Newby with yet another issue. Blue is SUCKING electricity our bill $386 a month

[Chuck Wheeler]

It would also be important to know what
you are being charged per KW for electricity.  Our little RM2652 refrigerator
would cost between $25 ($0.10/KWH) and $64 ($0.25/KWH) a month if run constantly
on electric.  One of the electric heaters will run between $0.20 ($0.10/KWH) and
$0.48 ($0.25/KWH) an hour to operate.  I would look for large continous loads
but my point is that several small loads can add up.  You need to know how much
you used and what you are being charged per KWH.

- Chuck
Wheeler-

1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX

---

From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Light Ltenergy@...

Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009
1:46 PM

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com

Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re:
Newby with yet another issue. Blue is SUCKING electricity our bill $386 a month

I am sorry...



here's our information... pardon me for forgetting to add this... I was in
sticker shock from the huge electric bill.



Light and Dennis

1991 40'PT WB Wanderlodge

Santa Cruz, CA



--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com",
dru penland ...> wrote:

>

> Please sign your postings with your name and your BB year and model.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Dru and Debora

> Corpus Christi, TX

> 1983 FC 35 RB

> Steady Gittin' It!

>

> --- On Wed, 11/4/09, Light Ltenergy@... .> wrote:

>

> From: Light Ltenergy@... .>

> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Newby with yet another issue. Blue is SUCKING
electricity our bill $386 a month

> To: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"

> Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 1:22 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Well, it seems to be a really GOOD thing I found this forum. We just got
our electric bill for the month. We used a crazy amount of electricity. Our
park people told us a week ago to check things out.

>

>

>

> We began checking things and ended up checking each breaker (in the
bedroom closet behind the bed) to see where the pull was coming from. We found
a couple of breakers that seemed to be part of the trouble.

>

>

>

> But then again today, the electric meter was SPINNING out of control
again. We turned off the breaker for the upper flor. lights and that helped
some. Then we turned off another breaker that was labled in large red letters,
"SURGE"... there are two breakers with those red words on them. They
do seem to be an issue here. But now... we also found that the battery charger
breaker is pulling HUGE amounts of elec also. We can't leave it off or our
batteries will be sucked dry. When those breakers are OFF... the meter runs
normally...

>

>

>

> ANY IDEAS? We are working to get past owners help on this also, but
haven't gotten to contact them yet. Someone used the RED marker to mark those
breakers... so SOMEONE knows something or at least was aware of the problems...

>

>

>

> ANY IDEAS would be SO appreciated. The electric bill for 30 days was
$386........ ........ ouch!!! We can't keep affording that... sheesh...

>

>

>

> HELP...

>

>

>

> hugs, Light

>

[Pete Masterson]

Would it be cheaper to pay by the week? Usually, that includes the electricity paid by the RV park...

Pete Masterson

(former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Nov 4, 2009, at 10:42 AM, "PRWillms@aol.com" wrote:

IfI leave my plumbing heat strips on, they will suck up the electric bill. I have turned off the eng block heater, plumbing heat strips, holding tank heat pads, aux compressor, all of the electric heaters (those kick panel ones). Check you AC amp gauges.
Mine on a normal day are showing Leg 1, 1 or 2 amps and leg 2, 4 to 5. If I turn on the coffee pot leg 2 goes to 10 amps. For heat I use the propane heaters.
Hope this helps.

Paul Williams
88XXV 40'
8V92
South Lake Tahoe

-----Original Message-----
From: gregory O <"greg@rainbowrv.com">
To:"WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
Sent: Wed, Nov 4, 2009 5:20 am
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Newby with yet another issue. Blue is SUCKING electricity our bill $386 a month

what is the dc amp discharge of the bat chargers during any given ac consumption? if the ratio is normal, then the chargers are ok. have it tested with a clamp-on amp meter or just upgrade the chargers if they are old school units. then check the batteries, if they dont store what is produced by the chargers the lost amphours are constantly being requested.

what is the coach dc usage at any given time? if the batteries run down quick w/o a charger/converter on, there is either a great battery dead short or high consumption of use. RonM must have had a big dc consumption where a battery bank wire grounded out.

Greg 94ptca

--- In"WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Light Ltenergy@..." .> wrote:
>
> Well, it seems to be a really GOOD thing I found this forum. We just got our electric bill for the month. We used a crazy amount of electricity. Our park people told us a week ago to check things out.
>
> We began checking things and ended up checking each breaker (in the bedroom closet behind the bed) to see where the pull was coming from. We found a couple of breakers that seemed to be part of the trouble.
>
> But then again today, the electric meter was SPINNING out of control again. We turned off the breaker for the upper flor. lights and that helped some. Then we turned off another breaker that was labled in large red letters, "SURGE"... there are two breakers with those red words on them. They do seem to be an issue here. But now... we also found that the battery charger breaker is pulling HUGE amounts of elec also. We can't leave it off or our batteries will be sucked dry. When those breakers are OFF... the meter runs normally...
>
> ANY IDEAS? We are working to get past owners help on this also, but haven't gotten to contact them yet. Someone used the RED marker to mark those breakers... so SOMEONE knows something or at least was aware of the problems...
>
> ANY IDEAS would be SO appreciated. The electric bill for 30 days was $386................ ouch!!! We can't keep affording that... sheesh...
>
> HELP...
>
> hugs, Light
>

[GARY MINKER]

I make it a habit to watch my gauges. I don't sit like the TV but they are there for your use and will foretell these things once you get familiar with the usage of each gizmo. the heat tapes was also a great suggestion as is the several hidden baseboard type heaters in various compartments like the water tanks but all of this will show up on your 2 AC ammeters and the coach DC ammeter. Fluorescents draw 1 to 2 Amps, Fridge 5 to 10, Radio 2 to 6, Headlights 10 to 20. Block heater 10, heat tapes 5, baseboard heater 10, AC heat strips 10, water heater 10, microwave/convection oven 10, normal charger operation 5 to 10. It is all predictable and you get used to it provided your meters and gauges work properly. The hand held meters help with proving this out and are good for measuring the charge rate of the battery strings. Gary 86 pt-40 --- On Wed, 11/4/09, Light Ltenergy@... wrote: From: Light Ltenergy@... Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Newby with yet another issue. Blue is SUCKING electricity our bill $386 a month To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 2:42 PM Thanks Gary! We will check all of these things. The refrigerator was on our list of possible culprits, but it is on elect and the meter is just barely moving. I will get the clamps you talked about and do these checks tonight when D gets home. Thanks for all the ideas. We are still just coming out of shock from that bill... sheeesh... big hugs and thanks, Light --- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, GARY MINKER wrote: > > If you narrowed the excessive use down to the charger/converter (not just the 120 vac branch circuit) by unplugging the device and leaving the circuit breaker on, you will now need an AC and DC clamp on ammeter, and a decent DC voltmeter, for troubleshooting. Check for the right DC voltage (13.8 give or take) and make sure that your charger inverter is not supplying more than a few DC amps of charge oe what ever the coach load is. Providing there is no massive DC load ( volt meter and DC ammeter) your charger/converter may have a surge arrestor shorted. These little devils can draw a ton of AC current when they go bad. You may also have a line voltage (120/120) surge arrestor installed (hidden) in the coach on that circuit which you would see by unplugging the charger converters. A good surge arrestor will draw less than .25 Amps when operating. By using your AC and DC ammeters, plus the metering on the coach, you get a check and balance on > your testing. You should also check to see if your engine heater is stuck on, battery heaters, the water heater, or air conditioner strip heaters, plus the fridge can be a culprit. With a third eye to help you by watching all the various meters and flipping circuits off and on, you will narrow down the problem quickly. It is seldom wiring. It is usually a device. > Gary > > --- On Wed, 11/4/09, Light Ltenergy@... wrote: > > From: Light Ltenergy@... > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Newby with yet another issue. Blue is SUCKING electricity our bill $386 a month > To: WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com > Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 2:22 AM > > > > > > > > > > > > > Well, it seems to be a really GOOD thing I found this forum. We just got our electric bill for the month. We used a crazy amount of electricity. Our park people told us a week ago to check things out. > > > > We began checking things and ended up checking each breaker (in the bedroom closet behind the bed) to see where the pull was coming from. We found a couple of breakers that seemed to be part of the trouble. > > > > But then again today, the electric meter was SPINNING out of control again. We turned off the breaker for the upper flor. lights and that helped some. Then we turned off another breaker that was labled in large red letters, "SURGE"... there are two breakers with those red words on them. They do seem to be an issue here. But now... we also found that the battery charger breaker is pulling HUGE amounts of elec also. We can't leave it off or our batteries will be sucked dry. When those breakers are OFF... the meter runs normally... > > > > ANY IDEAS? We are working to get past owners help on this also, but haven't gotten to contact them yet. Someone used the RED marker to mark those breakers... so SOMEONE knows something or at least was aware of the problems... > > > > ANY IDEAS would be SO appreciated. The electric bill for 30 days was $386........ ........ ouch!!! We can't keep affording that... sheesh... > > > > HELP... > > > > hugs, Light >

[Light Ltenergy@...]

Hey Don,

We are still cking things out. We used more than 1200 watts om 30 days. Rather
a large wake up call ... lol

thanks, Light

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Don Bradner" wrote:
>
> The one time my coach has sucked a lot of power and run up a bill, the block
heater was left on. Over 1000 watts of waste heat!
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>
> On 11/4/2009 at 7:22 AM Light Ltenergy@... wrote:
>
> >Well, it seems to be a really GOOD thing I found this forum. We just got
> >our electric bill for the month. We used a crazy amount of electricity.
> >Our park people told us a week ago to check things out.
> >
> >We began checking things and ended up checking each breaker (in the
> >bedroom closet behind the bed) to see where the pull was coming from. We
> >found a couple of breakers that seemed to be part of the trouble.
> >
> >But then again today, the electric meter was SPINNING out of control
> >again. We turned off the breaker for the upper flor. lights and that
> >helped some. Then we turned off another breaker that was labled in large
> >red letters, "SURGE"... there are two breakers with those red words on
> >them. They do seem to be an issue here. But now... we also found that
> >the battery charger breaker is pulling HUGE amounts of elec also. We
> >can't leave it off or our batteries will be sucked dry. When those
> >breakers are OFF... the meter runs normally...
> >
> >ANY IDEAS? We are working to get past owners help on this also, but
> >haven't gotten to contact them yet. Someone used the RED marker to mark
> >those breakers... so SOMEONE knows something or at least was aware of the
> >problems...
> >
> >ANY IDEAS would be SO appreciated. The electric bill for 30 days was
> >$386................ ouch!!! We can't keep affording that... sheesh...
> >
> >HELP...
> >
> >hugs, Light
> >
> >
> >
> >------------------------------------
> >
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

[Light Ltenergy@...]

Thanks Dru,

I have to learn out to have the signature come on automatically. I spent an
hour yesterday trying to figure out HOW to do just that. If anyone knows how
to create a permanent signature which automatically tacks on each post...
please share...

Light
91 40'PT WB
Still Crazy in Blue (or something to that effect... still workin on a name for
our Blue... Might use Electric Blue Monster at this writing... lol

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, dru penland wrote:
>
> Please sign your postings with your name and your BB year and model.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dru and Debora
> Corpus Christi, TX
> 1983 FC 35 RB
> Steady Gittin' It!
>
> --- On Wed, 11/4/09, Light Ltenergy@... wrote:
>
> From: Light Ltenergy@...
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Newby with yet another issue. Blue is SUCKING
electricity our bill $386 a month
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 1:22 AM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Well, it seems to be a really GOOD thing I found this forum.
We just got our electric bill for the month. We used a crazy amount of
electricity. Our park people told us a week ago to check things out.
>
>
>
> We began checking things and ended up checking each breaker (in the bedroom
closet behind the bed) to see where the pull was coming from. We found a couple
of breakers that seemed to be part of the trouble.
>
>
>
> But then again today, the electric meter was SPINNING out of control again.
We turned off the breaker for the upper flor. lights and that helped some. Then
we turned off another breaker that was labled in large red letters, "SURGE"...
there are two breakers with those red words on them. They do seem to be an
issue here. But now... we also found that the battery charger breaker is
pulling HUGE amounts of elec also. We can't leave it off or our batteries will
be sucked dry. When those breakers are OFF... the meter runs normally...
>
>
>
> ANY IDEAS? We are working to get past owners help on this also, but haven't
gotten to contact them yet. Someone used the RED marker to mark those
breakers... so SOMEONE knows something or at least was aware of the problems...
>
>
>
> ANY IDEAS would be SO appreciated. The electric bill for 30 days was
$386........ ........ ouch!!! We can't keep affording that... sheesh...
>
>
>
> HELP...
>
>
>
> hugs, Light
>

[PRWillms@...]

If you are using your 12 v lights the charger should be working somewhat BUT .. Check your batteries. If you have 1 or 2 bad batteries they could be making your charger try to top them and they won't.



Paul Williams

88XXV 40' 8V92

South Lake Tahoe

-----Original Message-----

From: Light Ltenergy@...

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thu, Nov 5, 2009 11:16 am

Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Newby with yet another issue. Blue is SUCKING electricity our bill $386 a month

Thanks Dru,



I have to learn out to have the signature come on automatically. I spent an hour yesterday trying to figure out HOW to do just that. If anyone knows how to create a permanent signature which automatically tacks on each post... please share...



Light

91 40'PT WB

Still Crazy in Blue (or something to that effect... still workin on a name for our Blue... Might use Electric Blue Monster at this writing... lol



--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", dru penland ...> wrote:

>

> Please sign your postings with your name and your BB year and model.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Dru and Debora

> Corpus Christi, TX

> 1983 FC 35 RB

> Steady Gittin' It!

>

> --- On Wed, 11/4/09, Light Ltenergy@... .> wrote:

>

> From: Light Ltenergy@... .>

> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Newby with yet another issue. Blue is SUCKING electricity our bill $386 a month

> To: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"

> Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 1:22 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Well, it seems to be a really GOOD thing I found this forum. We just got our electric bill for the month. We used a crazy amount of electricity. Our park people told us a week ago to check things out.

>

>

>

> We began checking things and ended up checking each breaker (in the bedroom closet behind the bed) to see where the pull was coming from. We found a couple of breakers that seemed to be part of the trouble.

>

>

>

> But then again today, the electric meter was SPINNING out of control again. We turned off the breaker for the upper flor. lights and that helped some. Then we turned off another breaker that was labled in large red letters, "SURGE"... there are two breakers with those red words on them. They do seem to be an issue here. But now... we also found that the battery charger breaker is pulling HUGE amounts of elec also. We can't leave it off or our batteries will be sucked dry. When those breakers are OFF... the meter runs normally...

>

>

>

> ANY IDEAS? We are working to get past owners help on this also, but haven't gotten to contact them yet. Someone used the RED marker to mark those breakers... so SOMEONE knows something or at least was aware of the problems...

>

>

>

> ANY IDEAS would be SO appreciated. The electric bill for 30 days was $386........ ........ ouch!!! We can't keep affording that... sheesh...

>

>

>

> HELP...

>

>

>

> hugs, Light

>

[homesicktexans_33009]

You wrote:

But now... we also found that the battery charger breaker is pulling
HUGE amounts of elec also. We can't leave it off or our batteries will
be sucked dry. When those breakers are OFF... the meter runs normally...

In reading your message, perhaps you need to replace those battery chargers. They may be bad or going bad. We replaced our battery chargers with a Xantrex SmartCharger. That $300+ bill will pay for that SmartCharger.


Regards,
Liz
Regards,
Jack and Liz Pearce
Fulltiming in a 1993 Wanderlodge WB40
D'Hanis, TX
Buena Vista, CO
===================================================================

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Light Ltenergy@..." wrote:
>
> Well, it seems to be a really GOOD thing I found this forum. We just got our electric bill for the month. We used a crazy amount of electricity. Our park people told us a week ago to check things out.
>
>

[GARY MINKER]

bad charger Disconnect the output and plug it back in and see what it does. Is this a charger only or dual purpose? You can keep the coach up with a regular 20 amp charger until you get this resolved. some of these chargers can be repaired. Others are not worth messing with. I personally don't believe in chargers, I put fixed converters in that make 14.2 all the time and the batteries are happy as oysters or clams or some other crab. They equalize when the engine runs. They never boil and never burn. I run German Sonnenschein Gells. Not the U.S. model. .Congratulations on the hunt. Gary 86 pt40 --- On Fri, 11/6/09, homesicktexans_33009 wrote: From: homesicktexans_33009 Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Newby with yet another issue. Blue is SUCKING electricity our bill $386 a month To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, November 6, 2009, 6:33 PM You wrote: But now... we also found that the battery charger breaker is pulling HUGE amounts of elec also. We can't leave it off or our batteries will be sucked dry. When those breakers are OFF... the meter runs normally... In reading your message, perhaps you need to replace those battery chargers. They may be bad or going bad. We replaced our battery chargers with a Xantrex SmartCharger. That $300+ bill will pay for that SmartCharger. Regards, Liz Regards, Jack and Liz Pearce Fulltiming in a 1993 Wanderlodge WB40 D'Hanis, TX Buena Vista, CO ============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= = --- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, "Light Ltenergy@... " wrote: > > Well, it seems to be a really GOOD thing I found this forum. We just got our electric bill for the month. We used a crazy amount of electricity. Our park people told us a week ago to check things out. > >

[homesicktexans_33009]

Howdy.

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Light Ltenergy@..."
wrote:
>
> Thanks Dru,
>
> I have to learn out to have the signature come on automatically. I spent an
hour yesterday trying to figure out HOW to do just that. If anyone knows how
to create a permanent signature which automatically tacks on each post...
please share...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I use a macro program called ezmacros. Please check out:
http://www.americansys.com/ezmacros.htm
Hope this helps.

Regards,
Jack and Liz Pearce
Fulltiming in a 1993 Wanderlodge WB40
D'Hanis, TX
Buena Vista, CO

[wl89spman]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "homesicktexans_33009"
wrote:
>

Last week I bought a device at Costco called a KILL A WATT EZ. You plug 110v
devices into it while its pluged into the wall. You enter your rate you are
paying and after a while plugged in it will tell you how much per day/week/month
and year its costing you.It costs $25. my freezer is costing $12/mo. my frige is
$25 bucks month. Havent tried it on my chargers yet.
This might help you. Good luck...
Ed Gardels 89SP
Arlington Texas

> Howdy.
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Light Ltenergy@"
wrote:
> >
> > Thanks Dru,
> >
> > I have to learn out to have the signature come on automatically. I spent an
hour yesterday trying to figure out HOW to do just that. If anyone knows how
to create a permanent signature which automatically tacks on each post...
please share...
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> I use a macro program called ezmacros. Please check out:
> http://www.americansys.com/ezmacros.htm
> Hope this helps.
>
> Regards,
> Jack and Liz Pearce
> Fulltiming in a 1993 Wanderlodge WB40
> D'Hanis, TX
> Buena Vista, CO
>