Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-19-2015, 12:32 PM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 15
Unhappy 2 Electrical Conundrums

Puzzle #1. First use of our new Yamaha 2000 Watt generator on our 2013 RBFC AS did not go as planned as we attempted to use it to run run our microwave (Sharp Grill 2 Convection listed as requiring 1450 W/12.5 A) yet each time we'd get an Overload light on the generator and the microwave would cut off. Why doesn't this work?

Puzzle #2. Seemingly unrelated? In Feb we replaced our dead batteries with a pair of Autocraft Starting Marine M24-1, only to soon realize that our converter had a short (perhaps the old batteries were fine) and AS replaced the converter (Parallax 7300, I believe) that seemed to function normally until now. Batteries now appear to charge appropriately either by shore power, long trip or generator, but then completely lose the charge in as little as 12 hours of minimal use. The battery water levels look OK and using a cheap hydrometer (first use of it, was I doing it correctly?) seemed to indicate that all 12 cells were similar and in a satisfactory range. Is there any explanation other than my batteries are caput after just 5 months and was I sold the right kind of battery?
cdfriend is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2015, 01:01 PM   #2
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples , Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
2 Electrical Conundrums

Can't address the genny problem, unless you have another 120VAC load drawing area the same time. 2000 watts should run a 1400 watt microwave.

I have some bad news about your batteries. You bought STARTING batteries where you should have purchased DEEP CYCLE batteries.

Starting batteries are good for one thing......... STARTING ENGINES. They have a different internal structure than deep cycle units and are simply not designed for that use.

If you want more usage from your batteries, get true DEEP CYCLE batteries, not marine deep cycle, marine starting or any other type........just plain old DEEP CYCLE.

I would also junk your present converter for a modern, 'smart' 3-stage converter that will properly charge your batteries. Your existing unit is incapable of proper charging due to it's single voltage constant output.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
lewster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2015, 01:06 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
jdalrymple's Avatar
 
2009 27' FB Flying Cloud
1982 31' International
1991 35' Airstream 350
Jay , Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,706
For number 1:

If you are plugging in the shoreline of the trailer, there a certainly more loads than just the 1450 watts required by the microwave: the converter, the refer( if left in the auto mode, it switches to AC when it sees power on the shoreline). These two alone add up to more than is left of the 2000 watts the generator is making when the microwave asks for 1450.

Number Two: One should use deep cycle batteries, not starting batteries. Deep cycle batteries are designed to provide power over a longer period time. Starting batteries supply a large amount of power for a short time.

You don't mention what appliances you are running during a 12 hour period. The are just batteries and have a limited supply of power. Leaving lights on or using an AC inverter are high current draw activities, and will use up a pair of batteries in short order.


Good Luck,


JD
__________________
Jeff & Cindy
'09 27FB Flying Cloud;'82 31 International
'91 350 LE MH; '21 Interstate 24GT


jdalrymple is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2015, 01:40 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
HowieE's Avatar
 
1991 34' Excella
Princeton , New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
Images: 12
A 2000 watt generator will not power the background things in your trailer and the microwave. Turn the frig to gas, the convertor off, and any other 120 volt items that you have like the TV which is always powered on.

That generator will show an over load at about 1700 watts.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles

HowieE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2015, 08:25 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
richinny's Avatar
 
2011 34' Classic
Westchester Cty.NY , / Miami FL
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,122
switch the water heater to gas too.
__________________
Ricky
2012 F150 Super Crew 5-1/2' bed Ecoboost 4x4 3.73 elec. lock diff. Propride hitch
give life. kidney & pancreas transplant 9/9/06
Ingrid-my unofficial '"World's Oldest Streamer" 1909-2008 R.I.P.
richinny is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Electrical changes 120 volt ac FrankR Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 9 02-05-2019 06:38 PM
Electrical probs w electrical to new fridge cooling unit. Surfairstrea Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 2 05-23-2012 07:24 PM
I have made many electrical changes FrankR Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 4 10-03-2008 08:53 AM
New electrical in position FrankR Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 5 05-18-2002 11:47 PM
Electrical System Question ViewRVs Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... 2 03-16-2002 07:39 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:30 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.