Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Glockjock on September 02, 2015, 01:53:12 pm

Title: Now the inverter is not charging batteries-
Post by: Glockjock on September 02, 2015, 01:53:12 pm
I went out to the coach where it is plugged into the 50 amp shore power.  First thing I noticed was that the lights are dim.  I saw the meter is showing 126 volts, but all lights are out on the inverter panel.  The LP gas detector is beeping, signifying no 12 volt power. 

I verified that the inverter is switched "on".  I tried all three reset buttons.  I went back inside and tried to start the generator, but the batteries were too dead.  I finally started the M-11 and am letting it charge the batteries while I try to figure out what is wrong.

By the way, the Genwizard is set to "Auto", so I thought it would start automatically in case the batteries got low.

I've not had this problem before.  I'm expecting you to point me to some simple switch I may turned off.

Ideas?

Glen
Title: Re: Now the inverter is not charging batteries-
Post by: Pamela & Mike on September 02, 2015, 02:43:51 pm
Have you checked the breaker under the bed skirt that feeds the inverter/converter to see if it has tripped or was bumped by a shoe to off?

Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: Now the inverter is not charging batteries-
Post by: Barry & Cindy on September 02, 2015, 03:02:50 pm
What is your battery charger?  I assume originally the coach had Freedom 25.
Title: Re: Now the inverter is not charging batteries-
Post by: hotonthetrail on September 02, 2015, 03:31:31 pm
Looking at the inverter on the left side you should see a small cover there are dip switches under the plate( small) for future ref. above this is a reset switch. Cycle this switch off for a minute then back on. JC
Title: Re: Now the inverter is not charging batteries-
Post by: Glockjock on September 02, 2015, 05:46:16 pm
Pam and Mike, I already checked for tripped breakers.  No dice.  All are OK that I can find!

Barry and Cindy, yes it is the Freedom 25

Hotonthetrail, this inverter does not have the dip switches you reference, but it does have 3 reset buttons.  I have cycled the on/off switch, and all three reset buttons.

I'm about to hook up my automotive charger and just let it run to try to recharge the batteries.

Glen

Title: Re: Now the inverter is not charging batteries-
Post by: prfleming on September 02, 2015, 06:05:26 pm
Does the inverter supply 120 VAC when disconnected from shore power? This would verify the main 12 VDC leads to the inverter are connected. If it doesn't charge and doesn't work as an inverter, the 12 VDC may not be connected.  I would then check the high current fuse on the 12 VDC wiring panel that supplies 12 VDC to the Freedom 25. Also, you could verify 12 VDC is present at the inverter terminals with a voltmeter.
Title: Re: Now the inverter is not charging batteries-
Post by: car54 on September 02, 2015, 06:35:59 pm
Pam and Mike, I already checked for tripped breakers.  No dice.  All are OK that I can find!

Barry and Cindy, yes it is the Freedom 25

Hotonthetrail, this inverter does not have the dip switches you reference, but it does have 3 reset buttons.  I have cycled the on/off switch, and all three reset buttons.

I'm about to hook up my automotive charger and just let it run to try to recharge the batteries.

Glen



My freedom 25 died in a spectacular way. Opened it up after removal and all the mosfets were blown apart. Several other burnt components. Have an outback inverter now. Much happier!
Title: Re: Now the inverter is not charging batteries-
Post by: J. D. Stevens on September 03, 2015, 12:07:13 am
By the way, the Genwizard is set to "Auto", so I thought it would start automatically in case the batteries got low.
We have a Genwizard switch on our 1997 U295. It didn't seem to work, so I asked the folk at FOT to diagnose the problem. Wayne showed me the capped wires where the Genwizard had been installed. The devices had a high failure rate and were frequently removed. I expect your Genwizard device is missing or broken.
Title: Re: Now the inverter is not charging batteries-
Post by: Glockjock on September 11, 2015, 06:43:22 pm
Does the inverter supply 120 VAC when disconnected from shore power? This would verify the main 12 VDC leads to the inverter are connected. If it doesn't charge and doesn't work as an inverter, the 12 VDC may not be connected.  I would then check the high current fuse on the 12 VDC wiring panel that supplies 12 VDC to the Freedom 25. Also, you could verify 12 VDC is present at the inverter terminals with a voltmeter.

Peter

Yes, the inverter portion does supply 120 VAC.  I have an appointment at MOT for a couple of items we found during out Yellowstone trip, and I'm adding the charger to the list.

Thanks,
Glen