Bounder: 12 V Lights Flicker

[jstarch]

Hello everyone...
I was wondering if you could help me out. My 12v overhead lights flicker and get dim when on shore power but the lights get brighter and are fine with the engine running. Thus, I assume with the engine running I am not using the converter. I did notice that my shore power cable (hooked to the camping shore power) is missing the ground plug. Could this be an issue?

Sometimes while on shore power...my air conditioner takes a couple times before it kicks on. It tries to kick on...then stalls (surges)...then kicks on.

I do have a multimeter with me.

I believe that my converter is located under the refrigerator but how would I check the converter?

I have a 2011 Fleetwood Bounder Classic. You have helped me in the past...so I am anxiously waiting for your RV expertise.

Thank you for your time!

[bdpreece]

Start by disconnecting from power then open your Automatic Transfer Switch box. Tighten each wire connection and also check for burned wires. This is actually a maintenance item that in my mind should be done at least once a year.

[nothermark]

Easiest way to check the converter is to measure the battery voltage unplugged then measure it plugged in. Should go up or you are not charging your batteries or supplying your 12 V appliances.

[Starsekr]

I'll second Nothermark. I am guessing your Air Conditioner is also running of the AC from the shorepower, the symptoms may be caused by the bad connections that Bdpreece points out. Measure the shorepower voltage at the outside box, then at an inside socket and then with the Air Conditioner on. All should be very close to the same value. (+/- 0.3 volts or so). If there is a lot of difference then you are losing AC voltage due to bad connections or damaged wiring. This can affect your battery charger, as well as make your AC appliances die an early death. And not having a ground to the RV is just a life-threatening dangerous situation.

[jstarch]

Thank you. The battery voltage under the steps (house batteries) do rise with the engine on and falls when the engine is off. I believe this is the way to check the batteries?

[jstarch]

Thank you. I probably should know this...but where is my Automatic Transfer Switch box. It is located above the passenger seat or are you speaking of the converter under the fridge?

[jstarch]

Thank you. I will check these voltages.

[bdpreece]

Originally Posted by jstarch

Thank you. I probably should know this...but where is my Automatic Transfer Switch box. It is located above the passenger seat or are you speaking of the converter under the fridge?

Most probably located very close to the end of your power cord. Mine is in the compartment where the cord is stored for traveling. If you throw the AC breaker at the box when you turn it back on you should be able to hear it transfer (thunk)

[Starsekr]

1. Yes on checking battery voltage. Converter voltage into batteries should be a little less than the engine voltage in my experience (14.2ish vs 13.8ish).
2. Not familiar with your coach, but the transfer switch is often in the same compartment as your shorepower cable. (If you have one, they are only necessary if you have a generator or inverter that supplies 115VAC into the coach wiring)

[jstarch]

Great!! I know where that is located. Thanks!

[jstarch]

Thank you. I know where that is located. Thank you for your response!

[Starsekr]

I know you have thought of this, but it doesn't hurt to say it; unplug your coach from the shore power pole before you open the transfer switch box.

[dvmweb]

And test the connections, both screw and wire, for voltage before you tighten them.


2013 FleetWood Expedition 38B

[jstarch]

Yes, I will do that. For now...I only found a junction box in the area with the shore cable. Opened the junction box and everything looks fine with wire nuts. I still need to locate the transfer switch.