Inverter issue

[KJ2019RoadtrekZion]

Hello,

We have the 2019 Roadtrek Zion. Lately, when having the RV plugged into shore power and the inverter on after a couple of hours the inverter will begin to have what I assume is an alarm sounding and will shut down the inverter system.

I took it to an Roadtrek shop to look at it. They had it for two weeks and could not replicate the issue. As soon as I brought it home and plugged it in again I had the same issue.

The shop's suggestion was my electric coming into my home. I checked with the electric company and they said it was within the normal 120 voltage. As well, I have had it plugged into this line for the past two years we owned the Roadtrek and never had this issue prior to April of this year.

Anyone else had this issue or thoughts?

Thank you.

 

[TEO]

Turn off the breaker feeding the receptacle that you're plugged into and pull it out. Check to make sure everything is tight and no issues back there, then check for proper voltage.

 

[TheLooks]

Also check the ground.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Why would you want to use the inverter when plugged into shore power?

The most likely reason the shop can't duplicate the problem is they know better than to turn the inverter when plugged in to the grid.

 

[KJ2019RoadtrekZion]

Why would you want to use the inverter when plugged into shore power?

The most likely reason the shop can't duplicate the problem is they know better than to turn the inverter when plugged in to the grid.

Because while I have it at home not using it for a couple of weeks at a time I plug the battery tender into the 120V AC outlet to keep the chassis battery charged.

Is there some other way to do this that I am overlooking?

Also, while camping and need A/C to be running all night long while sleeping. Do I need to unplug the shore power to have the inverter on to run the A/C all night long?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

The A/C runs off the shore power without the inverter when plugged in.

I am guessing you need to spend some time reading your manuals. That will help you understand how the components of your system work.

 

[KJ2019RoadtrekZion]

The A/C runs off the shore power without the inverter when plugged in.

I am guessing you need to spend some time reading your manuals. That will help you understand how the components of your system work.

 

[KJ2019RoadtrekZion]

And how do I use the battery tender if I can't have current coming to my 120V AC outlet because I shouldn't have my inverter on?..."Because while I have it at home not using it for a couple of weeks at a time I plug the battery tender into the 120V AC outlet to keep the chassis battery charged."

And in regard to your comment on reading my manual. I did and there are conflicting instructions. See attached screenshots of the manuals provided. Note: The Zion manual version 2.1 states, "If you need AC current for the air conditioner, microwave, etc, then you must turn on the Inverter using the switch located above the sliding door..."

 

[Kevin D Pem]

That is useful!

You don't have an inverter, you have an inverter/charger.

Look at the switch referenced as a battery disconnect.

So when asking for help, make sure you state inverter/charger so we know what you have.

With full information,this is what you should check.

1. Battery voltage when the alarm goes off.
2. Load test the battery.
3.use a plug tester for 115vac to test outlets. Both with inverter/charger on and off, while plugged into shore power.

Then get back to us.

 

[KJ2019RoadtrekZion]

That is useful!

You don't have an inverter, you have an inverter/charger.

Look at the switch referenced as a battery disconnect.

So when asking for help, make sure you state inverter/charger so we know what you have.

With full information,this is what you should check.

1. Battery voltage when the alarm goes off.
2. Load test the battery.
3.use a plug tester for 115vac to test outlets. Both with inverter/charger on and off, while plugged into shore power.

Then get back to us.

Thank you for the additional help. My apologies for not specifying it was an inverter/charger. I didn't realize there was a difference. As you can see, I'm not an electrical/battery guru. So, will have to get a someone with more experience to help me with your recommended tests. Will report back after we run the tests.

 

[TheLooks]

Your inverter/charger passes the 120v thru when plugged into shore power. It only must be turned on when not plugged into shore power or the generator is running. Your battery, unless you have lots of them, is not going to run the AC for any amount of time. Do a search for runtime of AC based on DC battery capacity and then look at how many watts your inverter puts out......2000 is stretching it, 2500 will work and 3000 is better. But with each rise in wattage your battery(ies) get depleted quickly. I have 514 AH of Lithium and can only run for 3.5 hours of continuous AC run time.