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Old 09-12-2011, 10:31 AM   #1
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convertor strength - should it be able to run whole system without battery?

Saturday night we were on 30 amp shore power. The battery was isolated in that the 25 amp fuse had blown (seperate issue.)

Once we got set-up we were humming along. 2 overhead lights on and the stereo running, low vlume. The fan may have been running as well. I do not think anything else was pulling 12v (ie, water pump OFF, fridge on 110.)

Everytime the hot water heater would ignite, the system would beep, the stereo would shut off and the lights would blink. I would have to shut it all down to reset the stereo and get it to work.

It appeared the convertor was not making enough power to run a few lights, the stereo and also ignite the hot water heater.

Is that normal, or should hte convertor be able to run the entire camper?
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Old 09-12-2011, 10:38 AM   #2
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The battery acts as a buffer that will cover you voltage wise when some things
pull a little extra so you want to get that fuse replaced and maybe consider a
12v circuit breaker to permanently replace the battery fuse.

On the other hand I think your converter should not do that.
Low output or loose connection or something else.......

Hope you find it.

When we bought our trailer it was at an indoor show.
They had EVERY light in the trailer on and the fridge was on and the stereo
was on.

Your converter should be able to do that also.
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Old 09-13-2011, 06:36 AM   #3
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It's not that the convertor is not working, the convertor needs the battery to function properly.

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Old 09-13-2011, 02:53 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bean View Post
It's not that the convertor is not working, the convertor needs the battery to function properly.

Bean
can you explain this statement? I assumed (and it feels like a good assumption) that the system would have been designed to function without a battery when on shore power.
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Old 09-13-2011, 03:28 PM   #5
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My first trailer came without a battery. We used it on shore power for
several trips and had no issues. That was back in 05 and our water
heater was pilot light fired so there was no electronic ignition.

That's all I know. IF you really want a definitive answer get out your
power center owners manual and look up their 800 number for tech
support. Give them a call and ask.

Or fix your battery fuse and see if it makes a difference.
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Old 09-13-2011, 03:28 PM   #6
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From what I see on a couple schematics, the converter output isn't smooth dc without the battery. The battery will also smooth out the momentry voltage drops from extra demand like the spark ignitor. If ur operating slidouts, the system needs the extra power from the bat. It would tax the converter too much to supply the extra power alone.
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Old 09-13-2011, 06:52 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bean View Post
It's not that the convertor is not working, the convertor needs the battery to function properly.

Bean
This is absolutely true and is included as a note in most of the manuals.
In fact with the TriMetric TM-2025RV monitoring the battery you can watch the amps go from positive to negative when you use a slide switch.
The battery is maintaining the voltage while the supplying the amps to move the slide.

The battery monitor circuit in the converter will shut it down when battery voltage drops too low.
WFCO - New world of power ideas - Why is there no power?

Another answer to a frequently asked question here.

WFCO - New world of power ideas - Can I use any battery with WFCO chargers?
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Old 09-13-2011, 07:07 PM   #8
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I have seen a brand new convertor smoked in three days without a battery !
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Old 09-14-2011, 10:14 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by herk7769 View Post
This is absolutely true and is included as a note in most of the manuals.
In fact with the TriMetric TM-2025RV monitoring the battery you can watch the amps go from positive to negative when you use a slide switch.
The battery is maintaining the voltage while the supplying the amps to move the slide.

The battery monitor circuit in the converter will shut it down when battery voltage drops too low.
WFCO - New world of power ideas - Why is there no power?

Another answer to a frequently asked question here.

WFCO - New world of power ideas - Can I use any battery with WFCO chargers?

Thanks for the explanation. I was just going to ask about some type of monitoring device. Though that one looks a little pricey. I was thinking about a simple remote voltage meter, would at least show if something was truly wrong.
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Old 09-14-2011, 10:35 AM   #10
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To really know where you are in the discharge, as a percent of capacity say) you need to be able to monitor amps (in and out).

To do that you need a shunt because the amps are so high.
A good quality volt meter will only give you an accurate reading of the battery; only when the battery is disconnected. If there is a draw; it will be artificially low and when you finish charging; it will be artificially high.

You must disconnect the battery and let it "rest" to redistribute the charge among the plates for an accurate voltage. This process could take an hour or two.
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Old 09-20-2011, 07:27 AM   #11
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Hi

Quote:
Originally Posted by herk7769 View Post
This is absolutely true and is included as a note in most of the manuals.
In fact with the TriMetric TM-2025RV monitoring the battery you can watch the amps go from positive to negative when you use a slide switch.
The battery is maintaining the voltage while the supplying the amps to move the slide.

The battery monitor circuit in the converter will shut it down when battery voltage drops too low.
WFCO - New world of power ideas - Why is there no power?

Another answer to a frequently asked question here.

WFCO - New world of power ideas - Can I use any battery with WFCO chargers?
I read your replies here often and thank you as you have great knowledge on most of the issues raised and produce very informative correct answers. Thanks
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Old 09-20-2011, 07:50 AM   #12
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Make sure your battery connections are clean and Tight .. I had sporadic on/off issues with a water heater on my first trip this spring..sure enough..loose ground connection at battery terminal !!
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Old 09-20-2011, 07:58 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by goody59 View Post
I read your replies here often and thank you as you have great knowledge on most of the issues raised and produce very informative correct answers. Thanks
Thank you Steve,

I try to be as complete as possible; with links to additional or supportive information. Sometimes I get tripped up by all the various models of appliances and camper types; but I am still learning from every one here. I love sharing what I have learned as do all the contributors.

Hopefully soon; it will be you!
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