Inverter-Generator Issues

May 06, 2002, 10:27:27 am

By way of reminder, we were having generator invertor problems when we dry camped and used the generator to keep the batteries charged in our Affinity 42 B&B, All-electric, #5957. Since day one that we had the coach, the invertor-chargers (we have two) would overheat. CC and our dealer Lazy Days have been very good working with us to try to correct the problem. In January they replaced the original Freedom 25's with Freedom 458's. Then my problems really started, since everytime we dry camped we ended up with a generator that would not work.
The Onan people fixed the "controller board" (for the third time) two weeks ago and last week we stopped at Buddy Gregg on our way to Va. I "think" they have fixed the problem - the new inverters had been incorrectly wired.
At the risk of sounding as stupid as I am, there are/were several issues involved. There are two "circuits" that distribute electricity within the coach, and these need to be balanced in some way. On all-electric coaches like ours, the need to monitor the electirc usage and make sure we do not overload one circuit is important. We do that by watching the "AC Feeder Output" panel located above the drivers seat. The amps (as I understand it) cannot exceed 50 on either side and the total cannot exceed 75. Before reaching Buddy Gregg we tripped the circuit breaker at a campground before I realized that by waiting until the charger finished bulk charging before turning on the AC I could (even with my problem) stay within bounds. At Buddy Gregg they discovered that both inverters (and both chargers) were tied into the "left circuit." When they wired the units correctly, the Feeder Panel shows about equal distirbution right and left. However, on all-electric units the problem is a little more challenging.
Certainly when bulk charging the batteries we must be careful what we use that draws a lot of amps, since bulk charging by itself draws a lot. The way CC wired our unit, the front and center AC units, and all the outlets are on the left circuit. Of course, those are the thing we use the most. So esepcially on hot days at breakfast, when the toaster and coffee maker maybe going, along with the AC, we will be montoring to see what is going on.
We have not yet dry camped in hot weather to see if the original problem has been fixed, by we do know the generator runs without having the controller board burn out.
The problem with the coach was undoubtedly exacerbated by my lack of understanding of the basic electrical system. Then the new inverters were improperly installed, which casued me to undergo a crach course in trouble-shooting. But through the entire episode, I cannot say enough how happy we are with Lee Eyre and CC. They have gone out of their way to be helpful and try to get the problem fixed. It would be nice if CC dealers and service centers were as handy as General Motors, but... And we cannot say enough for the service we received at Buddy Gregg. Their staff was knowledgeable and very attentive to our issues.
So we are on our way for a six-month trip. Hope it goes as well as it has started.
Scott Laidig
Affinity 5957

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Re: Inverter-Generator Issues

Reply #1 – May 06, 2002, 11:16:22 am

Yahoo Message Number: 1718

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the info on your wiring situation with your Affinity. I also have an Affinity, # 5972. I'm going to check on how mine is wired as we are going on a 3 month trip out West and to Canada this summer. We will be doing a lot of dry camping on this trip. My Inverters did over heat a bit when I first got the coach --- might be due a situation similar to yours. They do get quite hot while working, especially during the bulk charge time.
One thing that I did to help reduce the incidence of getting the "overheating" error message was to install a small 12 V fan at the top left of the opening to the electrical compartment. I cut a round hole in the top left of the panel that you remove to gain access to the compartment. I wired the fan into the thermostat on the back wall of that compartment so both fans (CC originally installed fan and my new fan) go on when the temp rises above a certain temp set on the thermostat. This fan helps to move more air in and out of the compartment. If you still get the temp. error codes this additional fan might help solve the problem.
I agree, Lee Eyers is a great person to work with to resolve problems.
I have a "whistling" noise some where around the left side (I think) of my left windshield. I just don't know what is causing it. This whistling occurs mostly at higher highway speeds. Just to the left of the drivers chair, I installed a small diverter on the metal divider between the lower-left, two side windows but that has not resolved the problem. Have you experienced this problem or know of any possible solutions?

Denny Zarnt
2001 Affinity # 5972

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