|
|
09-20-2017, 11:43 AM
|
#1
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Frankfort
Posts: 6
|
It all worked on electric hookup--not on LP and battery
Hi all! Total newbie. Honestly just got the RV to stay on the land with the horses while house is built. Bought an 03 Toyhauler. When I went to look at it, the seller showed me that everything worked.. above and beyond any questions I even thought to ask. It was hooked up to city water and electric. Everything worked!!!
I am off grid until the water and electric get put in to the land. I have the battery hooked up to a 100W solar panel. So, yes, there is a charged battery. the lights in the living area work. The ones in the back do not. I know the outlets won't work without an inverter. That's fine! I can live without tv and a hairdryer for awhile.
But the fridge, water pump (by extension the water heater= no watergetting there to heat) and the furnace will not turn on. According to my research... they should all work on LP. The stove does work so yes, LP is ok. Yes, I filled the water tanks. The fuses all look ok.
Prior owner never used it without a hookup. They are stumped as well.
HELP!! The manuals are not helpful. I've done everything I could find online to try. It's not cold yet but I need that heat soon! A hot shower instead of heating gallons of water for a bath would be fantastic as well.
|
|
|
09-20-2017, 12:31 PM
|
#2
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,347
|
Welcome to the forum!!!
First thing to check is the battery. Is it new? If not then it is suspect. If the trailer was plugged in and the water level checked in the cells, then the battery is most likely "cooked".
If the battery was replaced, then I would check the polarity of the connections. White is GROUND, and if hooked up backwards for even a second it will blow the reverse polarity fuses. Those fuses are usually the 40A fuses NOT in the row of fuses.
If your coach has a battery disconnect, make sure it's set to allow current to flow. Why some things work and others don't will take some further investigation once we have ruled out a bad battery, disconnect switch.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
|
|
|
09-20-2017, 03:03 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Posts: 2,227
|
OK, the living room lights work so there is some battery power. The water pump, furnace and fridge as well as the other lights were operating on 12v even when you were plugged in to shore power. Your converter takes the 110v a.c. power and "converts" it to 12v d.c. so they are probably ok just not getting power.
So something happened when the shore power was removed and the solar was connected. Look in your fuse panel and see if the different fuses were labeled in some way. If you can identify the fuse for say the furnace, remove it. hold it to the working light and see if you can confirm the filament is not broken. Fuses can "look" OK but close inspection might find it has blown. Same with the other 12v fuses.
Follow Chuckster's advice regarding the 40 amp polarity protection fuses. If you have and are comfortable using, a volt ohm meter, the best test is to ohm out the fuses to confirm they are good.
Keep the forum updated and we all will try and help you sort through this.
__________________
2017 Cougar 279RKSWE
2007.5 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins
Retirement Training Completed
I think the little voices in my head have started a chat group.
|
|
|
09-20-2017, 05:14 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Posts: 2,227
|
Forgot to mention, you can run the fridge on LP Gas while this gets sorted out.
__________________
2017 Cougar 279RKSWE
2007.5 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins
Retirement Training Completed
I think the little voices in my head have started a chat group.
|
|
|
09-20-2017, 06:34 PM
|
#5
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,347
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Canonman
Forgot to mention, you can run the fridge on LP Gas while this gets sorted out.
|
Still need battery power. OP says the fridge won't turn on.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
|
|
|
09-20-2017, 08:16 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Posts: 2,227
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57
Still need battery power. OP says the fridge won't turn on.
|
Good catch. 12v needed for controls
Is it possible the 12v panel is split with two main fuses?
__________________
2017 Cougar 279RKSWE
2007.5 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins
Retirement Training Completed
I think the little voices in my head have started a chat group.
|
|
|
09-21-2017, 02:18 AM
|
#7
|
Site Team | Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Western PA
Posts: 2,732
|
If all 12V systems worked on shore power and now only some when disconnected, I would check anything you added and/or changed in that period of time. On shore power the converter was supplying power to all rig 12V systems as well as charging the battery if battery disconnect switch in correct position. When disconnected from shore power your battery is the main source of 12V power. Was the solar system wired in after you were disconnected from shore power??
If you you have and are familiar with a multi meter, I would check the voltage on each side of all the 12V DC fuses in the power distribution panel.
__________________
2013 RAPTOR 300MP w/Rear Patio Deck NO Folding Side Ladder
2013 Silverado 3500HD LTZ CC LB 4X4 DRW
Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel; Allison Trans
Reese 20K; Carlisle Radial Trail RH/HD; TPMS (12 Tires)
Veteran
PSU (GO LIONS)
|
|
|
09-21-2017, 02:48 AM
|
#8
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,347
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Canonman
Good catch. 12v needed for controls
Is it possible the 12v panel is split with two main fuses?
|
Can't say I've ever seen a 12V panel split into multiple legs like a 50A breaker panel.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
|
|
|
09-21-2017, 03:39 AM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Lafayette
Posts: 1,068
|
I really not sure myself but could there be something the solar connection is doing to block some power from getting to the coach...maybe a limiting switch of sorts, if there is such a thing, has the OP tried all of the items not working now without having or before hooking the solar up???
__________________
2015 Ram,3500,Dually,B&W,4.10s,Aisin,Limited,Silver
2018 Raptor,428SP w/full body paint
2012 Harley, Ultra Limited
|
|
|
09-21-2017, 04:31 AM
|
#10
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Frankfort
Posts: 6
|
Thanks! I will check fuses again. The unit was hooked up at seller's place. He dropped it off on the land for me. I have an 02 GMC 2500HD that would pull it, but no sway bars as I mostly pull my 4 horse gooseneck. It sat for two weeks before I actually moved in and started trying to work things. I attached the solar panel. It wires right to the battery itself, not sure how it would interfere. I can easily disconnect after a sunny day and the battery is charged to check that.
Yes, I was careful to get the wires connected correctly.
No, I did not attempt to turn anything on before the solar panel was attached.
The battery isn't old but also not brand new. I did worry about it sitting for two weeks.
I'll try disconnecting the solar and then check fuses as well. I may just replace them all to be sure.
BTW, it has settled a bit and is not completely level side to side. I need to get a few boards to put under the tires. Would that make any difference? Maybe there is loose wiring and the angle has shorted it? I know that will affect the fridge in the long run, but thought it should at least start up.
THANK YOU !
|
|
|
09-21-2017, 04:51 AM
|
#11
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,347
|
Being off level shouldn't have any effect on wiring. The refer can take up to 3 degrees off level with no issues.
If it sat for two weeks without being plugged in or on solar, that enough time to drain the battery. There are parisitic drains, that draw power unless the disconnect is turned off.
If you can, take the battery out and have it load tested. Any auto parts store can do it, and if it fails make sure to replace it with a deep cycle marine/RV and not a standard automotive type battery.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
|
|
|
09-21-2017, 05:24 AM
|
#12
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Frankfort
Posts: 6
|
Battery disconnect switch? Where do I find and check that?
|
|
|
09-21-2017, 05:42 AM
|
#13
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 6,332
|
There will be a door on the street side of your RV with water hook-ups and cable/tv antenna connections. It will be a red handled switch.
__________________
Jim in Memphis, Wife of 51 years is Brenda
2019 F450 6.7 Powerstroke
2018 Mobile Suites 40RSSA
2021 40' Jayco Eagle
2001 Road king w/matching Harley sidecar
2021 Yamaha X2 Wolverine 1000
|
|
|
09-21-2017, 06:33 AM
|
#14
|
Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,996
|
If the trailer sat "disconnected" for a couple of weeks with no shore power, I'd suspect that the battery is dead and just hasn't got the "umph" from the solar system to recharge it. Also, if the trailer is plugged in with a dead battery and the solar system is supplying 13 volts, the converter will "sense that voltage" and "charge the battery according to what it senses". That means that the converter won't charge a "charged battery" to prevent overcharging and "boiling the battery". So, in short, what I'm suspecting is that the solar system is providing power to the battery circuit "fooling" the converter into thinking the battery is charged and causing the converter to go into "trickle charge". If so, there won't be enough charging current to ever bring the battery back to full charge.
My suggestion, first disconnect the solar system, verify the battery condition with a voltmeter. Check the electrolyte level, then plug in the trailer to shore power. See if the converter is charging the battery and providing 12 VDC to the trailer systems. If it is, then I'd suspect the solar system is the culprit. If not, then I'd do the troubleshooting found in the WFCO owner's manual. Essentially, it is: Disconnect the battery, plug the trailer into shore power, check the converter output at the fuse panel. If it's 13.6VDC, the converter is working, if it is less than that, the converter charging circuit is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
|
|
|
09-21-2017, 06:56 AM
|
#15
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Venice
Posts: 5,346
|
Connect your truck with the engine running to the trailer and see if you gain anything. The lights that are working may have been converted to led and will work on much lower voltage. On an '03 trailer the battery disconnect could be anywhere if it was installed aftermarket.
I think your problem is the battery is weak from sitting too long and the solar panel just is not enough to bring it back. Maybe you can borrow a small generator just to bring it back up or take it home and fully charge it. I don't think your present solar panel will be enough to sustain you for a long period. Look into a small generator to help it along. JM2¢, Hank .... Good luck
__________________
Hank & Lynn
2007 Cougar 290RKS, E-Z Flex, 16" XPS RIBs ( SOLD .. Gonna miss her ... looking for new 5r)
2004.5 Dodge 2500 QC, LB, 5.9HO, WestTach gauges, Ride-Rite
|
|
|
09-22-2017, 07:35 AM
|
#16
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Frankfort
Posts: 6
|
No access to shore power unless I haul it somewhere. The road in isn't great, no sway bars and I'd have to take up a bunch of just fenced dog yard around it. I can try plugging in to the truck though. So..... if I can possibly avoid that route.......I'm thinking a new battery is in order as the most likely culprit. I was planning on adding batteries and solar panels to have more power available when more funds came available- dog needed vet and truck needed repairs all at once---ufda. But I don't need much for just a few lights at night as the rest should mostly work off LP anyway. Good time to catch up on my reading and skip tv for the one hour or so before bedtime.
|
|
|
09-22-2017, 07:41 AM
|
#17
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,347
|
Unless your TV is 12V or you have an inverter to run it, watching TV is a non issue.
Available funds will definitely play in decisions. If your going to add batteries, I would pony up for 2 6V batteries instead of a pair of 12V. You will get more available Amp Hrs. (Reserve). Takes longer to charge but with solar if the panel(s) can get a full day of sun you should be good. Let us.know if you go the 6V route as the batteries are connected differently than a pair of 12V.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
|
|
|
09-22-2017, 09:10 AM
|
#18
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Lafayette
Posts: 1,068
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by notanlines
There will be a door on the street side of your RV with water hook-ups and cable/tv antenna connections. It will be a red handled switch.
|
Being an 02 it may not have a disconnect or a convenience center. My 06 and 09 neither one had either, not saying an aftermarket disconnect couldn't have been installed though.
__________________
2015 Ram,3500,Dually,B&W,4.10s,Aisin,Limited,Silver
2018 Raptor,428SP w/full body paint
2012 Harley, Ultra Limited
|
|
|
09-26-2017, 12:02 PM
|
#19
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Frankfort
Posts: 6
|
UPDATE-- had the battery checked- it was definitely not working up to par and was new enough that they exchanged it. So, I went with just the 12V for now.
I connected it and got all the lights everywhere to work. The electric part of the fridge goes on but it is still blinking about the propane.
Question#1) I filled the tank very recently so I'm guessing air in the line?Not sure what else to do for it.
I'm pretty sure two of the main 30 amp fuses are blown. Forgot to get them last night. Hopefully tonight and then maybe the furnace, water pump and water heater will work.
|
|
|
09-26-2017, 12:07 PM
|
#20
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,347
|
To purge air from the LP lines, light the stove. After it lights, then try the refer. It may take 3 or 4 times to light.
After you replace the fuses, let us know what doesn't work.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|