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 07-09-2007, 04:15 PM   #1
3 Rivet Member
 
1987 34' Limited
1987 34.5' Airstream 345
Tyler , Texas
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 110
Electrical problem 345

Hi! Last evening I noticed that as it was getting dark the 12V lights began to dim even when the genset was running. The AC units are working fine. When I started the engine the lights brightened up to their usual glow. Today the coach battery is DEAD and had to be jumped to start the coach. Any ideas on where to start looking for the problem. Just a guess but could the inverter have gone bad?
Thank you,
Pete
pjude is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2007, 04:42 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
guy99's Avatar
 
1984 31' Airstream310
Dunsmuir , California
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,336
Images: 16
First thing I would check is the circuit breaker for the 120V outlet that the converter plugs into. On my 84 310 it is the GFI breaker in the 120V box.

I'm confused about the batteries. On my rig there are three batteries, two coach(house) batteries and one chassis battery. All of them are charged by the alternator but only the coach batteries are charged by the converter when the genset is running or when plugged into shore power.

The chassis battery is the only one used to start the engine (unless I use the battery boost). My chassis battery can not be discharged by house lights, furnace, water pump, etc. because it is isolated from the coach (house) load.
__________________
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion - The Dalai Lama

1984 310 Limited Motorhome
Courtesy Parking (W/S/E/Wi-Fi) on I-5 in Northern California, 70 miles from Oregon border
guy99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2007, 05:08 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
2017 27' Flying Cloud
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Altoona , Florida
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,644
Sounds like high resistance connectors to me. To check the inverter, locate the DC output leads. Disconnect the A/C power and take a reading of the DC voltage. Restore the A/C power and take another reading of the DC voltage. Normal A/C off, DC should read in the 12 volt range. A/C on, DC should read 13.5 volt range.
If you get low DC voltage readings with the A/C on and off, Disconnect the batteries and take the DC readings with the A/C on. If the DC voltage increases, I would have the batteries tested.
Poprivet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2007, 07:24 PM   #4
3 Rivet Member
 
1987 34' Limited
1987 34.5' Airstream 345
Tyler , Texas
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 110
Since my 12V lights brighten when I start the engine I think there is a problem with a short...The fact that the air units are running off the genset but the 12V lights are not ='s a problem somewhere.
Pete
pjude is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2007, 12:45 AM   #5
Rivet Master
 
guy99's Avatar
 
1984 31' Airstream310
Dunsmuir , California
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,336
Images: 16
The air units have there own 120V circuits. In order for the genset to make 12V power it energizes a 120V circuit which powers the converter which makes 12V power. This is why I suggest you check the 120V breaker which supplies power to the converter.

The alternator makes 12V power directly and does not require the converter.
__________________
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion - The Dalai Lama

1984 310 Limited Motorhome
Courtesy Parking (W/S/E/Wi-Fi) on I-5 in Northern California, 70 miles from Oregon border
guy99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-10-2007, 05:47 PM   #6
3 Rivet Member
 
1987 34' Limited
1987 34.5' Airstream 345
Tyler , Texas
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 110
HI! Thanks to all that responded ...problem was with the breaker. It would be nice if the manuals were correct on certain items...Mine lists the breaker box as being under the range on a 345 when it in fact is above the rear window.
Took me a while to locate it.
Thanks again to all! I know I'll have more questions as this remodel progresses. Pete
pjude 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
I have made many electrical changes FrankR Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 4 10-03-2008 08:53 AM
electrical diagram for a 1966 Ambassador 28 foot ups guy Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 2 09-10-2004 04:24 PM
Electrical problem--99 safari Andrew Carey Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 2 11-16-2002 02:04 PM
Opps... (Split thread problem) Andy R Our Community 1 10-19-2002 02:12 AM
Skylight - WARNING - possible Problem apple 1 Roof Vents, Skylights & Fans 0 03-24-2002 09:16 AM


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 05:56 AM.


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