Cooling fan runs continuously

dexstrom · 08-16-2018, 07:37 AM

We’re on our second trip, we always hook up to 30 amp shore power, etc. I noticed the cooling fan on the power center runs non-stop. Is that normal? If I turn off the Converter it stops. Wondering if that is OK or is something amiss. TIA

Daniel
SLX 195RB

paul_ottawa · 08-16-2018, 07:50 AM

Mine (x213) only runs when we have a few things on. Once I put the 2nd LED light on in the trailer, or turn on my outdoor awning lights, the fan comes on, but I believe if I just have 1 light on the cooling fan still stays off.

If it bothers you, you could probably shut off the converter for a while, but keep monitoring your battery, and when it gets low enough, turn it back on to charge it back up. You might notice that slides/awning take longer though if the converter is not on.

oldmanAZ · 08-16-2018, 08:43 AM

X2 for monitoring your battery. It could be low and needs to be charged. You'll need a digital voltmeter to check your battery state of charge.

Between trips, is your battery totally disconnected from the trailer or do you have your trailer plugged in to keep the battery charged?

paul_ottawa · 08-16-2018, 09:03 AM

When we didn't have power, we would be running about 0.8A with just the propane detector and fridge (on propane) and the radio (on standby). When we turn on a light, we were over 1A, and I think the second brought us to over 1.2A.

You should check and see what your power draw is while resting to see if there is something that is always drawing a lot of power. We ended up having a switch that I believe powers our antenna that was on and drawing around 0.1A. Not that much, but over a few days without power, it adds up.

ALJO · 08-16-2018, 09:46 AM

Your model probably has the low end WFCO converter installed, they have a tendency under a slight load to run the fan for cooling, e.g. battery charging, lights etc.

BudMor · 08-16-2018, 01:14 PM

Its charging the battery once the battery is charged and there is not a big load on the converter the fan should slow down or stop. May take some hours.

33 RLDS · 08-16-2018, 01:16 PM

Lat time my ran continuously was because I inadvertently popped emergency brake connector out of the holder so My brakes were energized

Took me 2 days to realize it !

ALJO · 08-16-2018, 01:39 PM

33 RLDS: install an emergency flasher and connect to a flashing light on top of the RV

33 RLDS · 08-16-2018, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALJO

33 RLDS: install an emergency flasher and connect to a flashing light on top of the RV

Its already embedded in my monkey brain to check it now when either hitching or unhitching so doubtful it will happen again

GrumpyDad · 08-16-2018, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BudMor

Its charging the battery once the battery is charged and there is not a big load on the converter the fan should slow down or stop. May take some hours.

Yes, should stop after a few hours and if it doesn't, then that may indicate something is wrong with your batteries. Do you charge them before your trips?

dexstrom · 08-16-2018, 05:10 PM

Thanks for the replies, the trailer sat for 2 weeks, battery was not disconnected. It didn’t occur to me that there would be a load on it but sounds there is and it is trying to charge a low battery. I’ll check the charge as soon as I can.

Daniel

oldmanAZ · 08-16-2018, 06:31 PM

If your trailer has a 12v power port, Amazon carries inexpensive digital voltmeters that plug into that port. It will show the state of your 12v system at a glance... priceless.

ALJO · 08-16-2018, 06:58 PM

Poorly maintained and overly discharged batteries takes the best of the batteries.
Keep your RV plugged in if possible, otherwise totally disconnect the battery. Save your battery $$$$

dexstrom · 08-16-2018, 07:47 PM

I have a digi voltmeter, at home, will keep it in the tt from now on. Can’t plug in when stored, If I switch off the Main breaker on the WFCO will that stop any draw from the batt? Otherwise I guess I need a quick disconnect switch.

Daniel

oldmanAZ · 08-16-2018, 08:13 PM

Turning off the main breaker will not stop 12v draws.

Installing a disconnect switch or pulling a battery cable off the battery is about the only way to accomplish it.

GrumpyDad · 08-17-2018, 07:59 AM

A disconnect switch is the right answer and a very simple project. But you can always disconnect the battery wires if you don't want to install the switch.

Don't just let your battery discharge in storage, that's bad for the battery, and will mean you effectively have no breakaway brakes in an emergency. Probably other reasons too.

dexstrom · 08-17-2018, 09:31 AM

Thanks for all the help, I'll install a cutoff switch soon.

bleckb · 08-18-2018, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

Turning off the main breaker will not stop 12v draws.

Installing a disconnect switch or pulling a battery cable off the battery is about the only way to accomplish it.

I pull the 30-amp fuse between trips. I'm assuming it does the same as a disconnect switch. Am I right about that?

GrumpyDad · 08-18-2018, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleckb

I pull the 30-amp fuse between trips. I'm assuming it does the same as a disconnect switch. Am I right about that?

Depends. It SHOULD, but I've seen some wired with that fuse AFTER some of the draws.

oldmanAZ · 08-18-2018, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrumpyDad

Depends. It SHOULD, but I've seen some wired with that fuse AFTER some of the draws.

What he ^^^^ said.

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