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Bdjh · 07-17-2021, 06:49 PM

Hello

I have a 1992 StarCraft Leisure star 25D trailer. The light inside won’t work on A/C but do on D/C. I’ve reset the GFI and checked the fuses but without the batter they won’t turn on. All receptacles work. What might the problem be?

Thanks

Mr_D · 07-17-2021, 06:53 PM

Your lights are 12 volt and run off the battery or a converter.

Bdjh · 07-17-2021, 08:10 PM

Bad converter then?

If I disconnect the battery no lights come on.

Martian · 07-18-2021, 07:57 AM

My brain hurts!

Ldubs · 07-18-2021, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bdjh

Bad converter then?

If I disconnect the battery no lights come on.

OK, I'm like a bug on water when it comes to this subject, but here is what I think. Maybe someone that knows will take pity on us poor souls and confirm (or say I'm all wet).

When you are plugged in to shore power, the converter changes the 120v AC to 12v DC to keep your battery up. If you remove the battery it is like creating an open in the circuit so no 12v will get to your lights.

twinboat · 07-18-2021, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ldubs

OK, I'm like a bug on water when it comes to this subject, but here is what I think. Maybe someone that knows will take pity on us poor souls and confirm (or say I'm all wet).

When you are plugged in to shore power, the converter changes the 120v AC to 12v DC to keep your battery up. If you remove the battery it is like creating an open in the circuit so no 12v will get to your lights.

Sorry, your all wet.

Converter/chargers work with or without batteries.

Ldubs · 07-18-2021, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Sorry, your all wet.

Converter/chargers work with or without batteries.

Thanks Twinboat. It makes sense that the converter will still work. Am I understanding correctly that if plugged into shore power with the battery removed, the 12v lights still work off the converter? I thought the battery was needed. And, thanks for your patience.

OP - sorry if I'm stepping on your question, but I think it related.

Ldubs · 07-18-2021, 01:25 PM

Shoot! Never mind. I missed post #2 from MR. D.

Thanks!

Bdjh · 07-18-2021, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ldubs

OK, I'm like a bug on water when it comes to this subject, but here is what I think. Maybe someone that knows will take pity on us poor souls and confirm (or say I'm all wet).

When you are plugged in to shore power, the converter changes the 120v AC to 12v DC to keep your battery up. If you remove the battery it is like creating an open in the circuit so no 12v will get to your lights.

Ok. So if I have a bad battery will that cause the lights not to work when the battery dies? Or should the converter be kicking in and not using the battery at all?

Ldubs · 07-18-2021, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bdjh

Ok. So if I have a bad battery will that cause the lights not to work when the battery dies? Or should the converter be kicking in and not using the battery at all?

Ignore my post BDJH. I was advised I was incorrect. Sorry about that.

ArtJoyce · 07-19-2021, 08:04 AM

Does the converter charge the battery? Or do you need to use a charger?

Bdjh · 07-19-2021, 08:58 AM

Not too sure, but likely have to charge the battery with a charger. That’s really the only way I’ve tried tho

GrandmaL · 07-19-2021, 09:43 AM

It is my understanding that the converter "converts" the 120v to 12v so all of the lights will still be working under 12v. A battery is necessary for all usage in the trailer.

tuffr2 · 07-19-2021, 10:10 AM

I will test this on my 2013 trailer. I am thinking without a battery no lights will work even if it is plugged into shore power.

I had a 5th wheel plugged into a 50amp service. I went to raise the landing gear. I heard a terrible grinding noise. I finally get the landing gear up. I was still plugged into shore power. I needed a new battery and the landing gear worked as designed.