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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: 98Fore on May 27, 2021, 09:55:03 pm

Title: Dead house batteries/No shore power
Post by: 98Fore on May 27, 2021, 09:55:03 pm
I noticed a problem today with my 1998 U320 that puzzles me. I keep it in a temperature controlled garage plugged into shore power and the start batteries on a charger. I noticed that the house batteries are mostly dead, and the shore power from being plugged in isn't powering anything. The chassis batteries are charged according to the charger. Any ideas where to start my diagnostic? Inverter perhaps?  Thank you in advance.
Chris
Title: Re: Dead house batteries/No shore power
Post by: oldguy on May 27, 2021, 10:09:21 pm
I would check first that the transfer switch has transferred and you have 120 volts. Then check the inverter and see
if it is charging. On my inverter the charger part could be turned off.
Title: Re: Dead house batteries/No shore power
Post by: kb0zke on May 27, 2021, 10:48:36 pm
I'd start as far away from the coach as you can - electrically. That would be the breaker for the outlet you are plugged into. Is the breaker ON? If so, check the outlet. Do you have power there? If so, check your power cord. If you have power at all of those points, the problem is within your coach. It will only take a couple of minutes for you to do these checks, as everything is out where you can easily get to it.

If you are getting power to your coach, you are now dealing with smaller spaces and things that aren't conveniently located. Again, follow the path of the electricity.
Title: Re: Dead house batteries/No shore power
Post by: wolfe10 on May 28, 2021, 08:04:01 am
Yup, start by testing power to the outlet you are plugged into.

After that, if you are using adapters, check in the "coach end" of each for power.

Only after all those are proven would I start looking at/in the coach.
Title: Re: Dead house batteries/No shore power
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on May 28, 2021, 09:04:45 am
One of these is handy to have onboard;

Sperry Instruments VD6509 Adjustable Non-Contact Detector with Flashlight,... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QM25Q41/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_imm_11YT8W4R0XJ0WZPQ4DXV)
Title: Re: Dead house batteries/No shore power
Post by: 98Fore on May 28, 2021, 03:00:12 pm
All great advice and much appreciated.  I'm working on it this weekend and will keep you updated.
Title: Re: Dead house batteries/No shore power
Post by: 98Fore on May 31, 2021, 02:05:57 pm
Update...I re-plugged in the coach and everything works. ?  I tested the transformer and it checked out. The inverter fired up and started charging the house batteries. Not sure that the cause of all this was but I learned more about my coach, which is a good thing. Thank you for your help.