Community Forums

Iryshe · 05-10-2013, 08:48 AM

I recently purchased a 2011 Serrano 33A and am trying to "get smart" on all of the coach's systems. I have a number of manuals that were conveyed from the original owner, and a build sheet with standard features and options was stapled to the inside of the owner's manual. My question concerns the inverter. I wonder if I have one because there is a 110 outlet on the front of the passenger side dash. Also, in the options list on the build sheet, it says there is an "Electric Lateral Arm Awning w/600 Watt Inverter". My guess is that the inverter is dedicated to the awning, but I don't know for sure. So, here are my questions:

Is the 110 outlet an indication of an inverter? And if so, where would I find it?
Do inverters need to be "turned on" before use or are they up and operating when the coach is running?
Can inverters be used when the engine isn't running?
Is the awning inverter dedicated just to the awning? If so, why is it needed?

If I don't have an inverter, I think I will probably get one installed. The coach came with a roof mounted "in motion" Winegard Direct TV dish and a flat screen TV in the living area of the coach that could be watched by my grandchildren while the coach is moving

. It seems to me that an inverter could power the antenna and the TV rather than running the generator. Thoughts anyone?

Skip426 · 05-10-2013, 10:36 AM

The location of the outlet , is not an indication of the presence of an invertor. Some invertors have to be turned on, others are active any time they are hooked to a battery. The size of your coach battery bank, in relation to the size of the invertor and how many items are using 110v inverted power, determines how long you can use the invertor before recharging the batteries. The awning drive motor may be 110v instead of a 12v motor , that info should be in the awning manual, wiring diagrams.
With the coach disconnected from shore power you can test outlets with a multi-meter for 110 power, this will tell you , if any outlet other than the awning is on the invertor. Probably the TV will be.
If the awning manual requires the invertor to operate the awning, and the awning operates , then the invertor is active and may have an auto by-pass for when you are plugged to shore power.
I know that , I haven't really answered your questions, but as you continue to poke around you should be able to find the invertor ( usually close to the batteries to keep the 12v supply wiring short) and get a lot of info from the tags on the unit. In motion Winegard will be 12v powered and the TV may be also. See just giving you more questions . Sorry.

Iryshe · 05-11-2013, 08:20 AM

Skip - Tnx for the quick response. My coach is in service now, but as soon as I get it back, I'm going to try and solve this mystery following your suggestions. I've only driven the coach one time - from Florida to Colorado after purchase - and accumulated more problems and questions that I have answers.

TheArnolds · 05-13-2013, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iryshe

Skip - Tnx for the quick response. My coach is in service now, but as soon as I get it back, I'm going to try and solve this mystery following your suggestions. I've only driven the coach one time - from Florida to Colorado after purchase - and accumulated more problems and questions that I have answers.

My 2010 Serrano did not have an inverter and I needed to run the generator if the G-Kids wanted to watch the TV while I was driving. If you install an inverter I suggest installing a Pure Sine Wave v/s a Modified Sine Wave inverter. It may cost a little more but you will have less problems with some electronics, microwave, clocks, and other digital devices.

gman69 · 05-21-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iryshe

I recently purchased a 2011 Serrano 33A and am trying to "get smart" on all of the coach's systems. I have a number of manuals that were conveyed from the original owner, and a build sheet with standard features and options was stapled to the inside of the owner's manual. My question concerns the inverter. I wonder if I have one because there is a 110 outlet on the front of the passenger side dash. Also, in the options list on the build sheet, it says there is an "Electric Lateral Arm Awning w/600 Watt Inverter". My guess is that the inverter is dedicated to the awning, but I don't know for sure. So, here are my questions:

Is the 110 outlet an indication of an inverter? And if so, where would I find it?
Do inverters need to be "turned on" before use or are they up and operating when the coach is running?
Can inverters be used when the engine isn't running?
Is the awning inverter dedicated just to the awning? If so, why is it needed?

If I don't have an inverter, I think I will probably get one installed. The coach came with a roof mounted "in motion" Winegard Direct TV dish and a flat screen TV in the living area of the coach that could be watched by my grandchildren while the coach is moving

. It seems to me that an inverter could power the antenna and the TV rather than running the generator. Thoughts anyone?

my 2013 daybreak came with a 300w invertor to run the TVs and intertainment systems. my power supply w/ circuit breakers is located in the storage area under the rear bed. it is accessable by lifting the bed up and removing the wooden top panel that encloses the power supply. inside that storage panel assembly is the power supply, the automatic switch that activates when you plug into shore power, and the invertor. my invertor has a remote switch located on the wall next to the grey/black water sensor switches. don't know if this will help, but..........

PatricksPC · 05-22-2013, 12:10 AM

My inverter (comes with carefree awning) is under the bed, front passenger side.
I've collected many manuals here,
http://www.hill-family.us/serrano/

Iryshe · 05-22-2013, 08:28 AM

I have a remote switch on the wall close to the entrance door, so I know I have an inverter. A technician and I went through the coach yesterday to see which outlets were powered by the inverter. Three of them were - the outlet on the dash on the passenger side, and two outlets in the bedroom. I haven't removed the wood platform under the queen matress to see if the inverter is located there. It seems to me that the platform should have an access cover instead of removing it completely. The coach is in for service right now so I'll have to wait a few days until I have a chance to explore some more.

Iryshe · 05-22-2013, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatricksPC

My inverter (comes with carefree awning) is under the bed, front passenger side.
I've collected many manuals here,
http://www.hill-family.us/serrano/

Thanks Patrick. I've copied every manual to a file on my computer so I now have this tremendous reference library. I'm sure that took a lot of effort on your part.
Since you have a Serrano 33a as I do, I'll look under the bed for the inverter.

PatricksPC · 05-23-2013, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iryshe

Since you have a Serrano 33a as I do, I'll look under the bed for the inverter.

I plugged a shopvac into the bed room and tripped that inverter (It's not for the awning) there is a circuit breaker (red and black when tripped) on the inverter with a 5 on it. That inverter is mounted to the forward outboard wall of the bed near the top. This inverter is always on when the coach batteries are connected.

The inverter remote switch by the door is for the awnings, TV's and DVD. Starting the RV will shut off that inverter. (can't watch TV while you are driving with out the generator).
The salesman said if you disconnect the small white wire, it will work underway. There has to be a small 12v wire to it that only has power when the key is on. (Have a voltmeter?)

I cut the forward board at the center of the support 2x2 over the inverter and install a piano hinge there so on could easily open that board and get in there. I often open it to see what the water tank level really is. Also it allows access incase there is a fire under there. I had smoke there when the 3 to 2" adapter on the furnace fell off. (No screw holding it on)