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Inverter

Group,
Once again I need help..... 1998 U-270 I am having electrical problems i don't understand.  A number of things are happening that i have never noticed before, and maybe it is because on our last trip my inverter or converter is not charging my batteries.  When plugged in to shore power and I turn off the inverter it kills all of the 110 plugs in the motorhome, in fact it appears to turn off everything except the air conditioner and 12 volt lights.  I had the coffee pot on making coff270?ee and looked at the voltage panel and had 110 volts AC but noticed the battery voltage going down and showing me using 40 amps. Turned off the coffee pot and amps dropped to almost nothing.

A few questions why would all the 110 plugs run through the inverter when plugged in to shore power?  Is this normal?
Does anyone know if I have a separate converter or does the inverter charge the batteries? 
Where the inverter/converter located on 1998 U-270?

I would really appreciate any help.

Thanks.
John

Re: Inverter

Reply #1 –
Quote from: JBC300 –
1.  When plugged in to shore power and I turn off the inverter it kills all of the 110 plugs in the motorhome.

2.  why would all the 110 plugs run through the inverter when plugged in to shore power?  Is this normal?

3.  Does anyone know if I have a separate converter or does the inverter charge the batteries? 

4.  Where the inverter/converter located on 1998 U-270?
1.  It sounds like, even when you are plugged into shore power, most of your 110V circuits are only being supplied power by the inverter.  One possible cause (of several) could be a malfunction in Switching Relay #2.  See diagram linked below:

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=media;in=3269

2.  "All the 110V plugs" do not run through the inverter, but some 110V circuits are powered by the inverter.  You should have a electrical diagram in your Owners Manual showing which circuits are powered by inverter and which are powered directly off the main 110V panel.

3.  I believe your coach was originally equipped with a Freedom 20 Heart Interface combination inverter/battery charger, but it may have been replaced by a previous owner.

4.  I don't know.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Inverter

Reply #2 –
The inverter has it's own transfer switch that, when plugged in, the AC travels through the inverter to some circuit breakers for the plugs. Sounds like your switch is broke. On my coach all plugs are inverted except the vacuum and fridge. However, some Foretravels have TWO installed transfer switches. If yours does have two, one is broke. Or....one leg on your 50 amp cord is not working.  Each air conditioner runs on it's own leg so if both airs work it ain't that.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Inverter

Reply #3 –
#4. Should be in the basement mounted on the ceiling in the bay next to the house batteries. If it is OEM look for a black square box as that is what the Freedom 20 looks like. Now a previous owner could have changed it out so in that case all bets are off as to what you are looking for.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Inverter

Reply #4 –
Agree with Twig that you need to trace the complete path of shore power, from park pedestal all the way to main 110V circuit breaker panel.  You need to verify that you are actually getting both legs of shore power into the coach when you are plugged in.  You can see the shore power path on the diagram I linked above in Reply #1.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Inverter

Reply #5 –
Wow Thanks this is going to be great help.  I think my inverter may need to be gone through since it has quit charging batteries.  Go to get to work thanks again for the help.

John

Re: Inverter

Reply #6 –
If you find that you have the Freedom unit you will be money ahead to replace it rather than attempting a repair.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Inverter

Reply #7 –
jbc300
if your coach is a 40 ft. like mine you will find the inverter and the 12 volt
pump tucked in a little cubby hole, behind a panel on the forward
bulkhead in the 4 ft bay. 

Re: Inverter

Reply #8 –
JBC300
I had exactly the same issues with my freedom so I replaced it with a magnum 2812.  Best decision ever.  Much more stable (full sine wave) and worry free. I did have to modify the bracket to get to fit but well worth it
Peter
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox
 

Re: Inverter

Reply #9 –

1.  Is the "salesman switch" as they call it at the front door on?  Had as big foot accidentally turn it off while exiting or entering the coach.  Left mostly in the dark..
2. On your monitor panel is the inverter & cant remember the other but they are one on top of the other, ON..
3.  There is a 30 amp [memory} breaker maybe 2? On the inverter, are they ON,  pushed in..

 Sorry not at the coach, over the years failure of all these individually has caused "happenings" to me..




Bill, Tricia, Sassy  Mostly poodle. Maybe
It,s. 5 o clock somewhere,  ?
MoHo has 3 happy days,  Buy, everything works, sell.
  Hopefully the rest are pleasant days.

Pull 05 Jeep Liberty.