We have been at this full time journey for the last 3+ months. At each park we stay at I have noticed that during the evening the lights may dim for a period of time...and then come back brighter.
I attribute it to general usage of electricity in the park going up and down but my wife fears that it is something wrong with our new Montana that we need to have someone check out.
Any comments?
Thanks in advance.
GENECOP said
09:54 PM Jan 5, 2012
It can be depending on the CG you are staying at, that being said it might not be good for your electrical system. progressive industries makes a Surge/ Management system that many people swear by, start reading about it, inconsistent power can damage different on board systems....G
53 Merc said
06:41 AM Jan 6, 2012
Since the lights in your rig are 12 VDC, the dimming may be a function of the converter changing rates. I would get some help on it from your dealer, or at least make him aware of a potential problem. The converter supplies "recharge" to the battery, which is driving your lights.
NorCal Dan said
11:09 AM Jan 6, 2012
I agree with Ken and the converter. Since your plugged into shore power I wouldn't think anything else would be drawing a big load of 12VDC. It's much easier to notice the lights dimming at night
How many batteries do you have installed?
-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Friday 6th of January 2012 11:10:28 AM
The Bear II said
12:28 PM Jan 6, 2012
We once parked at the end of a circuit that was put in to supply flea market vendors electricity for their RVs. The wiring for the circuit ran about 400 feet from the breaker box, there were 10 vendors using the circuit. At one point in the evening after all of the vendors had closed up for the day and were fixing dinner, watching TV or whatever else electrical devices were being used, our lights dimmed to the point where it looked like we were using candles. The TV wouldn't come on. These were the 110v lights in the TT so we had to switch to the 12v lights. This was before converters and inverters were common in RVs.
With our current RV (converter and inverter equipped) I will occaisionally notice the lights dim for a quick 1/4 second when something with a heavy draw kicks on like the A/C or microwave.
If the lights stay dim for long periods of time, then I know a breaker for the converter or inverter (depending on shore power or battery power)has tripped usually due to an overload condition. Once I reset the breaker the lights perk back up and I remind my DW not to run the washer and dryer at the same time.
-- Edited by The Bear II on Friday 6th of January 2012 12:29:20 PM
Over55 said
04:46 PM Jan 6, 2012
The Montana is new and there is only one battery. I also have a Surge Guard hard-wired into the unit so I am not too concerned about power spikes. The dim we experience is not a show-stopper but is noticeble when they perk back up.
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
05:39 PM Jan 6, 2012
It can be the conveter/charger cycling keeping your battery topped off. If it is happenning with 110volt-AC lighting then I would start at the breaker panel. With everything turned off AND the RV unplugged from any shore power, check the tightness of the wire lugs on the breakers , anywhere a screw holds a wire in. A loose connection could cause this.
Over55 said
06:38 PM Jan 6, 2012
Jim - this makes sense now that I understand it more. Thanks to everyone and the good old Internet to give me a quick education.
We have been at this full time journey for the last 3+ months. At each park we stay at I have noticed that during the evening the lights may dim for a period of time...and then come back brighter.
I attribute it to general usage of electricity in the park going up and down but my wife fears that it is something wrong with our new Montana that we need to have someone check out.
Any comments?
Thanks in advance.
I agree with Ken and the converter. Since your plugged into shore power I wouldn't think anything else would be drawing a big load of 12VDC. It's much easier to notice the lights dimming at night
How many batteries do you have installed?
-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Friday 6th of January 2012 11:10:28 AM
We once parked at the end of a circuit that was put in to supply flea market vendors electricity for their RVs. The wiring for the circuit ran about 400 feet from the breaker box, there were 10 vendors using the circuit. At one point in the evening after all of the vendors had closed up for the day and were fixing dinner, watching TV or whatever else electrical devices were being used, our lights dimmed to the point where it looked like we were using candles. The TV wouldn't come on. These were the 110v lights in the TT so we had to switch to the 12v lights. This was before converters and inverters were common in RVs.
With our current RV (converter and inverter equipped) I will occaisionally notice the lights dim for a quick 1/4 second when something with a heavy draw kicks on like the A/C or microwave.
If the lights stay dim for long periods of time, then I know a breaker for the converter or inverter (depending on shore power or battery power)has tripped usually due to an overload condition. Once I reset the breaker the lights perk back up and I remind my DW not to run the washer and dryer at the same time.
-- Edited by The Bear II on Friday 6th of January 2012 12:29:20 PM
The Montana is new and there is only one battery. I also have a Surge Guard hard-wired into the unit so I am not too concerned about power spikes. The dim we experience is not a show-stopper but is noticeble when they perk back up.
Jim - this makes sense now that I understand it more. Thanks to everyone and the good old Internet to give me a quick education.
Thanks again.
Art