Where did the lights go?

[Skamper1]

Working on AS in the cool of the night. All lights on, radio on and pump to water tank. Noticed the pump started working slower and slower. Lights got dimmer. Finally not enough power for pump to work. Checked battery status and it read weak. Shut off all lights and returned the next morning. Battery status was now excellent. Would have thought I could use all the lights and pump while plugged in to power. Have I got a problem somewhere? Thanks. Jack

[RichHog]

Sounds like a problem with your univolt system/inverter. It regulates the power on the 12 volt side that runs all lighting and 12volt systems like your water pump. Does your AC system run ok- radio ? it's on the 120 Volt side?

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I can only guess by using my trailer for an example. My radio does not have any subwoofers or amplifiers connected to it, so the draw from the radio is practically nothing. I know the water pump draws a lot of power when actually pumping. I have incandescent lights in my trailer and we usually only have a few on at a time. If I had all of my lights on, as you stated, I would become blind and my trailer would melt from all the heat. [slight exaggeration] With all of my lights on, radio on, and water pump on, I believe it would draw faster from my batteries than my converter could put out. Therefore draining the batteries.

[Skamper1]

Ordered a new univolt. After all my testing and consulting here, it was decided a 32 y.o. univolt needed to be retired. Will update when I have replaced it. Don't plan to use the pump in the future, but do plan on using lights, furnance, radio and other 12 volt stuff. Furnance seems funny to say when Savannah is in the midst of 100 degree weather! Jack