Community Forums

cojo · 09-21-2008, 04:40 PM

We are having a problem I have not seen any threads for. While plugged into shore power, we noticed the interior lights getting dimmer and dimmer and assumed it was a park power problem not knowing that some items in the rv ran on dc power. The park did put in a new breaker and outlet. We then discovered that it was all 12v items in the rv that were losing power which includes all the lights. The 110v is fine, a/c, fridge and all outlets work. We started the engine and were able to charge and use lights sparingly for 2 hours and repeated that throughout the weekend. My thinking is that the converter is not working and keeping a charge on the house batteries? We are rookies at this and need a little advice. It is a 2006 Winnebago Outlook, E450 engine.
Thanks a bunch for any advice

Connie

cojo · 09-21-2008, 04:40 PM

We are having a problem I have not seen any threads for. While plugged into shore power, we noticed the interior lights getting dimmer and dimmer and assumed it was a park power problem not knowing that some items in the rv ran on dc power. The park did put in a new breaker and outlet. We then discovered that it was all 12v items in the rv that were losing power which includes all the lights. The 110v is fine, a/c, fridge and all outlets work. We started the engine and were able to charge and use lights sparingly for 2 hours and repeated that throughout the weekend. My thinking is that the converter is not working and keeping a charge on the house batteries? We are rookies at this and need a little advice. It is a 2006 Winnebago Outlook, E450 engine.
Thanks a bunch for any advice

Connie

SargeW · 09-21-2008, 04:46 PM

If your house batteries are real weak you can have that problem as well. You may need to check the voltage at the battery with a volt meter with the battery cable disconnected. It could be your converter is acting up, but the more likey issue is the battery.

Sarge

becks · 09-21-2008, 05:04 PM

I would agree it seems your batteries are run down low. Check voltage and water level also and go from there. Then give us some more info if you can.

Gary RVRoamer · 09-21-2008, 05:19 PM

Odds are your converter/charger has failed. Your batteries may also be bad, but if the converter is working it should more than compensate for them while on shore power.

Check the water level in the batteries (unless they are the sealed type) and fill with distilled water as needed. Then after a few hours check the battery voltage - should be in the 13.1-14.0 range if the converter is charging them. If the voltage is still low, you probably need a new converter. Professional help may be in order if you aren't comfortable with electrical things.

RV Wizard · 09-22-2008, 12:23 AM

I am sure you checked the circuit breakers but also be sure to check all the fuses. It should be at least 1 30 amp fuse. There are built in charging sections in converters and free standing ones too; so the fuses could be in different places. Good luck and let us know what you find and if you are comfortable with diagnosing electrical or not.

Dsouthw524 · 09-22-2008, 02:22 AM

If the water in your coach batteries is fine and the running of your engine charges the batteries fine then you are definetly having converter problems. Either the fuse or ? If you have a battery charger available you can prove this assumption by charging the batteries with the charger until you can get the converter replaced.

Brigadoon · 09-22-2008, 06:37 AM

cojo,

What is the make and model of your converter?

Al Spivey · 09-22-2008, 05:45 PM

Hi, I had a similar problem this summer on my trip to Canada. Found out that as long as I was traveling, my batteries would stay up but would go down as we dry camped. I found that all I needed was 2 30 amp fuses in the converter. After replacing them, our battery floated at 13.7 while hooked up or driving. The converter/inverter is located usually under the stove area. You need to remove the drawers to get to it. Pull the fuses and see if they are blown. This is the fail/safe for the inverter. Good Luck. Al

cojo · 09-22-2008, 06:45 PM

Thanks for all the responses. I am not sure what the model or make of the converter is, I will check when I go and try some of things you guys have suggested. The rv is not stored here. The converter clearly was not running though, the fan use to turn on from time to time, this time not a peep, no hum no heat, I think it is dead. I am not afraid to try repairs or test so will continue on and let you know. Thanks again.
Connie