Before I dig in deep, I thought I might check the brain trust on this. On our 89 GV 3600 with a 3208T Cat, I was inside working and had been running one of the a/C's for probably an hour when it kicked the shore circuit breaker. I reset it, and since then, even with everything off, it will kick the breaker in a minute or two. I have had the coach plugged into this for over a year to keep the battery's charged. It is on a 20 amp breaker. I have done this before without an issue. I switched circuits on the shore line, but to no avail. Any ideas?
If you kick the shore power outlet breaker with all breakers in the main 120 VAC panel off, sounds like a short in:
Shore power cord
Wiring from coach inlet to ATS
ATS
Wiring from ATS to main 120 VAC breaker box
Or connections in the 120 VAC breaker box
Start by checking all connections as well as cord ends.
Are you using a residential type extension cord, if so look there first. Additionally at any adapters.
I think Brett is saying to check the prongs and cord openings for corrosion and or burning, indicating poor conductivity.
Is the actual breaker tripping, or if you have a GFCI outlet is the GFCI tripping... older coaches will sometimes trip GFCI outlets due to old insulation in heating elements and motors.
First, thanks to all for your expertise. I shut out the coach 120 breakers and reconnected to the shoreline connection. No problem, so I shut out all the coach circuit breakers, and turned the main 120 disconnect back on. I then turned back on the individual circuit breakers in the coach one at a time, and after finally getting everything back on, no more problems to now. I did check all plug connections and the shoreline plug in at the coach. I will watch and see. Thanks again, folks.......
Did you experience a voltage drop?
I found a bad adapter a couple of weeks ago. Wondered why no juice at the other end.
P
More headaches..... Now when I plug up to the shoreline, I used to get a "thump" noise when it was plugged in. No thump now, and no battery charge happening. Converter? Isolator? I want to upgrade to the multi stage charger converter that just charges the amount of voltage you need. Help????
Also, Where is the generator inside compartment open release? How does one get access to the back side of the generator? I have what appears to be a bad ground. Acts like a very low battery..... on the generator......
IF, repeat IF you are safe working around 120 VAC, open the ATS and check there for power IN and OUT. It is the ATS that clicks as the relays close.
PLEASE, put your coach info in your signature.
Sorry about no coach info. I thought I had it in there. Maybe didn't save it. BTW, ATS?
ATS= Automatic Transfer Switch.
120 VAC IN from generator
120 VAC IN from shore power
120 VAC OUT to main 120 VAC breaker panel.
Brett, where is this located? I don't have a Service Manual, which I need badly. Don't have a problem with shore voltages. Was a Fixed Operations Manager in Auto Dealerships for 38 years. Tech before that. Built Travel Trailers early on. Anything you can give me will help. Very DIY......
Under the bed (just forward of engine room) on many Foretravel models. No first hand knowledge of your model year.
If not there, trace cable in from shore power inlet.
Thank you ! B TW, any advice on where I might round up a Service Manual?
Foretravel never produced "service manuals". Very rare for an RV manufacturer to do so (I can't think of any that do, and most don't even offer schematics).
Thanks for your response!
Update :
Found my issue(s). Found the roll lock cord connection at the coach had a blockage not letting the cord side plug rotate completely allowing the plug to loosen and not engage the solenoids. The reason the coach was kicking the shoreline circuit breaker was the block heater. Due to the poor location of the on/off switch at the foot of the bed, the switch inadvertently got turned on while I was working around the bed. NOW, I found this when I was running the generator, and had both ACs on Hi, and it kicked the breaker at the genny. I've driven diesels a very long time and always have used block heaters with no circuit breaker issues. How many amps does it pull, or I guess it could have a "soft" short causing abnormal amperage issues. Any ideas?