Lights Dimming

[tmsandberg]

At the end of last summer we noticed the interior lights were diming when too many were on, even though we were hooked up to 110v. Over the winter I replaced the two deep cycle batteries to no avail. If you turn on an interior light the other lights become noticeably dimmer. When I disconnect from 110v, all lights go out (the batteries being brand new are fully charged). A fellow Airstreamer suggested it could be the converter is not charging the batteries. But after unplugging from 110v wouldn't there be some power from the batteries? Don't want to spend the money troubleshooting the entire electrical system. Any suggestions?

[overlander63]

Your trailer probably has the battery disconnect switch wired on the opposite side from what most are. What this means in English is the batteries won't charge if the switch isn't turned on, and if you exceed the capacity of the converter the lights will dim or go out when you turn them all on. The solenoid (relay) could also be bad. Listen for a "clunk" when you push the button on the disconnect switch.

[tmsandberg]

Thanks Terry for your response, the battery switch you mentioned is next to the door. I pushed it to the "use" position (heard the clunk) so as to provide shorepower to the batteries. Now I also noticed a few outlets don't work while others do (hopefully it's a fuse issue). When lights are turned on the built in radio/CD player turns off then back on again. Maybe I have Gremlins....