Community Forums

frizfreleng · 12-23-2018, 08:02 AM

Parallax Series 7300. 2004 Keystone Cougar 5th Wheel. I leave it plugged into the power pedestal on my property. There is 110 vac at the plug. We just went through a 2 day rain storm. Went to the trailer yesterday and the converter fan was not running. No AC power in the trailer. At least the lights don't work. I didn't try anything else. Water on the kitchen counter above the converter. Don't know if the two are related yet but looks suspicious. Can't believe the converter is flat mounted on the deck but if flooding exists that would explain it. Multi-meter shows 46 vac coming out of the converter. Pretty obvious I am going to have to pull the converter to check it out and find the source of the flooding. I guess I am asking for any sage advice or experience with converter problems.

Thanks, Friz

Mark_K5LXP · 12-23-2018, 08:11 AM

My guess would be a GFCI somewhere is tripped. If water got into the innards of the converter or any other energized circuit that would explain why things are dead. Water can also explain odd voltage measurements, as it can create a conductive path where one otherwise wouldn't exist. You'll just need to explore where water may have gotten in and trace back to whatever is tripped.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

keymastr · 12-23-2018, 08:36 AM

Lights are on the 12 volt circuit so may not be the converter.

mobilemike · 12-23-2018, 09:48 AM

That 7300 does three functions. Ac distribution, DC distribution and Converting AC to DC to charge the batteries.

I doubt all three functions are dead at the same time. All three are tied to the incoming 120v supply line. I suspect the main breaker or fuse is tripped. Or a main supply connection is loose or broken. Look for a master breaker to reset or baring that unplug the power cord and open it to inspect the incoming supply connections.

frizfreleng · 12-23-2018, 06:59 PM

Okay, I got to the bottom of it. I wired the male cable end directly to an independent 120 vac source. Converter fan started spinning and a couple of 120vac lights came on. Looks like I have a pedestal problem and a roof leak. By the way the converter is about 3 inches off the deck. No water anywhere around. Thank God. Now I just had an epiphany. The window above the sink was cranked open. 2 days of wind and rain may explain the water on the counter.

Thanks for the help. Friz

mobilemike · 12-24-2018, 11:49 AM

Good job!

Electricity is like water. When in doubt start at the source and check flow at every intersection down the line.

frizfreleng · 12-30-2018, 02:50 PM

Apparently I did not follow Mike's sage advice and start at the beginning.
Finally turned out to be the bus bars (3) in the junction box. Corroded after years of moisture intrusion. I am surprised the 240v to the well pump wasn't lost. If it had been I would have jumped on the problem far sooner. Instead I was off on a wild goose chase in the camper. What I did lose was the 120v to the gate, 120v to the RV receptacle and 120v to an auxiliary plug. Anyhow, replaced the bus bars and put a small barrel over the junction box. Everything works 4.0. Sincerely appreciate all the help!