12 Volt Problem?

[Horst]

Hi All,
Just went out to my Clipper, no interior lights.
Water pump works.......holding tank indicator lights work....interior 12 volt lights dead.

So, I went and plugged into shore power.............and now the12 volt lights work fine, as do all the 110 plugs, etc. All exterior lights work fine, etc.

Hmmm....coach battery is brand  new - I can hear the converter quietly humming like it always does when plugged in.
I checked the breakers in the closet - all is well there.

Anyone have any ideas? I'm an electrical dunce.
Converter fuse perhaps? (It's dark, but I will check them Monday afternoon)
The relay in the engine compartment?

Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks

[Horst]

The electrical dunce got lucky - it was one of the 30A fuses in the converter.
All is well now.

[mccammonds]

Where was your converter located?

[Horst]

The larger exterior storage compartment  on the passenger side. Some people have a generator in there - I don't have a generator.
If you are looking at that open compartment, on the left side (toward the rear) next to the wheel well is my coach battery, and my converter. On the outside of the converter (facing toward the front of the Clipper) is an access door that hides the fuses and wire connections.

[Horst]

oh man - I just read your post from a few months back - sorry I didn't catch it then!
You probably have the same converter I do.
At least on mine, on the side, there is a thinnish bolt, with a nut on it. Remove the nut, and the access door flips open, and voila, you'll see your connections, and two 20A and two 30A fuses. Make sure you replace them all while your in there, check/ clean/tighten the connections, buy a few spare fuses, and you're all set.

[mccammonds]

Thanks for the reply

I figured that was where the fuse panel was.  Yes, I have a  4kw Onan generator in the big hole.  On each side of the generator I have installed my Trogan L16 batteries.  So I can't get into the converter/fuse panel.   Reckon when I replace my batteries I'll have to install smaller ones.

[Horst]

you can't lift out the battery next to the converter?
Maybe your set-up is different? - but I would think that you could disconnect the battery - lift it out, and get to the converter fuse panel.........no?

[mccammonds]

Reckon I could.  But the battery weighs 121 pounds and is 16.75 inches tall.  I had three strong young men to put them in for me.

[Horst]

geez - what is it - a tank battery??!!
Go to your local gym - find some young barbell head on steroids - bet him $3 that he can't lift out your battery - after he gets it out - swap your fuses - bet him $2 he can't put it back in - voila - problem solved for $5.
Wish I could help you - I'd figure a way to get that beast out of there - and maybe even find a new spot for your converter while you're at it.

[mccammonds]

Well!  I do have a bad cell in one of my batteries.  I will replace them with a shorter battery.  The ones in there are about 16 3/4 inches tall and the compartment is about 17 1/2 tall.  Make it very interesting when you have to fill the cells with water.  I know I asked for it.  I took them off my old rig. We've been full timing for years in a 32 foot TT with a super slide.  Pulled by a Road diesel Volvo truck.  It had an 18 foot box where we carried our Toyota Matrix.  I was over 63 foot long.  Down sizing to the Clipper is quite a transition.  We have been to the Mississippi twice and spent two winters in the Arizona desert.  So we have adapted pretty well. Of course I took the Solar system off the TT and installed it on the Clipper so we have plenty of electricity for the TV, computer, and what not.  Even a big enough inverter to power the wife's hair drier.

[Horst]

wow!
the wife and I (well me primarily) determined that the Clipper would be too small for us to full-time - which we plan to do in about 8+ year from now.
I may have to rethink it now................OK............ I still want a bigger rig.
I want a rear twin bed gas powered 32-36ft Class A - vintage - in good condition - with either a 454 or a 440. Fiberglass or steel skin.
Maybe even an older bus conversion.
I've been on the lookout for years - and when I see what I want, the Clipper will sadly have to be sold (regardless of the screaming and wailing of my children.)