12 volt Jack issue

[KCook]

On our last trip after driving for one hour (while using inverter) I arrived at the campground. Pulled into spot and turn on the Jack control pad, I got a low voltage warning. Motor was still running. Fridge ran whole time with out a sound from inverter control. I plugged in the RV to 50amps and was able to lower jacks with out a issue. Any thoughts?

KC

[TurnerFam]

the system usually gives this 'signal' if it is programmed to not run on the 'automatic' mode when the battery bank Voltage level is too 'low'... sometimes, running the engine and/or generator will eventually clear it, but if the Inverter was using 12v power from the batteries, for the fridge and other items, then the levels where probably low when you arrived, even with the engine running.

You CAN still use the levelers, in this situation, simply use the MANUAL mode. We see this all the time on ours, but since we most always use the Manual mode, it's no issue.

[KCook]

Originally Posted by TurnerFam

the system usually gives this 'signal' if it is programmed to not run on the 'automatic' mode when the battery bank Voltage level is too 'low'... sometimes, running the engine and/or generator will eventually clear it, but if the Inverter was using 12v power from the batteries, for the fridge and other items, then the levels where probably low when you arrived, even with the engine running.

You CAN still use the levelers, in this situation, simply use the MANUAL mode. We see this all the time on ours, but since we most always use the Manual mode, it's no issue.

I had thought the engine would keep the battery charged.

Kevin

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by KCook

I had thought the engine would keep the battery charged. Kevin

On a hot day with the Ford engine at 2,400 rpm you have about 100 amps available from the alternator @ 14 volts to power items in the coach. Subtract 20 to 40 amps for the dash A/C and your inverter needs approximately 9 amps @ 13 volts to produce 1 amp @ 120 volts or about 650 - 800 watts total. If you get a low voltage reading, it is because your house batteries are below 12.4 volts and/or your chassis battery is below 12.4 volts. You can read the battery voltages on the panel in manual mode. At idle, your alternator has about 20 amps @ 14 volts excess current. The electric jack pump needs 50 to 90 amps at 12.4 volts to operate efficiently. In manual, the system will still operate with voltages as low as 11.6 volts but this can overheat the motor if it is operated for a considerable time. Just start your generator about one hour before you park and you will never have a low voltage problem when you use the jacks.

[skiptut]

Originally Posted by TurnerFam

the system usually gives this 'signal' if it is programmed to not run on the 'automatic' mode when the battery bank Voltage level is too 'low'... sometimes, running the engine and/or generator will eventually clear it, but if the Inverter was using 12v power from the batteries, for the fridge and other items, then the levels where probably low when you arrived, even with the engine running.

You CAN still use the levelers, in this situation, simply use the MANUAL mode. We see this all the time on ours, but since we most always use the Manual mode, it's no issue.

Can you repeat how to level using the Manual Mode. Never tried it.

[TurnerFam]

Originally Posted by KCook

I had thought the engine would keep the battery charged.

Kevin

right, but it can't necessarily overcome the amps you are using from the Inverter while the fridge is on during travel, and other things in use... it's pretty normal.

I've never had any issue when using the jacks in Manual mode when 'low voltage' is in play - though, you may only have two house batteries.

[99dart]

Originally Posted by skiptut

Can you repeat how to level using the Manual Mode. Never tried it.

It's real easy, I use it all the time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=gMStlSAv9D4