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Old 08-10-2015, 06:09 PM   #1
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Problems, problems, problems...

So, the rig (2012 Berkshire 390FL) went in the shop for an internal fault on the inverter.

1. Repair guy tells me my problem is the Forest River cuts corners on the inverter by putting one in my rig that isn't big enough to support the rig. Upgrading it and everything it touches is about $8500(which isn't covered by extended warranty)
2. The house batteries don't charge while driving.(which adds to the load on the inverter when I hook up to shore power)
3. The pads on the Equalizer System leveling jacks are failing but ES doesn't think that's an issue on 3 yr old jacks.
4. The black tank flush sprays somewhere in the rig instead of in the black tank.
I'm starting to question Forest River's quality. That's a lot of issues/dollars on a 2012 rig.



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Old 08-10-2015, 06:32 PM   #2
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I am wondering why the house batteries are not being charged from the vehicle's alternator. Seems odd. Perhaps that is the way it is designed? Or there is a problem
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Old 08-10-2015, 06:42 PM   #3
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Don't listen to the repair guys that price is waaaaaaaay over the top.
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Old 08-10-2015, 06:55 PM   #4
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Service guy must be trying to finance a new house. That price is way out of line
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Old 08-10-2015, 06:58 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flybob View Post
Service guy must be trying to finance a new house. That price is way out of line
like $8000 too high! And the black tank spraying is coming the the back flow preventer that is bad.
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Old 08-10-2015, 07:03 PM   #6
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I believe there was a recall on the inverters around that time. I'll try to find the link.
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Old 08-10-2015, 07:13 PM   #7
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I have a 2012 Berk and it charges my batteries just fine. Granted it can possibly get a problem in the future like you have, but it does not mean that it warrants an $8,000 repair. If I was to go to a residential refrig., then I might need a beefier unit. Not sure about the charging from the engine alternator. Yes, the Equalizer jack pads are a problem. There is a thread on them now.


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Old 08-10-2015, 07:14 PM   #8
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My bad it was a transfer switch recall. Sorry.
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Old 08-10-2015, 07:18 PM   #9
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What size inverters do your rigs have in them. This one is 1500 watts


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Old 08-10-2015, 07:20 PM   #10
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Yes, that is what I have. It has been good to me.
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Old 08-10-2015, 07:48 PM   #11
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Check out online inverter store
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Old 08-10-2015, 08:03 PM   #12
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Jeg, that repair guy is blowing smoke up your.......

How old are your batteries?

Have you checked the water level in them?

Your batts should charge while you are traveling, may have a bad cell or two in the batts.

Take it to another repair shop.
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Old 08-10-2015, 09:40 PM   #13
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Total BS. What in the world are you trying to run that needs a bigger inverter? I don't see any way to spend 8500$ on a inverter. You need a better repair guy.



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Old 08-10-2015, 10:02 PM   #14
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Correction, mine is 1200 watts, Magnum mm1212


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Old 08-10-2015, 10:02 PM   #15
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Did you check the circuit breaker on the inverter?
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Old 08-10-2015, 10:20 PM   #16
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our 14 has a MS2012 2000 inverter 3300 surge with the residential frig and does charge on chassis alternator while engine is running .
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Old 08-11-2015, 12:21 PM   #17
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Why do you need a bigger inverter? Are you thinking that you should be able to run AC on inverter? We has never had an issue with our 2012. The only time we ever use our inverter is at night for TV if we are dry camping and for charging our phones. There is plenty of power for 2 TVS and DVDs and a few phones. If you need more juice ... fire up the gennie
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Old 08-11-2015, 01:19 PM   #18
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I rarely ever switch the inverter on. The problem seems to be more about the charger, the fact that all of the power(ac) also comes thru it, the voltage loss from using ext cords, etc. I'm fine with that part. What I disagree with is a repair shop wanting $8500 to install a larger inverter that only costs around $2000-2500. I'll take the chance of doing it myself before I pay $6000 in labor!


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Old 08-11-2015, 01:26 PM   #19
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What private school does your repair guy send his kids too. Ask him that?
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Old 08-12-2015, 05:45 PM   #20
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If you feel your issue is on the charging side, it is my opinion that this is a malfunctioning charger rather than an undersized charger. I have on many occasions charged my house batteries both on Genet and shore power with both AC units running, 2 TVs and 2 DVD.

If you are not able to do this, I would first check your batteries and then check your charging system.

The only time I have any had any issues is when I am dry camping in very hot weather and am charging batteries without opening up battery bay. I have had issues with over heating. Otherwise ... no problems
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