12 Volt Fading

[AP46]

I have a 2010 Dutchmen Colorado 5th wheel that appears to have a 12 volt electrical problem. When the 12 volt lights are turned on, they get progressively dimmer until they barely illuminate. I'm thinking it is either a bad power converter or the battery has a bad cell. Any thoughts on the cause and possible remedy?

Thank you.

AP46 - Haines City, Florida

[Dick Noble]

I have the same problem with our 2009 Challenger. I've changed out the batteries; tightened all connections, traced all 12v wiring I can reach and still have the problem. I will say the power at the park we are at is very low - about 108-109v so that may be the problem or could be the converter is starting to go bad. I have testing equipment that will allow me to find the problem but, as usual, it is at home in Colorado and we are in Calif.

[wa8yxm]

You have done a great job of describing a bad power converter.

If it's not putting out much current... Then exactly what you see will happen.

NOTE: that poor connections can cause this too depending on how the coach is wired.

Check the voltage out on the converter's terminal, and compare with he battery voltage.

[Ray,IN]

When on shore power, you should see at least 13.8 VDC at the batteries. If not, it is the converter. If the converter is faulty, now is a great time to upgrade to a better one that has a charge wizard built-in.

["007"]

Have you checked all the ground wires to the frame of 5th wheel, converter,Gen, batteries, 12v fuse panel?

[tvman44]

Sure sounds like a bad converter, a good digital volt meter is in order.

[AP46]

Thanks for the quick responses and all the great info! I am 99% sure it is the converter. I will check the voltage and the connections as suggested and go from there.

Again, thanks for all the help.

AP46 - Haines City, FL