No power

[Gfamily]

Just got back from camping and noticed that there is no power in the coach . When the generator is running there is power all appliances and outlets work. Now with gen off and plugged into my inverter(3000watt) with 30amp outlet I get power AC/DC but, if I turn off the converter all power goes out. This is abnormal as I always turn off converter to run on inverter power . Now with gen off and inverter disconnected I tried the battery disconnect switch for DC power and I hear the switch Change from store to use but, no power to DC items fridge, pump , tv . Any ideas where to start trouble shooting .

[BFlinn181]

I'm confused with your description, "Now with gen off and plugged into my inverter(3000watt) with 30amp outlet I get power AC/DC but, if I turn off the converter all power goes out."

Your generator makes 120v AC power, Your shore cord can plug into an outlet and give 120v AC power. Why would you "plug into my inverter?" An inverter takes 12v DC and makes 120v AC from it. Generally, RVs have either a converter/charger or an inverter/charger. A converter takes 120v AC and changes it to 12v DC for all 12v circuits in the RV and also charges your batteries. An inverter/charger does the work of a converter/charger when plugged into a 120v AC source but additionally when no 120v power is present, it can use 12v DC batteries to make 120v AC power.

Many RVs with a converter/charger may also have an inverter installed to power some 120v AC outlets when no shore power or you don't want to run the generator.

The battery disconnect switch might be faulty. If you hear it clicking, use your ears to track down its location. On the solenoid will be two large terminals. Check each for 12v power when the disconnect switch is in the ON position, both large terminals should read 12v. If one doesn't, that indicates the solenoid isn't connecting. A suitable size jumper wire, or put both wires on one terminal to bypass the solenoid until you replace it.

[Gfamily]

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

I'm confused with your description, "Now with gen off and plugged into my inverter(3000watt) with 30amp outlet I get power AC/DC but, if I turn off the converter all power goes out."

Your generator makes 120v AC power, Your shore cord can plug into an outlet and give 120v AC power. Why would you "plug into my inverter?" An inverter takes 12v DC and makes 120v AC from it. Generally, RVs have either a converter/charger or an inverter/charger. A converter takes 120v AC and changes it to 12v DC for all 12v circuits in the RV and also charges your batteries. An inverter/charger does the work of a converter/charger when plugged into a 120v AC source but additionally when no 120v power is present, it can use 12v DC batteries to make 120v AC power.

Many RVs with a converter/charger may also have an inverter installed to power some 120v AC outlets when no shore power or you don't want to run the generator.

The battery disconnect switch might be faulty. If you hear it clicking, use your ears to track down its location. On the solenoid will be two large terminals. Check each for 12v power when the disconnect switch is in the ON position, both large terminals should read 12v. If one doesn't, that indicates the solenoid isn't connecting. A suitable size jumper wire, or put both wires on one terminal to bypass the solenoid until you replace it.

I've installed a 3000 watt inverter in a compartment and hard wired a 30 amp receptacle to it so I can use my shore power cord to plug directly into and run receptacles when off grid without the need of the gen . When I do this all the DC items run like the water pump etc. I turn off the charge controller/ converter breaker so not to charge my battery with my battery's . Once I do this all power is lost both AC/DC . I'll have to check the solenoids like you mentioned.

[triplewide]

If you plug in to shore power, no inverter hooked up, turn off the converter breaker, does everything still work? If not then the converter may be the source of power to the relay's coils.

May not be able to use inverter in this manner. Maybe if you have or install a battery disconnect to isolate the batteries from the coach and leave the converter on when plugging shore cord into inverter.

[Gfamily]

Replaced the Solenoid and boy was that a pain to get to it's behind the a motherboard in the battery control center in very tight spot but, it worked thanks for the info .

[triplewide]

Originally Posted by Gfamily

Replaced the Solenoid and boy was that a pain to get to it's behind the a motherboard in the battery control center in very tight spot but, it worked thanks for the info .

May have been a pain, but it is fixed!!!