Inverter and Generator Problems

[Glenn Allen]

Randy,

It sounds like several problems are occuring but the common element
is the inverter. If the batteries are draining and not getting
replenished, then check for charge voltage when plugged in and when
running generator. I'm not familiar with the '03, but if the
chargers are integretated into the inverter, confirm that the
chargers are turned on and then check for output voltage. If you
have separate chargers, make sure they are getting power and have an
output voltage.

Since you were not seeing power to the coach when running generator,
again the power from the generator probably goes through the
inverters, then the Inverters automatic transfer switch might not
have made the switch over to generator. If you have an external ATS
to transfer power from Shore Power to Generator Power, then it could
have a problem. Try to identify where the ATS is located and then
you can begin to issolate why you are not seeing a transfer of
power. For example, is the generator power getting to the ATS? If
not, then it might be a generator circuit problem. If it is, then it
is an ATS or something in the circuit after the ATS.

Good hunting,

Glenn

Glenn Allen
1986 PT-40
Marietta, GA


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Randy Merrill"
wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I have a strange problem happening with my coach. I was dry camping
> a couple weekends ago and put the inverter on and the generator on
> auto start. The generator came on several times as expected to
> charge the batteries. Everything worked as it should. I parked the
> coach for about a week and had it plugged into a 50 amp outlet.
> Again everything worked fine. I left on a 1,500 mile trip last
> Friday. It was cool out the first day so I didn't need the
generator
> to run roof airs. I had the inverter on and everything seemed fine.
> I stopped at a truck stop the first night and started the generator
> to run the roof airs. The generator ran fine, but the coach did not
> get any power. I checked the reset switch on the generator and the
> 50 amp breaker. I reset both several times and still no power to
the
> coach. I checked all the breakers in the coach breaker box and all
> were fine. We got by with the inverter giving us lights, etc. The
> second day out I was driving along and the coach totally shut down.
> There was no 12 volt power at all. I managed to pull off the road.
I
> turned off the inverter and power came back to the 12 volt system.
I
> assume the inverter pulled the batteries down and stalled the
coach.
> I ran the rest of the second day and stayed at a RV park the second
> night. When I plugged the 50 amp power cord in I found I had no
> power to the coach. Couldn't find a thing wrong. I turned on the
> ignition switch and the power came on. When I turned off the
> ignition switch the power stayed on in the coach but the radio
> stayed on even when I turned it off. I finished the trip on Sunday
> and the coach is in the garage and plugged into power. I have
turned
> the 12 volt cutoff switch on so there is no 12 volt power going to
> the radio, etc. I'm not sure what is going on or where to start
> trouble shooting. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Randy Merrill
> 2003 40' LX
> Ocala, FL
>