Noticed I was getting a low voltage in my camper trailer. None of my lights will work but the big stuff like the tv celing fan microwave will all work. I moved my electrical to another pole that had 50 amps same thing. I think everything is pointing to ac\dc converter. I pulled the cover and notced the fan waqs not spinning. Any thoughts.

 

Did you check fuses? How old is the unit? On my 87 model the fan only comes on when the converter temp calls for cooling.

 

Sounds like you have a problem with the DC circuits. reason I suspect...

Most trailers I have seen have some interior AC outlets and one or two lights and heavy appliances like AC, Microwave, TV etc running off an AC circuit. So that would explain why those items you mentioned work fine. However, most of the interior lights, in those plasticky fixtures and some other interior items run off the DC circuit. They will be dim or perform poorly if they are not getting a good current supply and or low voltage. This is usually caused by dirty contacts somewhere in the circuit or a wire that has been damage thru overload, overheating wear and tear etc.

So First I would check the DC voltage at one of those cigarette lighter outlets that you probably have in the trailer. It should be something like 13volts or so. 12volts or less would indicate a poor connection somewhere. Check for voltage at the lights and any DC outlets. The fan in the converter may or may not run depending on whether it has a temperature control or not. Check the voltage at the fuses at the converter too.

Be sure you understand how to use a voltage meter, don't want to smoke your meter on DC range checking the AC line.

Hope that helps,

Jim Henderson

 

that happened on my trailer once... turns out a metal pie pan had fouind it's way to the converter and shorted it out, lucky it never started a fire!

 

First thing to do is check the voltage at your battery (s) on the trailer. Unhook from tow vehicle. Use multi-meter or test light. Light should be bright! Voltage should be 13 volts or better (up to 13.8vdc)

If voltage is poor...below 12v, your converter is not charging the battery (s). Check circuit breakers/fuses in the fuse panel inside trailer. If they are okay, the converter is prob toast or the wires have detached...... If you have to replace it, get one that has the "smart" circuit to not overcharge your battery if you leave the trailer plugged in to shore power for long periods of time. Such as this: Inteli-Power 9200 Series Converter/Chargers with Charge Wizard - Product - Camping World

 

It could be that your 12V stuff is running on the batteries only, and of course it will get steadily worse as the batteries drain.

Some converters just plug into an AC outlet (mine does) so don't rule out a tripped breaker supplying the converter. Or maybe it's just unplugged.

In my experience, converters don't just put out low voltage. They may have as many as 3 different output levels, but none of them will be below 13 volts.

 

It was the converter. Luckly it's still under warranty.