dolphin 5330 charge problem

[mimikokol]

its a 2000 dolphin 5330 ford chassis RV, it has a charging problem. it wont charge my appliances batteries doesn't matter if i use the generator or plug it into the house. and only way to charge them is to start the rv, but its not good to let the batteries die all the time.

is there a line or some sort of device that allows the batteries to charge? or any other help would be appreciated because i don't even know where to start

[LVJ58]

From what you describe, with the engine charging your batteries but when plugged into shore power or running your generator no charge, it's possible your converter may not be functioning properly. Have you checked the 110vac circuit breaker that supplies power to your converter?

When plugged into shore power or using your on board generator, the 110vac power goes to your converter for charging batteries. If you have an inverter/converter they sometimes have a circuit breaker on the unit.

Good luck with ferreting out your electrical problem and let us know your findings..

[mimikokol]

thats exactly what im looking for. i need to find the location of the inverter/converter, but i dont have a clue where it might be

[jlyon69]

I have a 99 Dolphin, so I will assume they are very similar. My converter/charger is located in the storage compartment just rear of the entrance door. Wherever it is, it will be in an outside storage bay. You will also see a circuit board with 10 or so automotive (12v) fuses and plenty of wires attached to it. This area is where all your 12VDC for the coach is controlled. If your converter/charger is original, it will be a black box attached to the floor. It is about 6x6x14 inches. 1 wire will go behind that circuit board, 1 to a ground and probably a bare copper wire attached to it's frame.

We have a Forum just for National RVs. It's the best place to ask questions that are specific to your Dolphin: National RV Owner's Forum

[subford]

It looks like the converter and inverter are near the front right and the transfer switch is at the left rear.

Diagrams below:




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[mimikokol]

Are the auxilery batteries suppose charge while engine is running?

i found the beaker on the converter and now it charges plugged in and from generator but it doesn't charge while the RV is running

[jlyon69]

Yes, the alternator should charge both banks while running. You should see 14.4+ vdc on both if everything is working.

[jlyon69]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mimikokol i found the beaker on the converter and now it charges plugged in and from generator but it doesn't charge while the RV is running

Sorry, I had to cut my previous post short, slight doggy problem

You have a solenoid that connects the chassis and coach batteries under certain circumstances. It should be located behind that 12v circuit board. If the system detects voltage from the alternator, it energizes the solenoid connecting the 2 battery banks. The other function is the "Boost" switch on the dash. If the chassis battery gets run down and won't start the engine, using the boost switch energizes the solenoid allowing all batteries to be used for starting.

I may be wasting a bit of my time here, but if this was my problem, this is how I would proceed. Shore power disconnected, genny off, motor off. Take volt readings of both banks. Start engine, recheck both banks. If no increase on the coach, then something wrong with the solenoid or that circuit.

Next I would get DW (Devoted Wife) to turn on ignition (leave engine off) and operated the boost switch. You should hear a distinct clicking sound each time she engages it. That will also help you find it if you haven't already. Now you know that circuit is functioning as well as the solenoid. What you don't know is if the solenoid is actually passing the current.

Have DW hold down boost switch and take new readings. If both banks have equalized or are say within 0.3VDC of each other, the solenoid is ok. If not the solenoid is bad.

It's certainly possible the boost switch/solenoid will work, but starting the engine does not. This would lead me to suspect the 12vdc controller board is bad...but could be a lose or broken wire someplace leading to the circuit board or from the circuit board to the solenoid.