Problem with DC voltage,

[Hoakieman]

New problem, I just discovered that when I disconnect my shore power, I have no DC voltage to the panel. Checked my two batteries and they both show 12.86 vdc. I have a 2016 Crusader Lite 28 RL. The inverter is charging the batteries, but when I unplug, I have no dc.

No blown fuses. Is there a battery disconnect somewhere? I don't think so but this is my first 5th wheel and I don't know a lot about the electrical system. The owners manual doesn't cover the power panel.


thanks for any help

Hoakieman, 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 6.9 and 2016 Crusader Lite 28RL

[SeaDog]

Where are you measuring battery voltage at? When plugged in what voyage to you see at the batteries and at the red and black wires at your distribution panel. I don't see how you can have voltage going one way and not the other.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Hoakieman

The inverter is charging the batteries, but when I unplug, I have no dc.

Don't you mean CONverter, not INverter because your pic is of a CONverter.

[Hoakieman]

Yep, converter it is, my bad. I disconnected the shore power and checked the batteries after removing the grounds. Then after reconnecting the grounds because I had 12.86 VDC at the batteries, I went back in the rig and checked the wires coming from the batteries to the panel...nothing. when I plug the power back in I have DC . Turning the converter breaker off and on causes the converter fan to turn on for a moment so it is getting power.
Also the batteries are charged.

I just thought of something to check tomorrow, I'll disconnect the batteries and see if i have converter power to the panel. Not sure what that will prove? The unit is only 5 years old, I'm hoping I'm missing something or that it is something simple to fix. No wiring diagrams are available, either through Primetime or BlueDog RV where the rig was purchased. The BD Service Manager was very kind, but he said many manufacturers don't provide schematics. Their charges are $145.oo per hour and he said it could take a number of hours to track down electrical problems. I'll recheck my voltages tomorrow. Thanks for the help

[bubbles]

When you are on shore power what is the voltage reading at the batteries? The converter provides charging to the batteries and the voltage reading should reflect that. Should be above 13Vdc. If not some installs insert a resettable or not resettable breaker (fuse) between the 12Vdc distribution fuse panel and the battery positive cable. It typically is closer to the batteries than the distribution fuse panel. The batteries positive cable will be terminated at the breaker with the other side of the breaker terminated at the 12Vdc distribution fuse panel. The only other thing typically between the batteries and the distribution fuse panel is a battery disconnect switch.

[fonzie]

Check the two 40 amp orange fuse in your panel to make sure these are not burnt. Also follow positive lead from battery to usually find a in-line mini-circuit breaker with a reset button on it. Take voltage readings as you go.

[Hoakieman]

I found it! Took two days of head scratching, but I couldn't explain why I had no DC voltage with shore power disconnected. Finally discovered a locked panel on the driver side of the rig, when I opened it, there it was a DICONNECT! A simple switch of and on.

Thanks you guys for your help. Live and learn.

Hoakieman

[TitanMike]

Thank you for coming back and sharing what solved your problem.

That helps everyone.

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by Hoakieman

The inverter is charging the batteries, but when I unplug, I have no dc.

Then, this statement is not true. Very misleading.

[Hoakieman]

Bubbles, you are right, I should have noticed that the batteries were NOT being charged. The inverter was putting out 13+ volts, but now I realize that the batteries were only at 12.86v. they were reading what was stored in the batteries. My mistake, I stand corrected and have learned some things, Thanks

Hoakieman