Inverter

[Castner's]

We are the Castner's. Originally we where at Camping World to have a stackable washer /dryer installed and repair work. Well they left our residential on and drained our battery. Since this time we have had trouble with the battery charging on our 3791RD. It appears the truck will not charge the battery. The fuse is fine (20 amp) for the charging of the battery as we had it check by Ford. I have to check the battery charge relay unit to see if that is ok. If not, then I believer the inverter must be bad. Even checked the fuses before going to the battery of the RV. Any suggestions?

[Phil P]

Hi

Have you checked the 12V house power at the rear bumper or the bed receptacle if not using a bumper receptacle?

As for the converter / battery charger with the TV (towing vehicle) disconnected and the trailer on ac power you should have a charge rate of about 13.5 to 13.9 volts. A very dead battery will hold this down to around 12V but after several hours it should come up. One of your local auto repair company should have a DC clamp meter that will read the amperage coming in or going out of the battery.

If you’re not getting a charger from the converter there is a pair of fuses in that unit that may have failed if the converter over charge a dead battery.

If you put the make and model of the trailer and your TV in your signature it would be helpful for those of us that nay have a similar trailer to tell you just where to look for fuses and circuit breakers.

Phil P

[baybum10]

Our new battery was also completely drained while in for repair. All testing indicated the battery and charging system was good. I had to add water every week and the battery seemed weak when using. Ended up replacing battery. Every thing good for the last three years.

[Rondo]

I would guestimate that your battery has given up the ghost since it was drained down completely. Once this happens it is extremely hard to get the battery to hold a charge period. It would be my opinion that you should replace that battery and while you are at it I would put in a second battery. If I'm not mistaken your model unit has a residential refrig and if that is the case a single battery will be depleted in no time at all while you are even driving down the road.

[cw3jason]

check your battery disconnect switch. if it is off, the battery will not charge. Also do not rely on this to keep your battery from draining when you are not using your trailer, as some items are wired directly to the battery and will drain your batter in a couple of days regardless of cut off position.

[phillyg]

I recall there's a red button on the converter that must be in the "on" position. Take out or disconnect the battery and put it on a good charger overnight, then see if the converter will run the fridge. Also, I've discovered one battery is not enough to run the fridge very long. I suggest you add another.

[cw3jason]

Originally Posted by phillyg

I recall there's a red button on the converter that must be in the "on" position. Take out or disconnect the battery and put it on a good charger overnight, then see if the converter will run the fridge. Also, I've discovered one battery is not enough to run the fridge very long. I suggest you add another.

That would be the inverter. It is designed to invert 12v DC voltage to create 120v AC voltage to run the fridge. The Converter takes 120v AC voltage and converts to 12v DC to power the trailer 12v system and recharge the battery.

[phillyg]

Originally Posted by cw3jason

That would be the inverter......

Doh, I meant "inverter." I really do know the difference but I can't blame this on a typo.

[cw3jason]

Originally Posted by phillyg

Doh, I meant "inverter." I really do know the difference but I can't blame this on a typo.