Interior lights

[ALAG321]

Does anyone know if my interior lights should work without house batteries installed? Mine don't and I am trying to figure out whats wrong.

[RV Wizard]

First off you really should not be trying to operate the coach without house batteries but if you are just trying a few lights they should come on provided you have 12 vdc power coming out of the converter/charger or inverter/charger and it is getting to and through the distribution panel. I would recommend you get good batteries that are charged up installed and then verify the disconnect solenoid or batter disconnect switch is closed and trouble shoot as to why lights may not be functioning. If they do function off battery but not the charger; you could have a bad charging circuit. Good luck and keep us posted.

[ALAG321]

I only pulled out my batteries to take them to have them tested. When I removed them, I first noticed the electric steps did not work, and then tried a light switch. All 110 stuff works though. I suspect a bad converter, but have a camping trip scheduled for the holiday weekend and cannot figure it out. With batteries disconnected, converter is only showing 11.88 volt output, schematic says it should be 13.6. I have posted this issue in another category, but thought I may get different views in the Gulfstream owners category.

[RV Wizard]

If the batteries are bad, they can cause the converter to shut down to protect itself and not charge. Put a good battery on it and check for about 13.6 vdc on battery posts when connected to shore power. Let us know what you find.

[texnet]

If you have shore power connected or the generator running then yes the converter should run your 12vdc lights. However, they are not designed to do that for a length of time. Check the fuses on the output of the converter, normally they are on the outside of the converter box. If they are good check for 12vdc output on the converter with a volt meter. If no output then check for 120vac on the input of the converter. If you have input and no output, and the fuses are good, then replace the converter.

[ALAG321]

Well, I replaced the batteries and after camping (plugged in) for 4 days, lights began to dim, so I guess the converter is bad. I just can't understand why the lights would need the batteries while plugged in....