|
|
11-22-2022, 10:55 AM
|
#1
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Harrisburg, OR
Posts: 9
|
Need help
Hey everyone! We recently purchased our first RV (2022 Hideout 26BHWE) and have started running into issues. Our lights dim and the furnace won't kick on consistently. We have been plugged in to shore power of some sort the entire time we've had the trailer so far. The issue only seems to happen at night/evenings. I don't get what could be the issue if everything's new and has been plugged in the whole time. I'm very new to this and have a healthy respect (ignorance) when it comes to electrical issues, so be gentile and speak as if I am a child when it comes to that subject lol. Any help is greatly appreciated!!
-Scar
|
|
|
11-22-2022, 11:09 AM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,447
|
Sometimes a dealer will install a second rate battery in new campers. Suggest you take the battery to an auto parts store for a load test. If the battery isn't the culprit, we will have to move on from there.
__________________
wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
|
|
|
11-22-2022, 12:12 PM
|
#3
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,317
|
Is your trailer 30 amp ( three prong) or 50 amp ( four prong)? And are you plugged into a 30 or 50 amp pedestal?
__________________
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.
|
|
|
11-22-2022, 12:19 PM
|
#4
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Harrisburg, OR
Posts: 9
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57
Is your trailer 30 amp ( three prong) or 50 amp ( four prong)? And are you plugged into a 30 or 50 amp pedestal?
|
It's a 30 amp trailer, and we are (currently) plugged into 30 amp service.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wiredgeorge
Sometimes a dealer will install a second rate battery in new campers. Suggest you take the battery to an auto parts store for a load test. If the battery isn't the culprit, we will have to move on from there.
|
If I can get away from work before this rain hits, I can do that today, thank you. If by chance, the batteries are okay, what's the next thing down the line to consider?
|
|
|
11-22-2022, 12:29 PM
|
#5
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,317
|
If you have 2 batteries are they a pair of 12V or 6V?
If they are 12V hooked up in parallel, battery A positive to battery b positive and battery a negative to battery b negative, then check the trailer leads.
One should be on battery a and the other should be on battery b, just be sure to put the positive trailer lead on one of the positive posts and the negative lead on the negative post of the other 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.
|
|
|
11-22-2022, 02:08 PM
|
#6
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Harrisburg, OR
Posts: 9
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57
If you have 2 batteries are they a pair of 12V or 6V?
|
I believe that they are a pair of 12v, but I will verify that after work in about an hour or so.
__________________
2011 Ram 1500 Big Horn
-5.7 Hemi
2022 Hideout 26BHWE
-200w Solar on Roof
[/SIGPIC]
|
|
|
12-08-2022, 09:42 AM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,447
|
OP hasn't been back since 11/23 to follow up. If the voltage sags due a poor electrical service connected to a camper a quality EMS will catch it and turn off power prior to damage to the camper electrical systems. If the batteries or converter are an issue then this will require rectifying the issue else damage can occur on the 12V side I expect. Not sure heated wires will be a problem but could be if DC drops a lot and for a long time. I think the batteries will likely be more affected.
__________________
wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
|
|
|
12-08-2022, 09:59 AM
|
#8
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 18
|
One more thing to check. Has your emergency brake breakaway pin been pulled out? The electric brakes draw a lot of power.
One time I had a similar problem to yours where the furnace wouldn't run and the lights would dim. When connected to shore power the batteries would charge with no load on them (except for the brakes) but when I added loads the voltage would drop and lights would dim. I spent hours taking the batteries to be tested before I discovered the breakaway plug was missing.
|
|
|
12-08-2022, 10:03 AM
|
#9
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: New Brighton
Posts: 33
|
Are the lights dimming only when the furnace turns on? That would indicate that the voltage was dropping because of the additional load. If they are dimming without the furnace running, that could be several things. Corrosion on the leads (wires) at the battery terminals, bad battery or the converter is not charging the batteries correctly.
Check that the battery terminals are clean and tight. Check each battery one at a time. Disconnect the leads and check each battery's voltage with the leads removed to verify they are properly charged. They should be greater than 12.5v. If they are not, check with the leads installed. The converter output should be ~14v to charge them. Clean the leads while you have them disconnected. CAUTION; Do not touch the leads to each other or the trailer frame because it is still energized from the other battery.
__________________
2007 Outback 23RS
2016 Silverado 2500HD
2004 Honda Goldwing
2015 Catalina 33RETS
|
|
|
12-08-2022, 01:44 PM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: West Jordan
Posts: 181
|
Hi Scar. I don't know why everyone is telling you to check your batteries??? I can see a battery issue if you are NOT plugged in, but if you are plugged in to shore power you are not even using the batteries. Either the 110 to 12v converter is not working well, or it's your transfer switch is not switching your 110 to 12v and you are still using your batteries. You can easily check this by disconnecting your batteries and see if everything goes dark while plugged into shore power.
|
|
|
12-08-2022, 03:07 PM
|
#11
|
Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,668
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kzneft
Hi Scar. I don't know why everyone is telling you to check your batteries??? I can see a battery issue if you are NOT plugged in, but if you are plugged in to shore power you are not even using the batteries. Either the 110 to 12v converter is not working well, or it's your transfer switch is not switching your 110 to 12v and you are still using your batteries. You can easily check this by disconnecting your batteries and see if everything goes dark while plugged into shore power.
|
The highlighted above would be incorrect. Not only does the RV use the battery power to run high usage items (slides etc.) that the converter should not be used for alone, bad batteries will drain the converter output and cause exactly what the OP described - btdt.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
|
|
|
12-09-2022, 01:19 PM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: West Jordan
Posts: 181
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57
What “transfer switch” are you talking about?
|
Since I also have a onboard generator the transfer switch needs to know if you are running off a generator or shore power. Not sure if trailers that are not toy haulers have a transfer switch. Maybe not if you don't have a generator.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sourdough
The highlighted above would be incorrect. Not only does the RV use the battery power to run high usage items (slides etc.) that the converter should not be used for alone, bad batteries will drain the converter output and cause exactly what the OP described - btdt.
|
I am correct on my fairly new Carbon. I can disconnect ALL my batteries and while plugged in to shore power I can run everything, including slides, hydraulic jacks, furnace, fridge, and everything else. Everything works. Why would a RV mfg make you use your batteries for the furnace while plugged in? Makes no sense.
|
|
|
12-09-2022, 01:46 PM
|
#13
|
Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,668
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kzneft
Since I also have a onboard generator the transfer switch needs to know if you are running off a generator or shore power. Not sure if trailers that are not toy haulers have a transfer switch. Maybe not if you don't have a generator.
I am correct on my fairly new Carbon. I can disconnect ALL my batteries and while plugged in to shore power I can run everything, including slides, hydraulic jacks, furnace, fridge, and everything else. Everything works. Why would a RV mfg make you use your batteries for the furnace while plugged in? Makes no sense.
|
I can disconnect mine too....and eventually ruin the converter. The converter charges the battery(s) and the battery(s) should be in place to run high amperage items like slides and/or a leveling system - it (converter) can run the little stuff.
This RV (and my last - don't remember past that) has a bold red and white sticker in the control panel that specifically states "Battery installation required for slideout operation" - I'm sure yours does as well if it hasn't disappeared. This is also from the WFCO (converter) manual - "A battery is typically only necessary if you do a lot of dry camping or have slide-outs and/or a leveling system". I have read other warnings as well but this is the first I found in a quick search.
My post that you quoted is correct. If you want to run without batteries and buy new converters that's fine, others just need to know that your comment was inaccurate.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
|
|
|
12-09-2022, 03:05 PM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: West Jordan
Posts: 181
|
Must be the difference between a Toy Hauler and a TT. Mine does not have a Converter. My shore power does not charge the batteries, only the generator does.
That still does not answer the question why his furnace would be using his batteries while plugged into shore power?
|
|
|
12-08-2022, 03:10 PM
|
#15
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,317
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kzneft
Hi Scar. I don't know why everyone is telling you to check your batteries??? I can see a battery issue if you are NOT plugged in, but if you are plugged in to shore power you are not even using the batteries. Either the 110 to 12v converter is not working well, or it's your transfer switch is not switching your 110 to 12v and you are still using your batteries. You can easily check this by disconnecting your batteries and see if everything goes dark while plugged into shore power.
|
What “transfer switch” are you talking about?
__________________
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.
|
|
|
12-08-2022, 03:37 PM
|
#16
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 6,327
|
"Either the 110 to 12v converter is not working well, or it's your transfer switch is not switching your 110 to 12v and you are still using your batteries."
None of our RV's (9) have ever had a transfer switch from 1110v to 12v.
__________________
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
|
|
|
12-09-2022, 01:33 PM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: West Jordan
Posts: 181
|
Transfer switch pic
Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57
What “transfer switch” are you talking about?
|
'
Transfer switch pic. Same as I have my my RV
|
|
|
12-09-2022, 03:11 PM
|
#18
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,317
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kzneft
'
Transfer switch pic. Same as I have my my RV
|
That transfer switch is for the 110VAC coming into the trailer. In normal configuration it will automatically switch from generator to shore power, it has nothing to do with the converter charging the batteries other than the source of the AC voltage to power the converter. If your converter doesn’t charge the batteries then there is an issue with the transfer 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.
|
|
|
12-09-2022, 03:07 PM
|
#19
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,447
|
Converter converts 117VAC to 12V DC and charges battery simultaneous to powering 12V fused circuits.
Transfer switch either automatic or manual switches incoming 117V AC from a line source; power pedestal or generator. Has nothing to do with 12VDC directly other than the converter won't be energized if the transfer switch fails. A transfer switch is normally associated with RVs equipped with a generator.
My BIL had a new Class C with a transfer switch that fried and neither incoming AC or generator AC would get to the power center. I hot wired the power cord wires inside the box to what had been the outgoing wires from the transfer switch to temporarily allow them to have power via the pedestal. The converter didn't know any of this had occurred and functioned normally.
__________________
wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
|
|
|
12-11-2022, 07:21 AM
|
#20
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 2,705
|
OK, this may be too simple, but????? Is your battery cut-off switch in the "off" position? If it is, all your 12 volt system is being powered by your converter, nothing from the battery. Converters work OK without batteries, but they do have limitations that if overloaded, lights and such will dim down.
Simple test to run... simply unplug your camper from shore power. Turn on one of your house lights. If there is no light, your battery cut off switch is in the "off" position. Flip it back on. All your problems will be solved.
I hope it's just that simple.
__________________
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Duramax HD 6.6 - 3500 Diesel Dully Long bed Crew Cab
|
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Hybrid Mode
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|