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Old 07-30-2010, 09:25 AM   #1
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1981 31' Excella II
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12V lights and water pump

Our 12v ceiling lights flickere when we turn on the water pump. Is this normal, or do we have a problem?
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Old 07-30-2010, 09:29 AM   #2
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It's an Airstream, so both
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Old 07-30-2010, 10:08 AM   #3
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The start current on the 12V water pump is large; this causes voltage fluctuations on the line and the resulting light flicker. This is normal and expected; you can see the same effect at home with loads w/ high in-rush currents such as circular saws, etc.

If it bothers you, you may be able to reduce the problem with one of those $20 2F capacitors used by the car stereo nuts to provide more drive for their woofers; attach this at the pump to the power supply line (BEFORE the switch) and to the local ground. Personally, I don't feel it is worth worrying about...

- Bart
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Old 07-30-2010, 01:21 PM   #4
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You could have a little corrosion on any (or all) of the wires in the DC circuit. I'd check all of the battery terminals, binding post and all of the wire terminations in the DC distribution panel. The lights are flickering because of a voltage drop. The water pump should not draw enough current to load the DC buss and make the lights dim.
Neither of my AS trailers ever had this problem when the DC buss, water pump, batteries and charger were all working correctly.
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Old 07-30-2010, 01:39 PM   #5
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I agree with dlb435 sounds like a bad ground or weak battery.
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Old 08-03-2010, 02:24 PM   #6
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electrical issue

Quote:
Originally Posted by dave park View Post
it's an airstream, so both
i have a 1975 argosy and the following all worked and now do not ????????? They are as follows the range hood fan
light over the sink
galley fan
fresh water pump
light in bed room
all other light work ????
I think it is a blown fuse , but can not find the fuse panel in this 1975 argosy ?????? Any ideas ????
Thanks
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Old 01-27-2013, 09:49 PM   #7
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I have this problem now also!

Reviving an old post here. I just brought home my new (to me) 1976 Argosy 26. Have been replacing plumbing with PEX and working on all kinds of small projects. My 12V lights (and everything else) worked when I put in fresh, new charged battery. I noticed the TV antenna no longer worked and was leaking a bit, so I removed it and installed a cover on the roof. The insulation was a bit damp around the hole so I ran a hair dryer on it for awhile.

The next day, my overhead lights, and water pump no longer function. Does this sound like damp insulation still or a blown fuse in converter? I looked at fuses but did not test them.

Thanks

Rick
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