds like a transfer switch problem. It should be under the drawers by the sink.

First you need to look in generator compartment and make sure your model doesn't have a metal junction box that you have to manually plug the generator into and then unplug and switch to another cord for shore power.
If the above is not your case then make sure generator is turned off plug into shore power,check all breakers and the battery cut of rocker switches. Mine are above the entry door.

[wa8yxm]

I agree with 4-Kinghts.. It might also be a problem with your shore cord or with the shore outlet.. In a motor home or trailer you have two or three power systems (Actually up to 4)

One system is the main 120 volt AC system, this includes the Air conditioners, and may include televisions radios, Microwave, Fridge and water heaters.

(The optional 3/4th system, 3 on trailers, 4 on motor homes is an inverter to run selected 120vac loads.. In my coach that's TV's Radio and Microwave)

The next is the 12 volt HOUSE system. This includes all lights, the roof fan, control power for some of the stuff on the 120 volt system (Fridge, Water heater, Even some Air Conditioners) the water pump, jacks may or may not be a house item. steps may or may not also may be unpowered, and more.

Motor homes have a 3rd system, The "Chassis" 12 volt system,, Imagine, if you will, that instead of putting a "house" on the frame they had put a truck body.. This is the "Truck" 12 volt systems.

And as I said above there is an optional inverter system which is a "Sub System" off the 120vac stuff.

You said all your appliances do not work,, I'm guessing these are 120vac things.. I'm guessing your 12 volt systems work fine.

If this is the case than it's not batteries nor the converter since they are all 12 volt items.

Transfer switch is my best guess too. But the power cord is also possible. You need to find the transfer switch, and attach a multi-meter to the proper leads before plugging in.

[ga traveler]

If you had a outlet to plug your main cord into the gen. and it was unplugged, your coach would work when plugged the campground or home, but would not work on gen. If your converter was not working, All the appl. would work but not the 12v systems. Your problem is in the transfer switch. The transfer switch has points and coils that can fail. Also at times the wires get hot at the connections and loose contact. Find your transfer switch. Open the lid. Check the conn. and points. Of course make sure the power is off. If everything looks ok. Have someone plug in the power cord and watch to see if the switch moves (transfers). If nothing happens, unplug the cord, and watch while someone starts the gen. Remember there will probably be a minute or so delay before the switch activates. I have done this many many times. It is not difficult, but if you feel uncomfortable doing it, take it to a dealer.