12V/inverter help

[tjrtulsaok]

We have a 2021 GeoPro Rockwood G19BH by Forest River, 30 amp. Family member just passed after purchasing and we are trying to help other member still enjoy. Why does the 12V drain the battery when we are plugged into shore power? The outlets & microwave work. None of the lights, radio, bathroom fan, or fridge work. We have replaced all fuses, replaced the 30 & 40 amp inline breakers and purchased two new batteries. The green light has been on for the inverter under the dining table. Reading other forums we can't find the "store on/off switch" or inverter that we have read about. Any pictures/suggestions are greatly welcome.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

I would check for a battery switch. Usually located near the batteries. Also, since you purchased new batteries, be sure they are wired correctly. Negative to negative and Positive to Positive unless there is a battery switch that allows for #1 battery or #2 battery to be selected. There is an OFF position. The converter supplies ~12 volt charging power to the batteries and the battery switch should be set to #1 or #2 or BOTH.

The converter is loacted where the fuses are located. The circuit breakers are for 120 volt AC items, a/c, microwave, outlets, etc. The fuses are for the DC items, lights, water pump, refrigerator control, water heater control, etc.

Refrig could be 12V DC or a combination of AC and LP. Just depends on the model. It does require 12-volt DC for the control panel.

You use the word "inverter". This converts 12 volts DC to `120 volts AC. These are known to draw very heavy current from the batteries. Do you mean inverter or converter?

Bob

 

[tjrtulsaok]

I would check for a battery switch. Usually located near the batteries. Also, since you purchased new batteries, be sure they are wired correctly. Negative to negative and Positive to Positive unless there is a battery switch that allows for #1 battery or #2 battery to be selected. There is an OFF position. The converter supplies ~12 volt charging power to the batteries and the battery switch should be set to #1 or #2 or BOTH.

The converter is loacted where the fuses are located. The circuit breakers are for 120 volt AC items, a/c, microwave, outlets, etc. The fuses are for the DC items, lights, water pump, refrigerator control, water heater control, etc.

Refrig could be 12V DC or a combination of AC and LP. Just depends on the model. It does require 12-volt DC for the control panel.

You use the word "inverter". This converts 12 volts DC to `120 volts AC. These are known to draw very heavy current from the batteries. Do you mean inverter or converter?

Bob

Hi Bob, Thank you for your response. We don't know where the inverter is located to see if it is bad, we only where the switch is. Our battery is wired correctly and the switch is just on or off. If it's switched off, then there is no 12V being sent anywhere even when shored. We have never dealt with solar power before and not sure if that is impacting or playing a role in this draining of the batteries. Thoughts?

 

[bikendan]

The GeoPro should have a battery disconnect switch. Probably located somewhere on the A-frame.

 

[tjrtulsaok]

The GeoPro should have a battery disconnect switch. Probably located somewhere on the A-frame.

Hi Dan, If we turn it off while using, then we loose all 12 V power even when shored. Would that mean that there is an issue with the converter or inverter? Thanks

 

[TacomaJoe]

Like Bob said, when you are on shore power the CONVERTER take the 120AC and makes 12VDC to run the lights/fans and any other 12V stuff. Everything should work even without batteries. It doesn't sound like your converter is doing its job. It is located in/near the power panel.

Battery, fuses and switches come after the converter and aren't in the path between your converter and 12V stuff. Find/check/replace your converter.

 

[CHICKDOE]

the converter should produce 12 volt power when you are plugged into shore power even if the batteries are off. it sure sounds like yours is not working.

can you verify that the converter is actually receiving 120 volt ac power?

the converters normally have reverse polarity fuses that will blow if there is a short in their 12 volt output circuit. these fuses may be in the converter itself or they may be built into the 12 volt fuse panel. if these fuses get blown the converter will not output 12 volt power. can you find and check these fuses. many times they get blown when somebody works on the batteries and inadvertently introduces even a momentary short circuit. given that you bought and replaced the batteries this is a possibility.

 

[tjrtulsaok]

the converter should produce 12 volt power when you are plugged into shore power even if the batteries are off. it sure sounds like yours is not working.

can you verify that the converter is actually receiving 120 volt ac power?

the converters normally have reverse polarity fuses that will blow if there is a short in their 12 volt output circuit. these fuses may be in the converter itself or they may be built into the 12 volt fuse panel. if these fuses get blown the converter will not output 12 volt power. can you find and check these fuses. many times they get blown when somebody works on the batteries and inadvertently introduces even a momentary short circuit. given that you bought and replaced the batteries this is a possibility.

Thank you. We are hoping to look into it further when we get home from camping, when we have the proper meters et tools, after Santa comes. We've been reading about possible lithium options we may switch it out to for her. Wondering do we have to consider any certain type because of the solar on this unit?

 

[tjrtulsaok]

the converter should produce 12 volt power when you are plugged into shore power even if the batteries are off. it sure sounds like yours is not working.

can you verify that the converter is actually receiving 120 volt ac power?

the converters normally have reverse polarity fuses that will blow if there is a short in their 12 volt output circuit. these fuses may be in the converter itself or they may be built into the 12 volt fuse panel. if these fuses get blown the converter will not output 12 volt power. can you find and check these fuses. many times they get blown when somebody works on the batteries and inadvertently introduces even a momentary short circuit. given that you bought and replaced the batteries this is a possibility.

Good Morning, Yes, this was doing the same before we switched out everything.

and replaced the batteries this is a possibility.

We are hoping to look into it further when we get home from camping, when we have the proper meters et tools, before Santa comes. We've been reading about possible lithium options we may switch it out to for her. Wondering do we have to consider any certain type because of the solar on this unit? Thanks

 

[wmtire]

Please read this FAQ thread link below on converters and possible things to look for in determining if the converter is bad or has bad fuses or even a tripped AC circuit breaker....since the converter has both,

Converter or Inverter (they are different)

One of the more often confused RV terminology things encountered is 'converter' and 'inverter'. Hopefully this thread will be able to simply explain what both are and their functions in a RV without getting too technical. Most RV's will have two distinct electrical systems. One will be a 120...

www.forestriverforums.com

 

[Aussieguy]

are you at a campground with 120v power
disconnect battery and solar (test at night = NO SOLAR)

if anything12v works .... lights , slides, the converter is working
converter is usually inside or BEHIND the fuse panel
look for a FAN... that will be the cooling fan for the converter
you may have to remove the cover for the fuse panel to access the conveter

look for 2 x 30amp fuses in the fuse panel marked REV or REVERSE
if these are blown, check if battery installed correctly POSITIVE/NEGATIVE cables swapped?
converter will not produce power if these fuses are blown.
120v power still goes to the converter ... no 12v output from the converter will get to the fuse panel.

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INVERTER... if you got one and are on 120v campground power , turn it OFF
it may be connected to a transfer switch that stops power going to CONVERTER

Inverter could also be a inverter / charger...
The previous owner may have installed different equipment

Take PICTURES or post up model numbers of your equipment