No 12 Volt Power

[lynn42]

We have a 2011 Crusader 5th Wheel, 260 RLD, that has been parked and hooked to shore power since last October. Due to health problems we have not used it this year, but I have regularly checked the water level in the battery these past months.

When I went to check on the trailer yesterday I noticed that there was no 12 Volt available in the trailer (110 Volt shore power connected.). I disconnected the shore power and removed the battery and it tested as being discharged. I tried to charge it, but it would not take a charge (4 amp battery charger kept kicking off). The trailer has a Parallax 7100 Power Center, that has a model 7155 converter.

The Parallax manual says that there is no need to have a battery installed and that this converter will provide 12 Volt power without one. I reconnected the trailer to shore power and there was still no 12 Volt in the trailer. I have 110 everywhere in the trailer and have checked the breaker that provides power to the converter and it is OK. I have checked all the 12 Volt fuses in the panel and they are OK, including the two 40 Amp reverse feedback breakers.

On the output side of the converter there is no 12 Volt where the leads connect to the Power Panel.

I am thinking that maybe the battery went bad and the converter cooked itself trying to keep it up. I haven't had a chance to have the battery checked yet, but I am pretty sure it is gone.

I am wondering what others might think about my situation. Thank you for your help in advance. ----- Lynn

[jtstromsburg]

How about the 110v breaker for the converter? Probably not that simple though. Otherwise I'd guess your converter is either shot or has a blown fuse on its back. Test for voltage to the converter?

[lynn42]

I did check the 110V power to the converter and that was OK. Thank you for your help. -----Lynn

[jtstromsburg]

Depending on your skills, I'd pull the converter to access the rear if it and inspect for fuses (that are probably blown). Otherwise I'd guess you need a new converter. Many members here recommend progressive dynamics brand.

[lynn42]

Thanks for your help Joel;

I have pulled the Converter out of the case and did find a fuse that is on the Mother Board, but it is OK.

This is very similar to an event about 5 years ago with our Trailblazer travel trailer. At about the 3 year mark, the batteries went bad and I ended up with a bad Converter to change. That Converter was one of the other major brands though (WECO?).

This is also about 3 years on this battery. I am wondering if when the batteries go bad, the converter tries to keep them charged up, thus running and running and eventually it burns itself up.

This 30 month battery is over 3 years old, so I think I will get a new battery, install it and then see if the Converter has any output. Reading posts in other Threads it seems that if you find about 13.4v at the battery it means the Converter is working. if it is around 12v or below, the Converter is not working.

If it is the Converter, I sure would like to upgrade if it is not too complicated. It seems there ones that are smarter than this Model 7155.

Thanks Again -----Lynn

[RamblerGuy]

Here's a trick to charge a really dead battery when your small battery charger just trips out. I have a 5 amp charger and have done this several times. Cconnect the dead battery to your car battery and start the engine. In 10 or 15 minutes this will charge the dead battery enough that the small charger will stay on line and will finish charging the formerly dead battery. Let it charge overnight. Be alert, though. If the dead battery has a short it could overload your alternator. If you get a huge spark when you connect the dead battery to yours, disconnect it and take the dead battery to a shop to have it tested.

[lynn42]

Thanks RamblerGuy, I did get my battery up to the point I could use the battery charger. Still working on determining if the Converter is toast. ----Lynn