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Campcarroll · 08-23-2017, 05:47 PM

So we have been running off a generator until we get electric out just fine for three weeks and last night in the middle of the night our AC and radio go out. Plugs still worked so I could thankfully see baby monitor and use our box fans but for the life of us can't understand what's wrong. We flipped the breaker, tried a new plug adaptor to the generator and checked for a bad fuse but came up short. Anybody experience this?? Or is it just time to call an electrician? We are living out of our 2009 keystone passport while we build our house and I have a 3 and 1 year old so hoping to get fixed quickly! Thanks for any advice!

Sweetbriar · 08-23-2017, 05:55 PM

How is you 12VDC power? The thermostat which controls the A/C runs off 12VDC.

vsheetz · 08-23-2017, 05:56 PM

Tripped breaker on the generator itself?

Podivin · 08-23-2017, 05:57 PM

The AC requires 12 volt to power the thermostat - have you checked the house 12 volt to make sure it's OK?

Campcarroll · 08-23-2017, 06:01 PM

We tried the breaker in the RV and on the generator...when hitting it on the generator it helps it come back on but only for a minute or so?

Campcarroll · 08-23-2017, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Podivin

The AC requires 12 volt to power the thermostat - have you checked the house 12 volt to make sure it's OK?

Probably a really ignorant question but how would I check that?

aether_one · 08-23-2017, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Campcarroll

Probably a really ignorant question but how would I check that?

Is you refrigerator working? Are your lights working?

Podivin · 08-23-2017, 06:18 PM

If you have, or can borrow, a voltage tester you can check the voltage on the house batteries. And also check the voltage coming in to the thermostat (naturally you'll need to take it off the wall for that).
I would expect most of the ceilings lights in the RV to be 12 volts, so turning them on should indicate that the house batteries are working.
But a test directly at the thermostat would probably be the best thing.

Campcarroll · 08-23-2017, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfryman

Is you refrigerator working? Are your lights working?

We haven't used the refrigerator because we are full time on generator but radio and lights are not working.

Campcarroll · 08-23-2017, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Podivin

If you have, or can borrow, a voltage tester you can check the voltage on the house batteries. And also check the voltage coming in to the thermostat (naturally you'll need to take it off the wall for that).
I would expect most of the ceilings lights in the RV to be 12 volts, so turning them on should indicate that the house batteries are working.
But a test directly at the thermostat would probably be the best thing.

Is it possible to charge the trailer battery and see if that's the problem?

Podivin · 08-23-2017, 06:27 PM

Yes if the radio and lights are also not working that's a strong indication that the house battery(ies) is dead. If you can get a charger that would likely make these issues go away.
Radio, lights and thermostat for the AC all require 12 volt to work.
The AC of course also requires 120, but the command to 'turn on' comes from the 12 volt thermostat.

aether_one · 08-23-2017, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Campcarroll

We haven't used the refrigerator because we are full time on generator but radio and lights are not working.

You know the refrigerator can run off propane IF you have 12 VDC which it appears you no longer do. Charge your batteries and troubleshoot your built-in converter.

Campcarroll · 08-23-2017, 06:42 PM

Thank y'all for the responses! I just went to O'Reileys and got a battery charger and am going to see if it helps

bluepill · 08-23-2017, 06:43 PM

The battery should recharge with a built-in unit called a converter/charger. That is supposed to charge the battery any time the generator is running, as well supply12 volts to the RV systems that need it. If the fuse to the C/C unit is blown or if the battery has gone bad, it can cripple the system.
1. I would have the battery charged and tested.

2. With the battery removed, the C/C unit should supply 12 volts when your generator is running. NOTE: Be sure to have the generator off when you disconnect the positive cable at the battery, and wrap the cable end with plastic to keep it from short circuiting to the frame of the RV. You can then run the genny and see if the C/C is supplying the expected 12 volts. (Lights and radio should work).