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 11-01-2019, 06:36 PM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
Pucky's Avatar
 
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 18
Smoke from under the RS JumpSeat

1.5 weeks in and I seem to have an issue, and needing to ask others for their opinion.

The Coach was upgraded with 4 lithium batteries, redArc bcdc1240d, go power 3000w inverter/charger.

While driving into work today, I parked and noticed the pillows on the floor, so I had to go back and make everything look good by putting them back on the couch. While I was in the back I smelt something odd, “brakes? No that’s electrical”, looking to my right I see smoke coming up from the jump seat. Quickly removed the seat cover and grabbed the tools and removed the motor seat contraption. And this is what I see.

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_0222.JPG
Views:	37
Size:	532.3 KB
ID:	355410

The fuse is melting? I thought fuses blow, not melt.

I’ll take it in to get serviced, but I’m curious, about this setup.

The Bim 225 from my understanding isolates they batteries and if one is charging then they connect. Right, so they both charge?

Then if the redarc bcdc1240d can also charge the them both from solar and alternator (oh the blue ignition wire is not connected), and the inverter charges too (i’m hoping this is just shore power charging)..... I have 3 things that do the same? Does this sound right?

So, one thing is for sure, that redarc while driving is pulling some major amps through it to melt the fuse but not blow.

What do you say, what should I look out for. Ideally I would like to disable all this stuff until I get it serviced.

Any wise advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
One confused owner. (So happy I went back to fix the pillows and blow this smoldering plastic out)
Pucky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2019, 07:00 PM   #2
Overkill Specialist
Commercial Member
 
GMFL's Avatar
 
2020 30’ Globetrotter
2014 23' International
Dadeville , Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,516
Images: 4
Blog Entries: 52
How big is the fuse in that holder?
__________________
Instagram @Airstream_Nuts_And_Bolts
DoItYourselfRV Articles
Certified Victron Installer
GMFL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2019, 07:11 PM   #3
1 Rivet Member
 
Pucky's Avatar
 
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 18
I’ll have to cut it open, as the cap is melted all around.
Pucky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2019, 07:23 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
Boxster1971's Avatar

 
2024 Interstate 19
Fulton , Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,872
What is that fuse powering? Did you open the holder to see if there is a fuse in there? Might be something in there instead of fuse.

Who did your lithium upgrade? The Redarc Battery Chargers - 331-BCDC1240D is a DC-to-DC charger but I have no idea how it is wired into your system.
__________________
- - Mike
--------------------------
2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
Boxster1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2019, 07:34 PM   #5
Overkill Specialist
Commercial Member
 
GMFL's Avatar
 
2020 30’ Globetrotter
2014 23' International
Dadeville , Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,516
Images: 4
Blog Entries: 52
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pucky View Post
I’ll have to cut it open, as the cap is melted all around.
Please do. It needs to be removed either way.
__________________
Instagram @Airstream_Nuts_And_Bolts
DoItYourselfRV Articles
Certified Victron Installer
GMFL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2019, 08:21 PM   #6
1 Rivet Member
 
Pucky's Avatar
 
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 18
Ok wow this make sense why it melted. There’s a 60 amp fuse in there. I thought the redarc wa rated at 40amps. So that sounds like that’s why it melted. Now try to understand why it was there.
Pucky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2019, 08:33 PM   #7
1 Rivet Member
 
Pucky's Avatar
 
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 18
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boxster1971 View Post
What is that fuse powering? Did you open the holder to see if there is a fuse in there? Might be something in there instead of fuse.



Who did your lithium upgrade? The Redarc Battery Chargers - 331-BCDC1240D is a DC-to-DC charger but I have no idea how it is wired into your system.


Ok so, there was a 60amp fuse in there.

Yellow comes from solar
Red goes to + of chassis batt
Brown (this one) goes to + of house lithium.

Upgrade was done by the AS dealer I purchased from on order that was never picked up. I purchased it with this upgrade already done.

From my view point, it happens while driving so that would mean the alternator is charging. So could it be the Bin 225 has already linked the batteries and redarc is trying to do the same with a 60amp fuse??? This makes no sense.
Pucky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2019, 08:35 PM   #8
1 Rivet Member
 
Pucky's Avatar
 
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 18
For good measure here’s the inside of the fuse holder. Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_0235.JPG
Views:	39
Size:	426.3 KB
ID:	355415
Pucky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2019, 09:21 PM   #9
1 Rivet Member
 
Pucky's Avatar
 
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 18
Bingo, looks like they didn’t read the installation manual.

Click image for larger version

Name:	Adjustments.JPG
Views:	35
Size:	416.7 KB
ID:	355418
Pucky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2019, 09:42 PM   #10
Overkill Specialist
Commercial Member
 
GMFL's Avatar
 
2020 30’ Globetrotter
2014 23' International
Dadeville , Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,516
Images: 4
Blog Entries: 52
“They” could have burned your unit the the ground! If I were you I would point this out, ask for my money back(or else) and then find a competent installer to go through the whole system. DC breakers are Best for high current needs.

I’m not sure that wire or fuse holder is rated for 60 Amps. Shotty work for sure.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	412D8912-8F69-4256-8856-7E8E26E43151.jpg
Views:	38
Size:	241.4 KB
ID:	355419  
__________________
Instagram @Airstream_Nuts_And_Bolts
DoItYourselfRV Articles
Certified Victron Installer
GMFL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2019, 10:54 PM   #11
van guru
 
1994 28' Excella
Hood River , Oregon
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 129
You won't have any more problems since you removed the fuse. You just won't be charging the batteries off the alternator until it has been fixed.

I have used the same fuse holder but definitely not good for anything over 30A. The terminals inside are not that great (thin metal) so blades on the fuse can become loose and do not make good contact. That would cause increased resistance resulting in heat and a melted case as you have experienced. It's not likely that excessive current was flowing from the alternator. The Redarc should be limiting that to about 40A.

This would be a much better maxi fuse holder:
https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Syst.../dp/B000THTBZO

Or upgrade to an ANL fuse as recommended by Redarc. As mentioned, a good quality Bluesea or Bussman breaker would also be appropriate. A breaker behaves more like a slow-blow fuse so may want to drop to 50A size if using a breaker.

In addition you might consider upgrading to 6 gauge cable for that connection - depending on length of run. We typically use 4 gauge welding cable for a 50A DC-to-DC charger. LiFePO4 batteries will demand more charge current so your DC-to-DC charger will run at full capacity more often.

It is common to have 3 charge sources for your house batteries: solar, alternator and shore power. In your case the Redarc handles the first two.

All the best,
Hein
DIYvan
541 490 5098
Hein is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2019, 11:21 PM   #12
1 Rivet Member
 
Pucky's Avatar
 
, California
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 18
I’m willing to bet that it’s also linking lithium house to agm chassis via the Bim 225.

I don’t even think I need that as the redarc can deal with two different chemistry’s.

So I purchased this from an airstream dealer and flew in to pick it up and drive back to NorCal. I was thinking that buying a new airstream from an airstream dealer would have been no hassle. Nope I guess not.

I think I’ll have to call around to get some legal advice, I want the rig, but I’m starting to feel I got fooled and/or they haven’t a friggin clue.

Thank you everyone for the help. I’ve order the redarc fk60 overnight shipping. Looks like the weekend will be tracing wires and drawing up a schematic.

Wish me luck. Still happy I got it, but something is off.....
Pucky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2019, 04:41 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
Boxster1971's Avatar

 
2024 Interstate 19
Fulton , Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,872
Quote:
Originally Posted by GMFL View Post
“They” could have burned your unit the the ground! If I were you I would point this out, ask for my money back(or else) and then find a competent installer to go through the whole system. DC breakers are Best for high current needs.

I’m not sure that wire or fuse holder is rated for 60 Amps. Shotty work for sure.
PUCKY you dodged a bullet - consider yourself lucky this didn't burn your rig to the ground. I second shoddy work for sure.

That blade fuse holder is surely not rated for 60A, nor it is rated for 40A. Looking at the size of wire involved I would trust it for more than 20A.

A quick search indicates these type of fuse holders are rated for 30A maximum.

https://powerwerx.com/crimpable-inli...de-fuse-holder
__________________
- - Mike
--------------------------
2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
Boxster1971 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
Lights under bed and under couch st3v0k3rr Lights - Interior & Exterior 1 04-27-2017 07:56 PM
2000 or newer, under 7000 lbs, under $20,000 fishbulb Airstream Classifieds 0 03-05-2016 01:12 PM
Smoke, Smoke Everywhere ncbambi 2008 Safari SE 14 07-25-2010 06:28 PM
Smoke detector Ed L General Appliance Topics 4 05-14-2007 01:58 PM
Smoke Detector ViewRVs Airstream Motorhome Forums 7 09-02-2002 07:57 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 08:30 PM.


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