Community Forums

CathyC · 12-26-2022, 05:20 PM

Hi All,

I have a 2023 Forest River Forester. I had solar panels added at the factory, so everything would be properly integrated.

I took my rig out for a boondocking "test night" and realized that the microwave and electrical outlets were not working.

The Fridge, overhead lights, cellphone charger (on the counter), were all working.

The microwave and electrical outlets were working when I set up at a campsite with shore power.

Now I'm wondering why the microwave/convection oven and electrical outlets don't work.

I can understand if the microwave/convection oven need to run off the generator when not hooked to shore power, but why would the electrical outlets not work?

Cathy C
Forest River Forester 2023 - Gypsy Louise

Bill 3rd · 12-26-2022, 05:28 PM

Your rig probably doesn't have an inverter. Thus, only 12 volt items will work. You won't have any 110 volt power unless you are plugged into shore power or run your generator. If there is an inverter, you may have to switch it on. The solar panels on your rig are only charging the batteries. Your refrigerator works because it automatically switches to propane. Or you may have one of the 12v refrigerators.

krivanj · 12-26-2022, 05:54 PM

Yes, what Bill 3rd said is correct. To use outlets, microwave or ac, generator must be running. Or else you only have 12v stuff.
It is possible the fridge runs on its own inverter, but that inverter would be only be for the fridge.

Old-Biscuit · 12-26-2022, 06:09 PM

You have TWO electrical Systems

120VAC........microwave, outlets, Air Conditioner, Electric heat elements for fridge/water heater, Converter
(Shore or Generator)

12VDC.........water pump, Lighting, Furnace, control/circuit boards for fridge/water heater/furnace, roof vent fans, DC TVs
(Converter if on AC Power otherwise from Battery)

IF---IF you have an INVERTER some 120VAC Items can be run using DC from battery
INVERTER---DC IN/AC OUT

Solar charges battery
Converter when on AC power supplies DC System AND charges battery
'Inverter' can have a charger section so when on AC it will charge battery

2023 Forest River Forester.....Class C MH
30A Shore Power/2.8KW Gen
60A Progressive Dynamics CONVERTER
190W Solar for battery charging

AlanTerry · 12-26-2022, 06:31 PM

Hi CathyC, on my Fleetwood Bounder out boondocking with my inverter on only my driver side 120v electrical plugs work. I have to fire up the generator to get electricity to all plugs and run the microwave. Have you checked all of your plugs?

egwilly · 12-26-2022, 07:56 PM

[QUOTE=Old-Biscuit;6387315]You have TWO electrical Systems

Hi to Old Biscuit....used to read your advise on the ORV forums. You always have the scoop.

kenandterry · 12-26-2022, 08:33 PM

Old Biscuit just gave you the crash course on electrical power in an RV.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with your rig, you just need to understand what powers what. It’s a learning curve.

UFO Pilot · 12-26-2022, 08:41 PM

Per the specs it doesn't look like she has an inverter.

Iceclimber · 12-26-2022, 09:29 PM

Time to look into an inverter/charger and upgraded batteries. I recommend a 3000 watt pure sine and don't forget the remote. Also, might want to look into how those solar panels are wired and if you have a real controller or they just run 12v to the batteries. Congrats you have a new rig and get to spend more money

Bill 3rd · 12-27-2022, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

Per the specs it doesn't look like she has an inverter.

You're right. Her Forester is like my Sunseeker. They come with 2 house batteries. Solar is usually only for charging them.

Persistent · 12-27-2022, 06:40 AM

Lots of good advice posted above. Check out these links for more details. Its an older article but is good for the basics.

12 volt Side of Life part 1
The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)

12 volt Side of Life part 2
The 12volt Side of Life Part 2