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Old 07-27-2014, 07:51 AM   #1
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Battery/Converter Question

Hi everyone,

I have a brand new Sunset Trail 270BH Fifth Wheel. I've only had it out a few times so far, and I've noticed something I think is unusual. The battery only charges when I'm plugged into a power source. It doesn't charge at all when it's plugged into my truck. This made my boondocking experience a few nights ago very interesting, since my lights started to dim after very little energy usage.

Also, if I'm plugged into a power source and I turn on the overhead lights in the main living area, the converter fan comes on and stays on. It doesn't shut off... at all. Is this normal?

I'm going to take the battery to my mechanic tomorrow to be tested while my truck is in for service, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience and can let me know if this is something to be concerned about. Thanks.
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Old 07-27-2014, 07:55 AM   #2
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When you take your truck in, tell your mechanic to check the 7 prong plugin for the camper to see if the battery terminal is connected. If not have him do it.

It's normal for the converter fan to run when you turn lights on. It's cooling.
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Old 07-27-2014, 08:17 AM   #3
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On some trucks, the fuse for the battery pin in the connector is not plugged in. On the TrailBlazer I used to have, the owner's manual stated that the fuse was in an empty spot in the fuse block under the hood, and stated which space it needed to be relocated to in order to activate the pin in the connector. It was already in place on my Silverado.
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Old 07-27-2014, 08:19 AM   #4
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By the way, welcome to the forum and congratulations on your SF270BH. I love mine.
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Old 07-27-2014, 08:25 AM   #5
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Thanks guys! The funny thing is, I'm sure the truck was charging my previous trailer (a 26-foot Coachmen TT), so the plugin on the truck *should* be working, but I'll have my mechanic test it tomorrow. I'll let you know what happens.
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Old 07-27-2014, 08:53 AM   #6
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I took the advice from this forum and changed all my lights in our trailer to LED. Now my converter fan never needs to run!
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Old 07-27-2014, 10:48 AM   #7
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check the fusse in the truck, they are know to blow, ior not be in there at all
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Old 07-28-2014, 06:07 PM   #8
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Problem solved. The fuse and panel that comes with the truck that allows the trailer to charge when it's plugged in was never installed. Apparently it wasn't charging my old trailer, I just never noticed because I didn't boondock as much. Thanks for the help guys!

Gary, if you don't mind my asking, how much did it cost you to change the lights to LEDs?
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Old 07-28-2014, 08:06 PM   #9
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I purchased all the bulbs on Amazon, and all are still working fine. I think the total cost was about 50.00.with free shipping. Well worth it to keep the converter fan off. The bulbs will also help extend your battery life if you decide to camp without electric hook-up. I also bought a small tube of electrical grease at walmart to help get the bulbs in the socket easier.
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Old 07-29-2014, 04:49 AM   #10
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How many bulbs did you buy for that price, Gary?
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Old 07-29-2014, 06:10 AM   #11
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Is this the product, Gary?

http://www.amazon.com/GRV-24-3528-Su...+lights+for+rv
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Old 07-29-2014, 12:13 PM   #12
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For what it's worth, I bought these from Aliexpress. Another poster recommended them..I really like them too..
http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/6119480335.html

I paid $58.08 for 30 bulbs shipped no tax. Much brighter than the 24 array 3528's on Amazon.
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Old 07-29-2014, 02:49 PM   #13
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I purchased thirty of the flat style bulbs from the Amazon link you have posted. I also purchased four 1076 LED bulbs from a different vendor on Amazon. All have worked great.
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Old 07-29-2014, 02:51 PM   #14
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Yes...those are the bulbs Loneoak
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Old 07-29-2014, 05:40 PM   #15
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I swapped to LED as well. I bought these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

10 of them for $23.
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Old 07-29-2014, 05:55 PM   #16
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Thanks for all your suggestions. We will probably order them when we go to Florida. It is cheaper to have stuff shipped to a U.S. address.

A note about Alibaba. I have ordered a number of things from them but I had a bad experience last year where an item arrived broken and the seller would not come good for it. He wanted me to ship it back, and the shipping cost exceeded the cost of the item. On top of that, my credit card was compromised last fall, something was ordered from the U.K., and the company had to issue me a new card. I am pretty sure the problem probably arose out of my dealings with China.
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Old 07-29-2014, 06:42 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Loneoak View Post
Thanks for all your suggestions. We will probably order them when we go to Florida. It is cheaper to have stuff shipped to a U.S. address.

A note about Alibaba. I have ordered a number of things from them but I had a bad experience last year where an item arrived broken and the seller would not come good for it. He wanted me to ship it back, and the shipping cost exceeded the cost of the item. On top of that, my credit card was compromised last fall, something was ordered from the U.K., and the company had to issue me a new card. I am pretty sure the problem probably arose out of my dealings with China.
I've had issues with vendors online from time to time..I open a dispute with Citi and I get my $ back and it goes away. Good info though on Alibaba..I'll keep that in mind next time.

Amazon always comes through with world class customer service.
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Old 07-29-2014, 07:15 PM   #18
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I agree about Amazon. My credit card company reversed the charges, but it is annoying having to notify companies who regularly bill my credit card that I have a new card.
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Old 07-30-2014, 09:28 AM   #19
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For me the risk was worth the cost savings. 2 bucks for a bulb amazon charges 6 when you need 30 was worth it. $60 vs. $180.
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