Electrical Help Please - Montana Owners Club

Goose · 07-25-2018, 05:22 AM

I have a 2017 3791RD and my issue is that it has started to trip the GFCI in the storage unit after being plugged in for a couple of weeks. The only thing that I know has changed is that I replaced the standard lead/acid batteries (two of them) with the Duracell AGM (Group 24) batteries. I turn the A/C's off before I back in the storage so I believe the only thing that uses power is the residential refrigerator, the microwave (LED Screen is on), and the converter to charge the batteries. I never leave anything plugged into an outlet. It usually takes a couple of weeks before it trips.

I appreciate any thoughts or ideas on root cause - Thanks!

Goose

K0LCB · 07-25-2018, 06:57 AM

Check you power cord for oxidation

BB_TX · 07-25-2018, 07:25 AM

If I understand correctly, it is fine for a couple weeks then trips?

Is it a public storage unit? First thing I would do would be replace the GFCI outlet in storage. Or ask the owner to. Easy and pretty cheap. If there were a true ground fault it would not wait 2 weeks to trip unless it is something that only turns on every couple of weeks. Don't know of anything that does that unless there is something you are doing without really realizing it.

**DQDick** · 07-25-2018, 08:03 AM

I agree with BB. They can get weak overtime and can even be affected by heat once they get that way.

LaydBack · 07-25-2018, 09:22 AM

Could possibly be the refrigerator cycling....GFCIs can be finicky with some motors/compressors. They also don’t like to see other GFCIs. Are you sure that there’s nothing plugged into any of the unit’s GFCI protected outlets?

Goose · 07-25-2018, 11:57 AM

Thanks for the help!

It is usually fine for a couple of weeks and it is in a new public storage unit. I go by and check on the it at least once per week. I have inspected the power cord and it is in good condition. It relatively new and it is just a 50 amp to 15 amp adapter that plugs into the RV's power inlet. The GFIC never tripped with the power cord prior to changing the batteries and thought it may be from the charging system with the AGM batteries but I do not know much about the charging system. I have left the TV's plugged in but I verified they are not on.

Also, I turn the inverter off when the RV is hooked up to the 110v outlet in the storage unit.

Other thoughts area from lightning surges but I cannot determine exactly when the unit trips. it has happened about 4 times over the last couple of months.

I will ask the owner to change the GFIC, or at least swap with another one to see if it is the issue.

Again, thanks for the comments!

Goose

jeffba · 07-30-2018, 11:23 AM

Always ask for SAN topology at work. I think you may have mentioned what may be the cause. is your adapter shield from dewy mornings? A little moisture on the connector will cause it to trip and easier to fix.

masterdrago · 07-30-2018, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaydBack

Could possibly be the refrigerator cycling....GFCIs can be finicky with some motors/compressors. They also don’t like to see other GFCIs. Are you sure that there’s nothing plugged into any of the unit’s GFCI protected outlets?

I'll bet not on the refrigerator. Every load is isolated from the power supply (120a/c) through transformers and inverters on the unit.

**AZ Traveler** · 07-30-2018, 11:49 AM

Goose,

I would install a true battery cutoff switch vice the partial cutoff the rigs come with. Leave it stored with the batteries disconnected and not connected to a/c power. Turn the battery switch back on and plug in 1-2 days before leaving.

As far as the GFCI tripping it could be someone else rig causing it to trip assuming it is a common circuit.

You may also like: