Community Forums

me_cooper · 07-24-2018, 11:13 AM

I have a 2004, 32 Foot Bounder, I keep my RV connected to a 30Amp Shore Power so as to keep batteries charged, etc.
I hadn't been in it for about a month when I opened it yesterday. The first thing I noticed was that the stairs didn't open. In doing some testing I found that my converter wasn't working (burned out?) so that explained the dead batteries. In continuing to investigate I found that non of the 110 equipment was working. Refrigerator, air conditioning, lights, etc. However the 110 outlets work. I have checked all Breakers and Fuses with no issues.
I'm perplexed and not sure what to do next. Any help would be appreciated.

Sbrownstein · 07-24-2018, 11:18 AM

all of those things either use 12 volts or need 12 volts to operate. No batteries or converter...no joy.

okcnewbie · 07-24-2018, 11:19 AM

You need 12VDC for the control on most appliances. If the batteries are dead and the converter isn't working than they won't work

www.bestconverter.com

twinboat · 07-24-2018, 11:20 AM

If its a 50 amp RV and your using a 50 to 30 amp adaptor, it could be bad.

MSHappyCampers · 07-24-2018, 11:58 AM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

See if there's a tripped circuit breaker on the converter.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

vsheetz · 07-24-2018, 12:08 PM

Got 120vac going into the converter? Got 12vdc coming out? If no, got blown fuse or circuit breaker on converter? If no, likely bad converter.

Sweetbriar · 07-24-2018, 12:10 PM

12VDC is the life blood of a coach. The A/C thermostat is 12VDC, fridge and hot water heater temperature controllers are 12VDC. With a failed converter and the dead batteries pretty much the coach is lifeless. You can get by without 120VAC but loose 12VDC and the coach shuts down.

The batteries may or may not recover but before you start looking at them see what might be the problem with the converter. Unplugged, breaker trip, fuses blown, disconnect solenoid failure,,,. If the converter isn't performing as designed sometimes they are repairable and sometimes the cost and time to repair is not worth it and a replacement is a better option. If the converter is the original then give it a respectful retirement ceremony and bring in a new one. 14 years faithful service while enduring winter cold, summer heat and countless bumps and bangs of road travel.

me_cooper · 07-25-2018, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetbriar

12VDC is the life blood of a coach. The A/C thermostat is 12VDC, fridge and hot water heater temperature controllers are 12VDC. With a failed converter and the dead batteries pretty much the coach is lifeless. You can get by without 120VAC but loose 12VDC and the coach shuts down.

The batteries may or may not recover but before you start looking at them see what might be the problem with the converter. Unplugged, breaker trip, fuses blown, disconnect solenoid failure,,,. If the converter isn't performing as designed sometimes they are repairable and sometimes the cost and time to repair is not worth it and a replacement is a better option. If the converter is the original then give it a respectful retirement ceremony and bring in a new one. 14 years faithful service while enduring winter cold, summer heat and countless bumps and bangs of road travel.

Thanks for your response. It has put my mind at ease. I have ordered a new converter.

me_cooper · 07-25-2018, 09:02 AM

Thanks to all that responded. I have ordered a new converter.

Quincy · 07-25-2018, 09:32 AM

I think you need a new converter???????

Seriously, Keep us posted, please.

TXTiger · 07-25-2018, 10:30 AM

As others have already said, even thou the fridge, A/C etc run on 110v the controllers/thermostat etc. need 12v to operate.

ThePowells · 07-26-2018, 01:48 AM

Welcome to the forum.

Sweetbriar · 07-26-2018, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by me_cooper

Thanks for your response. It has put my mind at ease. I have ordered a new converter.

And to put your mind further at ease, even those of us who know enough about these machines to be dangerous have our own share of problems. My coach is in the driveway plugged into the house. During the summer I'll run the roof vent fans (12VDC) to help mitigate the heat (100+ by late afternoon). Went out to the coach yesterday and first thing I notice is the fans have stopped. Second, no lights. Water heater is off so I didn't try it and the potable water tank is empty so I didn't try the pump.

Batteries at 2VDC, not good and they are two weeks old.

Found the outlet in the back of my AC breaker panel is a bit of a loose fit to the plug for the converter. A little wiggle and everything is back up but I don't trust the plug and will need to find a replacement. The batteries should recover but I suspect they now have something less than nine lives remaining.

me_cooper · 07-29-2018, 06:41 PM

Just a follow up to say that the problem was resolved.
I ordered a new Power Converter installed it and everything is working properly.
I thought the microwave was blown but by removing the cover, I found a 20 amp fuse that was blown. Replaced the fuse and it too is working.
Many thanks to those who replied. It was very educational as I didn't know that most of the 120v appliances need 12v to work.