inverter/battery problems

[millwright]

It sounds as if inverter is running and then shutting off. Does this sound right? Also does a battery need to be installed? What brand and size for a 21 ft. 1970 Holiday/Rambler?

[RJay]

You need one or more batteries to use an inverter. The number of batteries is determined by how much space you have to store them and the load of the appliances you want to run. Likewise the inverter is sized based on the load of appliances you want to run. The inverter, depending on its size, will also charge your batteries.

[targaboat]

And inverter will not charge your battery. Some units have inverters and converters(battery charges) in the same box. You have to get the correct terminology to start to communicate. So we will need to know much more information to be able to help. I might suggest that the battery voltage my low causing the inverter to shut off. Beyond that is the coach plugged into 120v, what is running, what else is going when this is occurring.

[millwright]

Just got this trailer, still trying to figure out where all the gadgets and switches are...so the only thing running were some lights and the fridge. The noise started when I turned on the water pump. Underneath the inverter is the place for the battery, the are only 2 connections, pos. and neg.

[targaboat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by millwright Just got this trailer, still trying to figure out where all the gadgets and switches are...so the only thing running were some lights and the fridge. The noise started when I turned on the water pump. Underneath the inverter is the place for the battery, the are only 2 connections, pos. and neg.

Now is sounds like the converter which supplies 12v to everything in the coach including charging the battery. It has a cooling fan and if the noise started when you turn on the water that likely the case. Are you plugged into 120v which will make it even more likely the case?

If you are talking about the inverter, which changes 12v to 120v, it will not be active if you are plugged into 120 and again it also has a fan but would not have association with the water pump and a resulting noise. Therefore, I will say again, you must get your terms correct and to which you are talking about, the inverter or the converter. They both could be in the same box over the battery. So, was the coach plugged in?

[RJay]

Are you connected to shore power or just running off the batteries. If you just running off the batteries not all AC appliances are going to work off your inverter. I suggest connecting to shore power and then check things out.

[millwright]

1. trailer was plugged into 110 outlet
2. there is no battery hooked to the inverter
3. I was told that it was an inverter
4. will check after nap to see if anything has anything stamped on it

[targaboat]

$19 online
23 reviews
External, output connector: 3, 120 V
Input 12v battery
This inverter provides household power on the go! It converts battery power to 120 V AC household power, allowing you to power up office equipment and household appliances from your vehicle. It also has a USB output, ideal for using/charging most small video games, an IPod, a Blackberry, mobile phones, and many more USB devices. Cigarette lighter cord and direct-to-battery cables are included. This unit is ideal for laptops, 13" TVs, video games, CD players, DVD players, cellular phone chargers, and much more!

The above is an inverter as described in an ad from the Internet. Since you have no battery connected in the trailer, your inverter, if you had one would be doing absolutely nothing. Your converter is problably working just fine and the noise you hear is a cooling fan or sound of the 60 cycle 120 volts to which you are connected. Many converters will work without a battery. However, and converter in something as old as your trailer may not and if so, either get a battery or a new converter.

[Cat320]

Quote:

Originally Posted by targaboat And inverter will not charge your battery.

True...unless it is an inverter/charger...which is what I have.

[targaboat]

Your inverter charger is an inverter AND a charger in the same box. In the RV world the word charger as you, or the manufacturer of the box are using it is called a converter. It is nice if people can use common terminology to communicate. The orginal OP really did not know the difference so as a result I doubt if any of us have helped him. All of this side discussion can be very confusing to him. It is sort of like saying you gave the police the toe as you drove by at the speed limit. Da?

[wa8yxm]

An inverter runs or not as needed (it is not needed if you have shore or generator power)

A converter runs when it can (when you have shore or generator power)

Both, should be 100% silent in operation though some converters may humm a tune (Johnny one note, 60 or 120hz)

The cooling fan on the converter, or inverter, however, runs when the unit gets hot, then shuts off as it cools down. Just like the Fantastic Fan in the roof.

[radams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by millwright Just got this trailer, still trying to figure out where all the gadgets and switches are...so the only thing running were some lights and the fridge. The noise started when I turned on the water pump. Underneath the inverter is the place for the battery, the are only 2 connections, pos. and neg.

Are you sure the noise isn't just the water pump? You previously stated something was running and turning off which would be normal for the pump if a faucet wasn't totally shut off or if there is a small leak somewhere.

[Cat320]

Quote:

Originally Posted by targaboat Your inverter charger is an inverter AND a charger in the same box. In the RV world the word charger as you, or the manufacturer of the box are using it is called a converter. It is nice if people can use common terminology to communicate. The orginal OP really did not know the difference so as a result I doubt if any of us have helped him. All of this side discussion can be very confusing to him. It is sort of like saying you gave the police the toe as you drove by at the speed limit. Da?

Correct, I have an inverter and a charger. However, my charger is not a converter. A converter changes AC power to 12v...mine does not do that, it is a pure charger. I have six batterys and don't need any more 12v power.

[targaboat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320 Correct, I have an inverter and a charger. However, my charger is not a converter. A converter changes AC power to 12v...mine does not do that, it is a pure charger. I have six batterys and don't need any more 12v power.

I see your point and can not say you are wrong. However, when what ever you call it is connected to the batteries and the batteries are connected to the coach, it is a converter. Also if you were to take the batteries out, you would still have 12v into to the coach from what ever you call it.

A big part of this Forum is to help educated people. There are many on here who have no understanding of the electrical system of the coach. The first step is to learn the accepted terminology of the RV world. Therefore, I stand by that you have a converter, at least as used in the RV industry.