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trailerware · 05-20-2008, 07:37 AM

While boondocking at the beach this weekend. My Onan 5.5 generator stopped charging my house batteries and powering the wall outlets, TV, Refrigerator, and A\C. When I got home and plugged it into shorepower, it charged the batteries, but would not operate the appliances listed above. The strange thing is everything works fine only when my Xantrex 2500 inverter is on. I've checked all the fuses inside the coach, and on the generator. Anybody have any ideas? Thanks!!

trailerware · 05-20-2008, 07:37 AM

While boondocking at the beach this weekend. My Onan 5.5 generator stopped charging my house batteries and powering the wall outlets, TV, Refrigerator, and A\C. When I got home and plugged it into shorepower, it charged the batteries, but would not operate the appliances listed above. The strange thing is everything works fine only when my Xantrex 2500 inverter is on. I've checked all the fuses inside the coach, and on the generator. Anybody have any ideas? Thanks!!

quikduk · 05-20-2008, 10:00 AM

This happened to us too. The fuses were fine but the circuit breaker on the generator had tripped and it wasn't obvious. I turned it on and off about 10 times to clean the contacts and all is well now. Try this and check for any other related breakers.

If this doesn't fix it, there may be a bad solenoid etc. somewhere else in the circuit.

trailerware · 05-20-2008, 10:43 AM

Thanks for the tip. I'll try that. From some other posts, I'm getting the feeling it could be a converter issue. I'll try your idea first.

Thanks!

paz · 05-20-2008, 02:04 PM

trailerware, welcome to iRV2.

If the TV and A/C aren't working either, I doubt if the converter is the problem. The reason everything works when the inverter is on is that the inverter is powering everything from the battery.

My money is on the breakers on the generator like quikduk says. Ours trip every once in a while. Let us know if that's the problem.

trailerware · 05-20-2008, 02:52 PM

Thanks for the reply. Going to mess with it on Weds. Let you guys know.

trailerware · 05-21-2008, 01:43 PM

I tried your suggestions today. Flipped the two fuses on the ONAN Gen back and forth many times. Tried it with the Gen on and off. Even sprayed contact cleaner on them. No change. Let me know if you have any other ideas. Otherwise it is off to the rv dealer next week. Thanks!

RV Wizard · 05-21-2008, 04:40 PM

Have you checked the transfer switch?

trailerware · 05-21-2008, 06:21 PM

Thanks for the reply. Where is the transfer switch and how would I check it? Thanks! BTW I have an 01 Silverado 4x4 and an 06 Vue and my driver has always been the 3.

RV Wizard · 05-22-2008, 10:52 AM

What year, make & model is your coach?

trailerware · 05-22-2008, 11:10 AM

It is a 2004 Fleetwood Flair 31A. It has a Workhorse chassis and the 8.1L Chevy and Allison Trans.

RV Wizard · 05-23-2008, 04:59 AM

I have added a shortcut to the Fleetwood Owners section of the forum for more exposure those that have similar product. I do not think the 2500 watt inverter was original equipment unless ordered as an option. You should not have a conventional converter/charger and the inverter/charger unless the inverter was added aftermarket. If so then the converter/charger should have the charging section disconnected or turned off. The transfer switch could be near the converter charger. You may have to pull the converter or drawers to find it. If you do not have a converter look near teh 120 volt distribution panel (circuit breakers). Let us know what you find.

trailerware · 05-27-2008, 11:38 AM

You are correct. I had camping world install the inverter a couple years ago. Thanks for the advice. I'll let you know how it goes.

Dave Phillips · 05-30-2008, 11:18 AM

I am having a similar problem that maybe someone can help with. When in shore power the chassis battery does not charge, and the Emergency Start switch does not work. I checked fuse inside the under hood fuzebox and I suspect the solenoid (also in the box)is shot. Anyone have a hint what I should do next before ripping the solenoid out?? This is on 2001 Southwind 34, on F53. Thanks, dp