rkassl
Wisconsin
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Joined: 07/20/2003
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We were half way through our first trip out this week and had a power problem. We had good 50 amp service, everything seems OK. For what ever reason I switched on the 12 volt lights and they were VERY dim. I checked the battery indicator and had only one light which indicated a very low 12 volt battery. I checked all circuit breakers, the converter was plugged into a good 120 outlet. Replaced both fuses on the IOTA converter, no change. To run the furnace I hooked up a 6 amp charger to the battery and in a couple of hours the battery was fully charged.
Do you think the converter is dead? Sure looks that way to me.
2004 Chevy 2500HD DA CC SB
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Did you look at the battery disconnect switch? How about the main battery fuse/breaker for the trailer? Before I labeled the converter DOA I would look for a blown fuse or breaker tripped on the battery Positive side.
Donn
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Dave in VA
Chesapeake, VA
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Joined: 04/28/2003
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There is the possibility that your batteries are going bad. Check with a hydrometer for a dead cell. Batteries that have a bad cell will initially indicate on the monitor that they are charged but will lose that charge very quickly.
Dave & Linda + Molly the mutt
93 Allegro Bay 34 DP
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lynndiwagon
Yukon, Oklahoma, USA
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Joined: 01/28/2004
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The statement that the batteries charged indicates that the batteries are OK. Yes, converter is probably bad. Get out the voltmeter and check the output of the converter...it should be around 14Vdc. Best way would be to take the cover off of the converter and check the big red and black wires....Good luck.
Lynn & Diana Wagoner
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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The output voltage of the converter won't necessarily be 14v but should be something over 13v at least. If the voltage at the converter seems OK start down the line with your meter and you will find a bad connection or a tripped breaker.
If the voltage at the converter output wires is the same as the battery voltage and you know the 120v AC input to it is good the converter is not working.
Jim
Jim, Sharon and Buddy the Yorkie
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smkettner
Southern California
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If the converter is getting 120 volt power in and not producing 13 to 14 volts out then yes you need a new converter. Disconnect it and do a bench test.
If that 6 amp charger is an automatic type it may well get you through just fine until the replacement can be made.
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sirdrakejr
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Moved from 5th wheels to tech issues.
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