Need clarification/confirmation

[wave man]

2018 FC 25 FB

So, problem. I have something wrong with the power.

Specifically anything that gets power from the outlets labelled "Inverter Circuit" will not work.

-Checked all fuses and breakers in the main panel under the bed, even looked at the 2 I found in the battery compartment in case.
-I've double checked shore power, light is on on the power cord, breakers on the shore power checked, everything else in the trailer seems to work(overhead lights, other outlets)
-main switch at the door set to "Use",
-condition unchanged whether Inverter is ON or OFF(though since I'm on shore power usually OFF)
-checked the (new) battery water levels and none were too low though I added some distilled since there was room.
-was able to watch TV last night before retiring
*However interior lights ARE dimmer than normal*

Being a late model Airstream I'm led to believe the shore power source powers 12V outlets/appliances when it is available. Through a "pass through" in the Inverter system. Was told to use the Inverter when not on Shore Power.

Yes, I tried searches and found some similar issues, but no resolution posted.

Doin my best to find the hopefully easy answer to this, anyone remember seeing this before?

I'm no know it all and may be overlooking something obvious, I'm open to questions, pointers, and suggestions... none will offend or seem stupid ...

[Al and Missy]

While I don't have a similar setup, it is my understanding that the outlets labelled "Inverter Circuit" are powered only from the inverter. IDK if there is an interlock to keep the inverter from coming on when you have shore power. If there is no load, the inverter may not turn on, so you may not be able to check those outlets with a meter, only by plugging in something that draws significant current.

I'm just speculating.....

Al

[wave man]

Hmmm, Inverter off- can listen to radio on the problem circuit/plug, Inverter on- it will shut down..

[wave man]

The way I read the Owners Manual the Converter supplies DC power to the appliances that need it when I'm plugged in to Shore Power. Should I be worried my Shore Power is/might be wonky?

[wave man]

Yet can power up both A/C units, seem to be cooling fine and that takes plenty of juice..

[Al and Missy]

When plugged in, converter provides 12V to appliances that need it. The function of the converter is to take shore power and make 12V for 12V appliances, lights, etc. and to charge batteries (when in use mode).

The function of the inverter is to take 12V from batteries (only) and make 120V for the inverter circuit outlets only.

AC units run (only) from shore power but require 12V DC from batteries or converter for control/thermostat.

Al

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by wave man

Hmmm, Inverter off- can listen to radio on the problem circuit/plug, Inverter on- it will shut down..

Hmmm....sounds like your inverter ON/OFF switch is mislabeled.

Al

[wave man]

Since I have enough juice (plugged in) to run a/c and heat pump functions then the A/C seems ok.... something must be off in the converter and/or inverter or the points from them to outlets & appliances. It's like there isn't enough juice in the trailer otherwise... lights are dim, when I plug things into regular outlets the reading light & ceiling LEDs get dimmer!

[Al and Missy]

Sounds like a bad connection or bad circuit breaker feeding your converter. Ceiling lights run off of 12V. Plugging something into an 120V AC outlet should not affect 12V.

Al

[wave man]

Al, thanks for taking the time to give me the benefit of your thoughts.

As a first time full timer and owner of a new Airstream who is learning as I go I do appreciate it. Thank You [emoji4].

An RV Tech said he believes it to be a failure in the Converter, perhaps with a relay switch.

So I'm in for another warranty fix on an electrical issue. The second time in the past 3 weeks (Sigh..)

Makes me wonder what I'm in for...

[1973Argosy]

Originally Posted by wave man

Al, thanks for taking the time to give me the benefit of your thoughts.

As a first time full timer and owner of a new Airstream who is learning as I go I do appreciate it. Thank You [emoji4].

An RV Tech said he believes it to be a failure in the Converter, perhaps with a relay switch.

So I'm in for another warranty fix on an electrical issue. The second time in the past 3 weeks (Sigh..)

Makes me wonder what I'm in for...

Once you get the gremlins fixed you're in for the only trailer made that will out live you with the appropriate care.

[Paprika]

Since you're plugged into 120 V shore power, there should be no shortage of 12 V power--your converter normally supplies that, as others have pointed out. The fact that your 12 V lights are dim even though you're plugged in strongly suggests that 1) your converter is not doing its job, and 2) your batteries are nearing exhaustion.

Bottom line: looks like a defective or poorly connected (loose wires?) converter. Until you get that fixed, you are punishing your batteries by draining them lower and lower with no source of 12 V to replenish them. This can damage them. If I were you, I'd not only insist on having the converter problem fixed under warranty, but push for a new set of batteries as well, because these may have been permanently damaged by over-discharging due to the faulty converter.

(This is where a solar power system comes in handy: it provides a source of 12 V power when you're not plugged in.)

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Paprika

Since you're plugged into 120 V shore power, there should be no shortage of 12 V power--your converter normally supplies that, as others have pointed out. The fact that your 12 V lights are dim even though you're plugged in strongly suggests that 1) your converter is not doing its job, and 2) your batteries are nearing exhaustion.

Bottom line: looks like a defective or poorly connected (loose wires?) converter. Until you get that fixed, you are punishing your batteries by draining them lower and lower with no source of 12 V to replenish them. This can damage them. If I were you, I'd not only insist on having the converter problem fixed under warranty, but push for a new set of batteries as well, because these may have been permanently damaged by over-discharging due to the faulty converter.

(This is where a solar power system comes in handy: it provides a source of 12 V power when you're not plugged in.)

I agree; sounds like the converter is an issue. They put a new multi-stage WFCO model in the 2018 models. I know some folks do not like the WFCO brand of converter over the multi-stage Progressive Dynamics, Boondocker models. Either way you go with the Converter issues (AS replacement or install another brand), I would also suggest you take your batteries to an Interstate dealer and have them checked out. They will replace if bad. You may also request an upgrade and pay the difference if you are interested in doing that. Several threads here recommending upgrade to 6V Golf Cart or AGM upgrades... But, surely you should get them checked out. Nothing worse in the Forum then power issues!

Question on your 18...I thought the new models did not have separate Inverter plugs any longer from the standard outlets?

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by wave man

Al, thanks for taking the time to give me the benefit of your thoughts.

As a first time full timer and owner of a new Airstream who is learning as I go I do appreciate it. Thank You [emoji4].

An RV Tech said he believes it to be a failure in the Converter, perhaps with a relay switch.

So I'm in for another warranty fix on an electrical issue. The second time in the past 3 weeks (Sigh..)

Makes me wonder what I'm in for...

You may find post 43 in this thread instructive:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...ml#post2046106

Al

[wave man]

Originally Posted by Paprika

Since you're plugged into 120 V shore power, there should be no shortage of 12 V power--your converter normally supplies that, as others have pointed out. The fact that your 12 V lights are dim even though you're plugged in strongly suggests that 1) your converter is not doing its job, and 2) your batteries are nearing exhaustion.

Bottom line: looks like a defective or poorly connected (loose wires?) converter. Until you get that fixed, you are punishing your batteries by draining them lower and lower with no source of 12 V to replenish them. This can damage them. If I were you, I'd not only insist on having the converter problem fixed under warranty, but push for a new set of batteries as well, because these may have been permanently damaged by over-discharging due to the faulty converter.

(This is where a solar power system comes in handy: it provides a source of 12 V power when you're not plugged in.)

You called it. Converter belly up, will push the issue of the batteries.

[wave man]

Originally Posted by Paprika

Since you're plugged into 120 V shore power, there should be no shortage of 12 V power--your converter normally supplies that, as others have pointed out. The fact that your 12 V lights are dim even though you're plugged in strongly suggests that 1) your converter is not doing its job, and 2) your batteries are nearing exhaustion.

Bottom line: looks like a defective or poorly connected (loose wires?) converter. Until you get that fixed, you are punishing your batteries by draining them lower and lower with no source of 12 V to replenish them. This can damage them. If I were you, I'd not only insist on having the converter problem fixed under warranty, but push for a new set of batteries as well, because these may have been permanently damaged by over-discharging due to the faulty converter.

(This is where a solar power system comes in handy: it provides a source of 12 V power when you're not plugged in.)

You called it. Converter belly up, will push the issue of the batteries.

[wave man]

“Question on your 18...I thought the new models did not have separate Inverter plugs any longer from the standard outlets? “



Ayup. Several plugs on the back half - actually labeled too... “Inverter Circuit”, plus the one in the front BR for the TV there.

Will take your other advice to heart, thank you for the advice!

[wave man]

“Question on your 18...I thought the new models did not have separate Inverter plugs any longer from the standard outlets? “



Ayup. Several plugs on the back half - actually labeled too... “Inverter Circuit”, plus the one in the front BR for the TV there.

Will take your other advice to heart, thank you for the advice!

[wave man]

“Question on your 18...I thought the new models did not have separate Inverter plugs any longer from the standard outlets? “



Ayup. Several plugs on the back half - actually labeled too... “Inverter Circuit”, plus the one in the front BR for the TV there.

Will take your other advice to heart, thank you for the advice!

[wave man]

Originally Posted by Al and Missy

You may find post 43 in this thread instructive:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...ml#post2046106

Al

The whole thread helped fill in the gaps in my grasp of the bigger picture thanks Al.