Trouble charging cell phones while running generator

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

I would arrange a return/exchange depending on their return policy. I would think the generator will require at least a new 'brain' board. I would rather have a new one myself. But, you are probably correct in that they might require a tech to say, "yeah, it's bad".

Look into installing some 12v USB ports in your 12v wiring system. Lots of articles and threads on how to do this. One of the better mods we have done. Now we can charge devices at any time.

Good luck with the generator.

A call to Champion is the first step. Often they will help diagnose the problem and depending on their assessment of the owner's skills and willingness to repair, they'll send them the necessary parts.

As for return/exchange, since it's a gasoline powered device it will need to be taken to an authorized repair station. Anywhere they are stocked and sold in retail establishments there is usually a sign warning of this.

As for adding USB charge ports, a good idea but instead of doing that in my trailer I just bought the largest "Power Bank" type battery I could find on Amazon. About the size of two thin smart phones stacked on top of each other and holds enough power to charge my Samsung Note 8 10 times from near dead. Best part of that is that I can charge the "Power Bank" in just a couple hours of drive time from my tow vehicle while driving using the USB charge adapter in my 12 V power outlet and when using it to charge my phone or hat mounted LED flashlight, I can put it anywhere. Charges two devices at a time and I don't have long USB cables hanging. I just toss the items in a cupboard or drawer while charging. I think the battery cost me in the realm of $30. Amazon always has a "deal" on them.

[cavie]

Have your genset and /or inverter checked. You are getting dirty electric. Modern electronic devices are very fussy.

[mwdilday]

I have charged ion my RV from a Honda 2000 paralleled and no issues.

[rlh1957]

Have to have an inverter generator. Some electronics just don't play well unless a clean electrical source is present. Inverters give you that. Some laptops might be damaged.

[hogie7171]

New development over night. My lp gas detector keeps beeping indicating that there is a low voltage detection. I have ran the generator Friday night, Saturday in the morning and Saturday night to run the AC for my girlfriend and to keep the battery charged. Could a bad generator kill a battery? I bought a new deep cycle battery just this year. Also the refrigerator and hot water heater is not working.

[hogie7171]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

A call to Champion is the first step. Often they will help diagnose the problem and depending on their assessment of the owner's skills and willingness to repair, they'll send them the necessary parts.

As for return/exchange, since it's a gasoline powered device it will need to be taken to an authorized repair station. Anywhere they are stocked and sold in retail establishments there is usually a sign warning of this.

As for adding USB charge ports, a good idea but instead of doing that in my trailer I just bought the largest "Power Bank" type battery I could find on Amazon. About the size of two thin smart phones stacked on top of each other and holds enough power to charge my Samsung Note 8 10 times from near dead. Best part of that is that I can charge the "Power Bank" in just a couple hours of drive time from my tow vehicle while driving using the USB charge adapter in my 12 V power outlet and when using it to charge my phone or hat mounted LED flashlight, I can put it anywhere. Charges two devices at a time and I don't have long USB cables hanging. I just toss the items in a cupboard or drawer while charging. I think the battery cost me in the realm of $30. Amazon always has a "deal" on them.

As soon as I get home I will be calling champion .I love the battery bank idea. I did run to Walmart and pick up a 10000 miliamp hour pack and charger in my truck for the meantime.

[hogie7171]

Originally Posted by rlh1957

Have to have an inverter generator. Some electronics just don't play well unless a clean electrical source is present. Inverters give you that. Some laptops might be damaged.

Mine is an invertor generator.

[cavie]

Originally Posted by hogie7171

New development over night. My lp gas detector keeps beeping indicating that there is a low voltage detection. I have ran the generator Friday night, Saturday in the morning and Saturday night to run the AC for my girlfriend and to keep the battery charged. Could a bad generator kill a battery? I bought a new deep cycle battery just this year. Also the refrigerator and hot water heater is not working.

Need more information. Have you checked the voltage of the battery? Is the fridge and WH on gas or electric? Is your 12 volt lighting working?

[hogie7171]

I have nothing to check the battery with. I am running both the fridge and Water heater on propane. The 12v fans and lights are working , but when on the low voltage light is on. With everything off is show it as operating

[hogie7171]

Fisrt picture is with everything off. The picture showing the fault is with both the fan and light on. I should as note that I had to turn off the water pump

[wahoonc]

Sounds like the converter is not getting 12 volt power to the battery and the battery is low on voltage. Do you have a battery switch? May need to run a diagnostics check on the converter to make sure you are getting proper output to the battery.

I know you don't have a multi-meter with you, unfortunately that is about the only way to check properly. I never leave home without mine.

Aaron

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by hogie7171

New development over night. My lp gas detector keeps beeping indicating that there is a low voltage detection. Also the refrigerator and hot water heater is not working.

All your symptoms point to a low battery. It doesn't take long to drain the battery on an RV.
If you've got your rig plugged into the generator, that will slowly charge the battery. However, it may not be enough to charge a low battery.

Regarding charging cell phones.... It doesn't take much to charge a phone. Whether we're off grid or on, I prefer a small solar battery charger that can also be charged via USB like this for our cell phones and Kindles: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's worked for me and it's small enough to clip to a backpack in case you're hiking and find yourself needing a cell phone and you forgot to charge your phone. (Just make certain you take a USB cord.)

[hogie7171]

99% sure I have diagnosed the problem. As most has expected it appears it is a defective generator and not a problem with the camper itself. I was able to borrow a neighbors generator and all cell phones are changing normally. The low voltage indicator is off and both fridge and water heater are back to working. So I am guessing the generator did not charge the battery properly and that's why it died over night .

Thank you everyone for your input and help

[hogie7171]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

All your symptoms point to a low battery. It doesn't take long to drain the battery on an RV.
If you've got your rig plugged into the generator, that will slowly charge the battery. However, it may not be enough to charge a low battery.

Regarding charging cell phones.... It doesn't take much to charge a phone. Whether we're off grid or on, I prefer a small solar battery charger that can also be charged via USB like this for our cell phones and Kindles: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's worked for me and it's small enough to clip to a backpack in case you're hiking and find yourself needing a cell phone and you forgot to charge your phone. (Just make certain you take a USB cord.)

I like the idea of using solar. I will definitely check that option out

[hogie7171]

Originally Posted by wahoonc

Sounds like the converter is not getting 12 volt power to the battery and the battery is low on voltage. Do you have a battery switch? May need to run a diagnostics check on the converter to make sure you are getting proper output to the battery.

I know you don't have a multi-meter with you, unfortunately that is about the only way to check properly. I never leave home without mine.

Aaron

I hate to sound dumb but I don't know know if I have a battery switch. I have never seen one. And unfortunately I have no idea how to test the converter or where it is.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by hogie7171

I hate to sound dumb but I don't know know if I have a battery. I have never seen one. And unfortunately I have no idea how to test the converter or where it is.

You've got a battery.
What kind of rv do you have?
On a towable trailer, it's usually in a battery box behind the propane tanks.
In a motorhome, it could be under the steps or in a separate compartment.

[hogie7171]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

You've got a battery.
What kind of rv do you have?
On a towable trailer, it's usually in a battery box behind the propane tanks.
In a motorhome, it could be under the steps or in a separate compartment.

Lol opps that should of said I don't know if it has a battery switch. I k ow it has a battery and where it is

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by hogie7171

I hate to sound dumb but I don't know know if I have a battery switch. I have never seen one. And unfortunately I have no idea how to test the converter or where it is.

A multimeter is a MUST for all RV owners.
At least get a free one from Harbor Freight.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by hogie7171

I am not sure , I am at the campground now and have no tester. I will check when I get home

What? You don't take your oscilloscope with you when you go camping?

Larry

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by hogie7171

Lol opps that should of said I don't know if it has a battery switch. I k ow it has a battery and where it is

You might have a battery switch. It kinda depends on your rig. Most towables don't have one where a MH or 5th wheel do.

It's a little hard without knowing a bit more.