Electrical problem

[Puddles46]

We have a 2013 Forest River 5th wheel. This summer we noticed the lights dim and go bright again along with the furnace fan going slower when the lights dim. Any suggestions what the problem might be? It’s parked at a permanent site with year round power. I’m hoping it’s something we can fix without having to move it.

 

[Notanlines]

Puddles, I'm not going to get specific in this discussion, I'm just going to suggest a top to bottom inspection of the 12 volt system, from the batteries (7 years old) to all connections. I would pay particular attention to the converter.

 

[wingnut60]

To add to Jim's advice--top/bottom inspection includes taking the batteries OUT and having them load-tested. If these are original batteries, I would just get new ones....
dimming lights when other 12volt loads come on almost always indicates low battery charge. If on shore power, same deal--batteries can't hold a charge. And if you change the batteries, suggest sealed units to reduce corrosion on terminal connections.

 

[Puddles46]

The batteries are new this spring. (3rd new set in this trailer) We unhooked the batteries to see if that was the problem and we still had the same problem. I’m not sure if they are sealed or not, I’ll have to look. Getting them tested should be easy enough though. We have an electrician lined up to come out and look things over. Thank as for your help! )

 

[wingnut60]

3 sets of batteries in 7 years, to me, indicates: cheap batteries; misuse; bad maintenance. Or a systemic electrical problem. Most pairs of 6 volt batteries I have had have lasted about 4-5 years each. Might want to take a look at your converter--is it a multi-stage converter (bulk/absorb/float cycles?) or just a battery charger?
Hang around and let us know what you find out, and good luck. Not having strong electric is a hassle, always popping up at worst times...

 

[Puddles46]

Been meaning to post an update for a while now, ooops. We spent a weekend at the trailer in February, and I am pretty sure the inverter gave up halfway through. Luckily the batteries were fully charged or it would have been a very cold weekend! After a trip or two back out to take pictures of the inverter we decided to remove it and take it to a dealership. It had very visible signs of overheating. We ordered exactly the same one and installed it a few weeks ago, and everything works fine now
It was a rather expensive and frustrating lesson to always have batteries in!!

 

[wingnut60]

Thanks for the comeback on the problem. Electrical problems can be a real hassle, glad you got it fixed. Go Camping!!!