Quote:
Originally Posted by oneil@hargray.com
We just purchased a 2013 Dutchman Kodiak camper and can not identify the electrical short in the system. Previous owner had plugged into 110v at house and used with 30 amp at deer camp/campground just fine. We have checked the currents on all the exterior sources and have even replaced the surge protector in the bathroom. We had a second of power (was excited) then died completely out. Additionally we replaced the battery at the trailer tongue and it is completely drained after one night with seemingly no power sources on??? Related items? Fuse or breaker at inverter needs to be replaced we are hearing possibly but what of power to coach from main power source? Any ideas from seasoned camper owners?? We are as green as any camper owners could be.
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"can not identify the electrical short in the system":
An electrical short means the electrical circuit hot wire is connected to the neutral wire. Current flows unimpeded and trips a circuit breaker. I assume you mean 120 volt appliances do not work.
There are many different RV power systems. Some are modified by owners. The only way to know for sure is to get make and model of the power system components. Look for labels on individual components.
Your Dutchmen has at least two electrical systems. It has a 12 volt system that operates lights, water pump, furnace, and other things. It has a 120 volt system that charges batteries, operated 120 volt outlets, runs microwave, runs air conditioning, and other things.
The 120 volt system may have a surge protector. The previous owner may have installed it. They are sometimes added to 30 amp 120 volt systems. Surge protectors turn power off when incoming power source is defective. The symptoms you describe could be the surge protector turning things off. Find the make and model number on the surge protector and post it. Make and model will be on the device somewhere.
The Dutchmen probably has a converter/charger. The converter provides 12 volts to lights, water pump etcetera when plugged in to shore power. The charger function recharges the house batteries when plugged in. Get make and model if you think it is not working. Make may be WFCO. Model will be on a label at the circuit breaker and fuse panel.
I could be wrong, but I am assuming your Dutchmen does not have a built in generator, inverter, or transfer switch.
Please post make and model of electrical thing you replaced.
Lead acid batteries must be stored fully charged for long life. Normally the converter/charger in your Dutchmen would keep yours fully charged, however, with no 120 volt power it can become deeply discharged. Do not allow it to stay that way for more than a couple of weeks. Otherwise its life will be shortened.