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11-17-2022, 03:52 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 29.3
State: Alabama
Posts: 7
THOR #28508
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Thor ACE Heater and Refrigerator Stopped working
We've got a 2016 Thor ACE 29.3. We keep it at home hooked to shore power, then take it out for trips. It's been 3 months since taking it out but we've been in it often and all systems seemed to be working fine. I took it out yesterday to drive around prior to a trip and after the drive, the fridge and heater don't work. Nothing at all, even when connected to shore power.
Took the batteries to the local parts store and they tested good, although I did notice they seem like they drain pretty fast when we're without shore power. I think the batteries are about 2 years old. Any ideas as to whats up?
Thanks!
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11-17-2022, 04:01 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: A.C.E. 27.2
State: Indiana
Posts: 1,872
THOR #14698
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Do all the lights work? Perhaps someone inadvertently hit the use store switch
__________________
2018 ACE 27.2
Toad 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain Towbar
Roadmaster Invisibrake
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11-17-2022, 04:24 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,317
THOR #7035
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Assuming the USE/STORE switch is in USE and the Converter works and charges the house batteries............ Both the fridge control power and furnace are supplied by the "Appliances" fuse in the Power Center (as well as the water heater control power and thermostat control power). That's the place to start. If good, move to the furnace switch (behind the panel) and see if you have 12 VDC there.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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11-17-2022, 05:09 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 29.3
State: Alabama
Posts: 7
THOR #28508
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Cont...
Thanks for responding! This is great!
1. The Disconnect switch is in the USE position.
2. We replaced the all the fuses just to be sure (ironically, many tested bad even though some of the circuits they were connected to still functioned such as the lights, strange). However, the appliance fuse did seem to be bad because once we changed that one, we could hear the water heater propane fire up. It did not do anything for the heater/fridge however. Perhaps some type of surge in our system?
We're getting to the point where I'm getting out of my league mechanically/electrically. We have a mobile service guy coming this afternoon. Anything you can think of to tell/ask him?
In the past, when not on shore power, it does seem like our batteries drain pretty quickly. Does that indicate a faulty ground wire somewhere or a load that isn't normal? This last thing is just a random history thought.
Thank you again!
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11-17-2022, 05:42 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,317
THOR #7035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ThorOutTheDoor
Thanks for responding! This is great!
1. The Disconnect switch is in the USE position.
2. We replaced the all the fuses just to be sure (ironically, many tested bad even though some of the circuits they were connected to still functioned such as the lights, strange). However, the appliance fuse did seem to be bad because once we changed that one, we could hear the water heater propane fire up. It did not do anything for the heater/fridge however. Perhaps some type of surge in our system?
We're getting to the point where I'm getting out of my league mechanically/electrically. We have a mobile service guy coming this afternoon. Anything you can think of to tell/ask him?
In the past, when not on shore power, it does seem like our batteries drain pretty quickly. Does that indicate a faulty ground wire somewhere or a load that isn't normal? This last thing is just a random history thought.
Thank you again!
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The water heater firing up on propane tells you that 12 VDC is getting out of the appliances fuse. It could be a bad/corroded connection at the furnace switch (the fridge is generally pigtailed off the furnace + 12 VDC supply) but your mobile tech should be well versed in tracing down that issue.
For two year old batteries that aren't up to snuff capacity-wise I would think back on their history. Have they been abused by letting the water level get to low (what is their current water level?)? Have they been drained completely dead one or more times or under 50 % SOC multiple times? Or are they just cheaply made batteries that aren't really made to last more than a couple of years? Also, are they deep cycle batteries or starting batteries?
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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11-17-2022, 05:44 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: A.C.E. 27.2
State: Indiana
Posts: 1,872
THOR #14698
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ThorOutTheDoor
Thanks for responding! This is great!
1. The Disconnect switch is in the USE position.
2. We replaced the all the fuses just to be sure (ironically, many tested bad even though some of the circuits they were connected to still functioned such as the lights, strange). However, the appliance fuse did seem to be bad because once we changed that one, we could hear the water heater propane fire up. It did not do anything for the heater/fridge however. Perhaps some type of surge in our system?
We're getting to the point where I'm getting out of my league mechanically/electrically. We have a mobile service guy coming this afternoon. Anything you can think of to tell/ask him?
In the past, when not on shore power, it does seem like our batteries drain pretty quickly. Does that indicate a faulty ground wire somewhere or a load that isn't normal? This last thing is just a random history thought.
Thank you again!
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Are your batteries the originals from 2016? If so though they may not be toast but are definitely on their way out. It would be wise to replace with new ones.
__________________
2018 ACE 27.2
Toad 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain Towbar
Roadmaster Invisibrake
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11-17-2022, 05:58 PM
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#7
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 29.3
State: Alabama
Posts: 7
THOR #28508
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The batteries are deep cycle.
We bought the RV as used one year ago, so I can't vouch for how the batteries were treated prior to us. I can say that as novices to RVing, we have probably run them lower than we should have a couple times, never to dead but probably below a 12 volts reading on our inverter pannel, a couple times. I did add water 3 months ago as they were a little low. Perhaps a little too much water because we had a little spill over corrosion on the strap buckle (not affecting the posts or cables that I could see). We did have them tested at an auto parts store and they tested good. But could that be instantaneously good yet not good for long usage?
Also, in the battery bay there are two 100 amp busses on the wall with red disconnect switches that operate a yellow flag. They operate fine, but there's a third 50 amp buss hanging down behind the batteries that has a yellow flag but no obvious red operating button. What do those do?
Again, thank you! This forum is really amazing!
Kevin
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Kevin
2016 Thor ACE 29.3
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11-17-2022, 06:09 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 29.3
State: Alabama
Posts: 7
THOR #28508
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Also, I believe the batteries are about 2 years old based on the stamped code on the battery case (the date tabs were never punched). The code was both hard to read and hard to interpret. I had to run that down on the internet. The brand is Interstate.
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Kevin
2016 Thor ACE 29.3
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11-17-2022, 06:38 PM
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#9
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,317
THOR #7035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ThorOutTheDoor
The batteries are deep cycle.
We bought the RV as used one year ago, so I can't vouch for how the batteries were treated prior to us. I can say that as novices to RVing, we have probably run them lower than we should have a couple times, never to dead but probably below a 12 volts reading on our inverter pannel, a couple times. I did add water 3 months ago as they were a little low. Perhaps a little too much water because we had a little spill over corrosion on the strap buckle (not affecting the posts or cables that I could see). We did have them tested at an auto parts store and they tested good. But could that be instantaneously good yet not good for long usage?
Also, in the battery bay there are two 100 amp busses on the wall with red disconnect switches that operate a yellow flag. They operate fine, but there's a third 50 amp buss hanging down behind the batteries that has a yellow flag but no obvious red operating button. What do those do?
Again, thank you! This forum is really amazing!
Kevin
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If you bought it from a dealer the batteries were probably abused on the lot. Going below 12 VDC (static voltage) is not good either.
The two 100 amp breakers are for your generator starter and hydraulic leveling pump (one breaker); and the inverter (other breaker).
The 50 amp one is for the house load buss/converter and doesn't have a test button.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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11-17-2022, 07:37 PM
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#10
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 29.3
State: Alabama
Posts: 7
THOR #28508
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Thank you Ted, Melinda, and MJC. This is very much appreciated. Sounds like two new batteries.
__________________
Kevin
2016 Thor ACE 29.3
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11-18-2022, 04:02 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 29.3
State: Alabama
Posts: 7
THOR #28508
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Problem solved
To help folks trying to solve a similar issue, we resolved our refer/heater problem. It turns out there was a loose connection on the wire bundle that runs from the fuse/breaker panel to the refer/heater. In our rig, the bundle has a bundle connection directly behind the panel, located inside the bed pedestal, then the bundle goes into the floor, comes back up in the floor of the slide out cavity, and travels towards the cab of the rig. Under the lower kitchen cabinets, there's a second bundle connector, then it travels into the outside wall where the individual wires get distributed to various appliances and motors, including the heater and refer. It seems like driving the rig shook something enough to loosen a wire connection in one of the two connectors. Based on the volt meter readings, we think it was the one directly behind the fuses. We pushed them together tightly and used electric tape to keep them secure. All good now. Taking the rig out today for a weekend trip. We'll post if there are further issues.
Again, thanks to those that posted tips, ideas, and help. This forum is excellent!
__________________
Kevin
2016 Thor ACE 29.3
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11-18-2022, 04:27 PM
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#12
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,317
THOR #7035
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__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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11-18-2022, 06:02 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: A.C.E. 27.2
State: Indiana
Posts: 1,872
THOR #14698
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__________________
2018 ACE 27.2
Toad 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain Towbar
Roadmaster Invisibrake
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11-18-2022, 07:33 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Four Winds
State: California
Posts: 406
THOR #24260
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Thank you so much.
We rarely get the final solution.
Terry
__________________
Terry and Geri
2017 Four Winds 35SD
2020 Grand Cherokee Toad
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