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Old 10-02-2019, 11:09 PM   #1
Sbourgon
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Inverter gfi keeps tripping

So my problem persists, with the inverter tripping the gfi plug that is built in the unit. 2020 3931fb fridge wont stay on when running solely on batteries. Could it be because voltage drops down to 12volts or less? Maybe 1 solar panel is not enough? Anybody has experience with these 2000 watt inverters?
 
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Old 10-03-2019, 04:52 AM   #2
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you have 2 issues I assume? gfi is one issue? refrig is other? put both in separate threads if so...it will get more responses.



if it is new, get back to the dealer and have him deal with those issues.


for refrig, how long do you keep it on battery? you can't keep it going for a long periods.
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Old 10-03-2019, 06:16 AM   #3
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Question: Does the inverter shut down OR does the gfi trip? The inverter should tell you...
If the battery voltage is low or dips, ( 12.0 volts is low) the inverter will shut down.

You may have weak batteries.
In my case, the dealer supplied Marine/RV batteries just didn't hold up.
Need batteries rated in Amp/Hours not Cranking amps, and several of those.

Is the Ice Maker turned OFF while running on batteries?
It uses a bunch of power and will greatly shorten battery run time.

I don't have any solar panels... but my research says that one panel is not enough to run the fridge.

I hope this helps,
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Old 10-03-2019, 06:20 AM   #4
Sbourgon
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To be honest, I thought because of the solar panels, I could leave for a few days? Yes under warranty but we are 6 hours away from dealer, and leaving in 3 weeks for Florida.
Will contact dealer to see if they can help.
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Old 10-03-2019, 06:23 AM   #5
Sbourgon
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Yes ice maker is off, batteries are 2-6 volts deep cycle batteries. I might have to get an extra panel.
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Old 10-03-2019, 06:23 AM   #6
Sbourgon
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Sbourgon

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To be honest, I thought because of the solar panels, I could leave for a few days? Yes under warranty but we are 6 hours away from dealer, and leaving in 3 weeks for Florida.*
Will contact dealer to see if they can help.
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Old 10-03-2019, 07:20 AM   #7
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Good thread on solar.
2019 montana solar package operation
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ne+consumption

Useful links

Lithium batteries presentation at Escapees Convention.
https://youtu.be/PZ7HMRReZKY
Really interesting and not overly technical.
When you do the math, over the lifetime of the battery, it's a no brainer.
My next battery will be lithium Battleborn.

Sizing RV solar system. Panels, batteries, inverter.
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Old 10-03-2019, 07:27 AM   #8
Sbourgon
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Thanks for the Info, can I add those batteries to the batteries I have now?
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Old 10-03-2019, 07:48 AM   #9
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Good start on the batteries.
I went with 4 - 6 volt GC batteries and estimate I should get ~20 hours of power for my Res Fridg. and minimum other 12 V. items with a full charge.

You will want to match your power usage to your battery bank and solar power.

So, do your research!
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Old 10-03-2019, 09:03 AM   #10
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If the GFI on the inverter is a continuous problem, you can replace it a standard outlet. Refers aren't supposed to be on GFI protected outlets. Removing the GFI off the inverter doesn't effect the GFIs already in place in the trailer.
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Old 10-03-2019, 09:35 AM   #11
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Sorry I'm still learning about all this. I do not think you can mix lithium and lead acid batteries on the same charger. Different charge rates and capacities.
Verify that.
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Old 10-03-2019, 09:59 AM   #12
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Absolutely can not mix lithium and other battery types. Look at the fridge specs for max wattage of 120vac drain. This same wattage drain plus approx 10% will be drawn off of the 12vdc source except the current drain will be about ten times the ac draw. Gfi tripping on the inverter...not a big fan of gfi outlets on inverters. Okay for a lot of equipment, but not that great for fridges. A lot of inverters are made in China with Chinese parts...someday they will produce quality parts, but not today.
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Old 10-03-2019, 11:35 AM   #13
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Sbourgon,

Your issues are still not clear. Is your fridge shutting down because the GFI is tripping or because the inverter is shutting down due to low DC voltage?

The inverter should continue to run at 12v, 2 golf cart batteries with 120 watts of solar (assuming it is working and getting decent sun) should have no trouble for 3 days unless you are running other high draw gear.

What other things either 12v or 120v are you running off your battery bank?
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Old 10-03-2019, 11:38 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ Traveler View Post
The inverter should continue to run at 12v, 2 golf cart batteries with 120 watts of solar (assuming it is working and getting decent sun) should have no trouble for 3 days unless you are running other high draw gear.

What other things either 12v or 120v are you running off your battery bank?

I disagree with this. 120W of solar won't maintain a fridge on two batteries especially with the other 12V loads in the trailer. I think the res. fridge are 350-400W without the ice maker running.
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Old 10-03-2019, 11:45 AM   #15
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It really depends on what you set as the shutoff voltage for your inverter. You are down to likely 50-60 percent on the battery bank at 12v but it should still provide power for a short period.

We are all working with pretty limited info from the OP here.
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Old 10-03-2019, 12:35 PM   #16
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you can't keep your refrig contacted for long periods on battery only and expect to have your batteries to handle it.


DO YOU HAVE 2 SEPARATE ISSUES? is your gfi a separate issue? i can't imagine that your refrig is on a gfi. as i said earlier, you probably need to do two separate threads.
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Old 10-10-2019, 04:28 AM   #17
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My 2018 did the same thing

When my 2018 3721RL was brand new it did the same thing. The Inverter was faulty and was replaced under warranty. 8,000 miles later - no further issues with it.
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Old 10-15-2019, 07:19 AM   #18
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I had trouble with GFI tripping when traveling. Had the dealer check the inverter and he said my problem is having only one battery. On our current trip I have discovered that when I unhook shore power and it transfers to inverter the GFI trips. I now turn off the inverter when on shore power and after disconnecting I turn on inverter and everything works as it should. I also keep a remote thermometer in the fridge so I can monitor it while on the road. I don't have any solar so can't speak to that.
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Old 10-15-2019, 10:50 AM   #19
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Issue could be transfer switch, or inverter itself
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