Currently camping and lost 12V power

10 posts / 0 new
Last post
J_Erwin
Offline
Last seen: 3 years 1 month ago
Joined: 06/03/2020 - 12:05
Currently camping and lost 12V power

Hey gang, I'm 4 days into a long road trip and find myself without 12V power - could use some pro tips. Here's what got me here:

All systems were working 100% until I put the fridge on 12V for a 6hr drive yesterday. Boondocked last night and found my 12V power was out but figured the fridge drained it faster than the TV could charge the battery. Checked battery fuse and it was good. Switched fridge off, drove another 6hrs and pulled into a site with shore power tonight and still the 12V power is out - 120V system works 100%. I'm using a 3 pin to 7 pin converter on my tow vehicle in case that matters. Batt fuse is still good. Converter power outlet is working. 

I'm out here with a fairly limited toolset and no volt meter. All suggestions welcome! 

ac0gv
ac0gv's picture
Offline
Last seen: 3 months 2 days ago
Joined: 09/22/2016 - 13:57
Adapter?

A properly wired adapter will send 12 volts to the RV (but may not fully charge the battery). Yours may not be wired correctly.. The 12 volt things in the RV should be powered by the 12 DC converter  and it should also charge the battery when plugged in. It could be more than one thing. Is the converter unplugged under the seat? Sometimes pulling the cord out unplugs the converter. Picutre is my converter plug. (yes I have a picture of everything that ever caused me problems)

Are you in a campground with a helpful person that will come over with  a volt meter? Can you send a picture of your adapter that powers the Scamp from the tow vehicle?

J_Erwin
Offline
Last seen: 3 years 1 month ago
Joined: 06/03/2020 - 12:05
Adapter pics

Converter is plugged in and receiving power - whether it's powering on, I can not tell.

Here are two pics of the adapter on the TV. First is the 3:3 connector (the capped wires from the adapter are blue and purple + white ground), second is the 7-pin plug itself. 

If I get ahold of a volt meter, where should I start checking?


ac0gv
ac0gv's picture
Offline
Last seen: 3 months 2 days ago
Joined: 09/22/2016 - 13:57
Un used wires

It looks like you have some unused wires so maybe no 12 VDC to the RV. The converter should however power the Rv and charge the battery. Start by looking for voltage from the converter and battery. You could also charge the battery with a battery charger. Harbor Freight has a volt meter for about $6. Did it ever work on a trip like this, or is this a first time trip?

 

J_Erwin
Offline
Last seen: 3 years 1 month ago
Joined: 06/03/2020 - 12:05
Batt power?

Noted. This is a maiden voyage but the 12V power was operable the first couple of nights. 

Follow up: if the battery is kaput, the converter should still power the 12V utilities when connected to a 30V shore, correct? (lights, water pumps, etc)

ac0gv
ac0gv's picture
Offline
Last seen: 3 months 2 days ago
Joined: 09/22/2016 - 13:57
Kaput or just dead

It sounds like you left home with a charged battery but nothing kept it charged. Yes the converter should run all 12 volt loads and charge the battery. 

ac0gv
ac0gv's picture
Offline
Last seen: 3 months 2 days ago
Joined: 09/22/2016 - 13:57
Seven pin layout

Greg A
Greg A's picture
Offline
Last seen: 4 days 20 hours ago
SOI-AdministratorLifetime Member
Joined: 11/02/2013 - 20:45
7 pin tester

One of these in your tow box is invaluable to eliminate tow vehicle as a problem

https://amzn.to/2WL3n2

I would suspect the 3 pin to 7 pin setup, but hard to tell without being able to check. I wouldn't ever recommend running fridge on 12v unless you have some major charging modifications and rooftop solar.

Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape

Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:

Fiberglass-RV-4Sale

J_Erwin
Offline
Last seen: 3 years 1 month ago
Joined: 06/03/2020 - 12:05
Great tip

Thanks for the tip on the 7 pin tester - I'll absolutely grab one. I also suspect that's a big part of the problem along with switching the fridge to 12V.
I got my hands on a multimeter and my battery was criminally low, so I bought a replacement and all is good. Trying to sip 12V power as needed until I dock and can start testing the converter, which I presume may also be an issue since I didn't receive 12V power from shore. 
I'll follow up once I solve the issue and close the loop.

Great help as always, folks! 

J_Erwin
Offline
Last seen: 3 years 1 month ago
Joined: 06/03/2020 - 12:05
Follow up

Quick follow up for anyone experiencing a similar issue with a sudden loss of 12V power.

The diagnosis from the other users in this thread was right on the money. A couple of wires in my 7-pin connector had come unsecured, kept blowing the fuse on my battery and prevented me from getting a recharge from the tow vehicle.

Combine that with an exhausted battery and my poor decision to run my fridge on 12V while in transit, and I was in a world of hurt. 
Replaced the battery, fixed the connections in my 7-pin and I'm good to go.

Thanks again for the help, folks. This first voyage has been a great learning experience.