Shore power and battery charging

JunBug · 12-30-2018, 11:45 AM

We plugged in our trailer and all seemed fine. But it appears the trailer kept running on batteries as well as the shore power. The batteries did not recharge and died. The part of the trailer the normally be on battery for dry camping is dead. Any idea what could be going on?? We are on the road. Any help appreciated

**Mr. Dan** · 12-30-2018, 12:08 PM

Please list make and model of your trailer for those who are able to help.
Does your microwave still work?

wahoonc · 12-30-2018, 12:09 PM

Do you have a battery disconnect switch? Is it on?
Reverse polarity fuses could be blown.

Aaron

Oaklevel · 12-30-2018, 12:09 PM

I assume you plugged into AC power. Have you checked your fuses / relays ?? You could have a converter issue but check your fuses first.

TitanMike · 12-30-2018, 12:19 PM

Have you checked all the usual suspects? The circuit breaker between battery and converter, usually close to the battery and it's main disconnect switch, may need to be reset. Also check reverse polarity fuses on Converter (two fuses close to each other but aside from strip of fuses for 12 V "appliances".

Hard to envision 12 V lighting ,etc working on both battery AND converter without the battery charging. Usually one or the other.

Multi-meter is an essential tool for diagnosing problems with 12 V system. Check voltage at battery connection to converter. If not above 13 Volts the converter is not working. Be sure and check that the converter 120 Vac circuit breaker hasn't tripped. If voltage is over 13 volts, then check voltage at battery. If not over 13 volt has someone turned off battery disconnect? Check inline circuit breaker on main battery wire and reset by pushing small button on it's side. It's small and you may need a small screwdriver blade to push it in.

In re-reading your post, make sure the Converter's circuit breaker is turned on. Your panel should have a Main circuit breaker that provides power to the power panel. It should have another circuit breaker marked "Conv, Converter, or such". If the main breaker is on you will have power to outlets. If the Converter breaker is off you won't be charging batteries.

JunBug · 12-30-2018, 12:21 PM

Our battery disconnect is on(correct terminology?). We will check the fuses. Are reverse polarity fuses a special fuse? The trailer was working fine at home. Our trailer is a 2014 Rockwood. Heck of a time to quit on us New Years week end

5picker · 12-30-2018, 01:29 PM

Problems don't pick a time but they always seem to happen at the most inopportune times.

The reverse polarity fuses are automotive type fuses.

Are you able to do basic 12v tests?
Do you have a multimeter?

**Bama Rambler** · 12-31-2018, 05:57 PM

It sounds like the converter/charger isn't powering the RV nor charging the batteries.

Check the breaker marked "Conv" or Converter. If that's ok then check the fuses labeled "Reverse Polarity". If those are fine, then the converter/charger is likely bad.

**bikendan** · 12-31-2018, 06:06 PM

JunBug, do you have a battery disconnect switch?
Also, please post year, make and model of RV since you didn't list it in your profile.

CHICKDOE · 01-02-2019, 09:56 AM

sounds like the converter is not recharging the batteries. the batteryu disconnect witch appears to be set properly otherwise the 12 volt devices (lights) wouldn't be working on battery power and drawing it down. do you have the battery level idiot lights on gthe control panel? if so plug into shore power and check the idiot lights. if the converter is working all of the lights should be on (indicating the converter is outputting a charge voltage). a measurement of the 12 volt dc voltage from the output terminals of the converter would sure be helpful.

5picker · 01-02-2019, 10:34 AM

....

In fairness to the OP... in post #6 they admitted it was a 2014 Rockwood.

Yes... no model number but that was only their 2nd post so they likely thought that was enough. Seasoned posters know better but probably not a newbie.

I'm going to cut them some slack and hope the posts asking for additional information helps educate them.

JunBug · 01-02-2019, 10:55 AM

I guess I have created quite a few social mistakes here. Very sorry about that. Our TRAILER IS A 2014 Rockwoodwood model 2406WS SInce this is only the Second time in 2 years using the forum, I had some difficulty navigating the site and obviously did not provide information needed the problem was us, operator error. I thought that message made it to the thread. Sorry for any ire I caused. Not sure what an OP is but I guess I am OP non grata

Thanks for all the very helpful info on this site

5picker · 01-02-2019, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JunBug

I guess I have created quite a few social mistakes here. Very sorry about that. Our TRAILER IS A 2014 Rockwoodwood model 2406WS SInce this is only the Second time in 2 years using the forum, I had some difficulty navigating the site and obviously did not provide information needed the problem was us, operator error. I thought that message made it to the thread. Sorry for any ire I caused. Not sure what an OP is but I guess I am OP non grata

Thanks for all the very helpful info on this site

No worries.
We ALL have to learn and I seem to learn something everyday.

OP is the forum abbreviation for Original Poster (the 1st to MAKE a post in a thread... in this case... you) or in some contexts, Original Post. (1st post of a thread regardless of who posted it)

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