Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: GloriaKay on September 08, 2023, 02:53:53 pm
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Have a 2018 2910T, bought it new from Factory in fall of 2018, This was our second unit, had a 2015 2551 that we bought used in 2017. For the most part we loved both of our PC's. Each has its own unique plusses and minuses, we moved up to the 2910T for a little more living space when camped, has three slides.
Reason for my question is last time we were out, we noticed that when shore power was shut off the 12 volt system was not taking over the lights, etc. Everything works when the generator is running, or when the Truck is running, but with neither running and shore power disconnected we have NO coach power? It is not the batteries because even when I do it in the garage with the batteries fully charged (even with the charger connected) the 12 volt system does not work at all, or goes dead within minutes, or when I put a load on it (like trying to move a slide)?
Has anyone got a clue as to what to look for? I checked for loose battery connections, everything looks good. The battery disconnect switch does work, when switched on and/or off.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Jim
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There are "fuses" in the back of the battery box. Remove the batteries and you'll see them. Check that one of them is not blown. They are not resettable, they must be replaced. I *believe* each one is 200amp but check with Dave Ponsler at the factory. They are large and flat with red battery cables attached.
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Jim,
Sure sounds like coach batteries. Since it's a 2018, you should have two 6-volt units connected in series to provide 12 volts.
Eliminate them quickly by putting a voltmeter directly across the 12-volt connection directly on the batteries. You may get 12-volts, but then pull a load (activate slide or other substantial load). Should hold 11 volts-plus if good. I suspect they won't.
If they do, let us know and we'll did a little deeper. The issue is that the electrical connections on my 2019 2552 tie the Ford engine alternator feed directly to the coach batteries. So a usable 12-volts from running the Ford engine (which you report you have) come from the same point electrically that the coach battery 12-volts come from. If you have a usable 12 volts from the alternator, but NO 12-volts from the batteries, that indicates a battery problem.
If the alternator ties in to a different point electrically on your 2018, it's just possible that the two main fuses on the rear wall of your battery box may be open, but I would do the voltmeter check first.
Mike
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Without suggesting there is a step missing in the procedure necessary to rely on the battery usage, I wonder if the Inverter has failed. Based on my experience, that complete lack of response from the DC Source matches the symptoms and is the first thing that I would check.
Does your Inverter have a Remote Control? Check the display.
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I looked on an earlier thread, the fuses I am talking about are 200amp ANL fuses as shown in the earlier thread.
https://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php?topic=4230.msg36974#msg36974
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From Taildrager
Based on my experience, that complete lack of response from the DC Source matches the symptoms and is the first thing that I would check.
Inverter converts 12v to 120v AC, so has nothing to do with his problem.
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I second the battery theory.
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There seems to be some confusion about what circumstances dictate using the Inverter or, when and why to use the Converter. Having owned two different model Phoenix Cruiser’s, my observation is that some Cruisers' have a stand-alone inverter and stand-alone converter/charger. Usually, the devices are from the same manufacturer and wired to a common distribution panel. Other Cruiser's have a combined inverter and converter/charger. Everything in one box. Either way, the House Batteries are not going to deliver 120 Volt AC electricity to applances without running through the Inverter. And, if the Inverter has failed, which isn't that uncommon, it doesn't make any diference how good your house batteries are they aren't going to deliver AC power.
My Inverter is turned on when the Coach is in use but not plugged into Shore Power, or using the generator.
My Inverter is turned off when the Coach is not in use and not plugged into Shore Power. Left in Storage, the inverter to be drawing 12 volt power and the batteries will drain. Even with no load on them.
Stand – alone Inverter:
Leave converter/charger "ON" all the time. It will actually only be working when plugged into shore power or using a generator.
Turn inverter "ON" when not using shore power or generator and you want to power a 120 volt device. Depending on which model and year Phoenix Cruiser, and considering possible wiring differences, those devices include the microwave, air conditioning, and hot water heater. The inverter changes 12 volts DC battery current to 120 volts AC and will maintain power for an abbreviated period.
Combined Inverter/Converter:
Inverters consumes 12 volt DC power when they are "ON". Some power is used to operate the inverter; some is used to produce 120 volt output. The more 120 volt power (watts) is used, the more 12 volt power is inverted.
Like the Stand-alone configuration, you only want the inverter "ON" when using 120 volt AC without shore power or generator because it consumes battery capacity.
You can leave the inverter "ON" when on shore power because shore power will replace what the inverter is consuming. However, the inverter is not usually needed when shore power is available.
You do not want the inverter to be drawing 12 volt power when the RV is in storage. Turn it "off" when storing or to save battery capacity.
The combined converter/charger function may not be obviously different from the combined inverter function. You want the converter function to be "ON" when connected to shore power or generator. So, even when the inverter function is "OFF", you’ll want the converter/charger function to stay "ON". Don't confuse the converter/charger function with the inverter function.