I have kept the inverter for last because it is the most technical and complex system to understand. The best part is that you do not need to understand it to use it. It's use is simple. You simply turn on the Battery switch and then turn on the Inverter switch which is located on one of the walls in your Roadtrek - mine is next to the side entrance door and you immediately have 110/120 volt power in several of the outlets of your Roadtrek.That is providing you have charge in your batteries. Because the inverter takes the DC (direct current) 12 volt power in your coach battery or batteries and changes it to 110/120 volt AC (alternating current) power.
I will briefly talk about some of the technical things about the Inverter later but for the moment, here is what you need to look for to get your inverter started.
The Battery Switch is on the right. When you press it it will turn on and the LED to the left of the switch will light.
DO THIS FIRST!
There is the INVERTER Switch on the top. It is a simple toggle switch. Push the top and it is ON. Push the bottom of the switch and it is OFF.
(By the way - the switch below is the outside porch light.)
DO THIS NEXT!
THAT IS IT!
Some Roadtreks depending on Model and Year will have these switches in different locations!
Some Roadtreks depending on Model and Year will have these switches in different locations!
It does not get any simpler than this - but what have you got. You are going to say, "Hey! This outlet does not work!" Well, not all of the outlets will work when you are using the inverter. Roadtrek has only connected a few outlets in your Roadtrek to the inverter. The inverter draws a lot of power from the batteries or battery and you will find yourself in the dark quickly if you were to try to run everything electric in the Roadtrek all at once and also the inverter only supplies 750 watts of power - we will get into this more later - and that is not enough to run the air conditioner, the microwave, or something like a hair drier (the typical hair dryer needs 1500 watts). It is plenty to run the TV, the home entertainment unit with DVD, a laptop computer, charge a cell phone or two, and any small electric like an electric razor. It should be enough to run a small coffee maker. The more you use, the faster the batteries will run down. So if you want to go along for awhile you need to be conservative in what you plug in.
So where are those outlets that will work. They seem, from what I am told, to vary from model to model and year to year. There will be about three of four outlets total that will have power. The TV outlet will have power and this outlet powers the home entertainment center also. I also have an outlet in the front of my Roadtrek behind the driver's seat that is powered and also the outlet on the wall above the kitchen counter to the left of the sink. One thing that we noticed (actually, Meryl noticed) is that all of the outlets that we have that work on the inverter have a sign next to them.
So where are those outlets that will work. They seem, from what I am told, to vary from model to model and year to year. There will be about three of four outlets total that will have power. The TV outlet will have power and this outlet powers the home entertainment center also. I also have an outlet in the front of my Roadtrek behind the driver's seat that is powered and also the outlet on the wall above the kitchen counter to the left of the sink. One thing that we noticed (actually, Meryl noticed) is that all of the outlets that we have that work on the inverter have a sign next to them.
The TV/Home Entertainment Center outlet located in the cabinet on the passenger side over the bed. I added that switch and three way adapter cube - you will not have one. See the sign again behind.
The same outlet behind the driver's seat. Roadtreks offer a coffee maker as an option, and I believe this is where it would plug in as when we saw one it was located in this area.
The outlet over the kitchen counter top and sink. There is the sign again!
As I said, there are not more outlets because your 750 watts is very limited - plus at the same time you are using your batteries (or battery - I have two coach batteries standard - some Roadtreks only have one) you are powering your 12 volt lights, your water pump, your hot water heater, your overhead fan, and maybe your furnace.
I have not put my inverter to an endurance test but we have gone for three hours on the inverter watching TV, using the laptop, and charging cell phones with the 12 volt system also working and have not put any real drain on the batteries. I am sure we could go longer. Eventually though you will have to recharge your batteries - either by driving, running the generator, or plugging in.
Now, let's get a little more technical. The inverter in the newer Roadtreks (not the ETrek) since about 2005 have a Tripp-Lite 3-way Inverter/Converter/Charger. I am not an engineer. What I know about this I have read from others who purport to know far more than I about these things. This unit does three things. It inverts 12 volt power to 110/120 volt power - this is what is enabling you to watch TV and run your laptop when the inverter is "on". It charges your coach batteries when you are driving and it charges your coach batteries and engine battery when you are plugged into shore power or are running your generator. The converter part gets most confusing and basically what it does is change 110/120 volt power - like shore power - into 12 volt DC power - as in what runs the lights, water pump, hot water heater, etc. I am not going to go any further into the converter part because frankly, I don't understand it beyond what I have explained. If you read the "NOTES" that are attached to the Roadtrek Electric Simulator it was revised again in December 2012 and goes into explanations of the Converter on the Tripp-Lite.
The actual inverter unit is inside your Roadtrek and its location varies. There are various settings on the inverter unit. I have never touched the settings on mine. It was set to "AUTO/REMOTE" at the factory and that is how I have left it. There is also a DC OFF setting and a CHARGE only setting. The AUTO/REMOTE Setting lets the unit do everything that you need it to do and operate when you want the inverter to make 110/120 volt power from the batteries when you push the switch (the remote part) in the coach.
There are also LED indicator lights on the inverter unit that will give you information about what the inverter is doing and various conditions that it may be in.
There is also a RESET on the unit that you need to be aware of. Here is what the manual says -
Resetting Your Inverter/Charger to Restore AC Power
Your Inverter/Charger may cease supplying AC power or DC charging power in order to protect itself from overload or to protect your electrical system. To restore normal functioning:
Overload Reset: Switch operating mode switch to “OFF” and remove some of the connected electrical load (ie: turn off some of the AC devices drawing power which may have caused the overload of the unit). Wait one minute, then switch operating mode switch back to either
“AUTO/REMOTE” or “CHARGE ONLY.”
By the way, here is a link to the manual.
The other thing you need to be aware of about the Tripp-Lite is that if you replace your coach batteries to a different type of battery - wet cell, gel, AGM - you need to change the setting on the Tripp-Lite unit by moving dip switches. There is a chart in the manual about how to do this and it is easy to do. You only need to do this if you install a different type of battery. If you replace X with X you do not need to do this.
There are other dip switches for other settings. I would not attempt to change anything here unless you seriously understand what it is all about. I strongly believe - learned the hard way - to leave well enough alone.
The manual has a troubleshooting guide in the back.
Now, one more thing to know about the Inverter. It has a fan and that fan sometimes makes noise. It is a low hum that is barely noticeable but if you notice it you will wonder what the heck is making that noise. The fan does not only come on when using the Inverter to get power in the outlets but also if the Roadtrek is plugged into shore power or running the generator (and the unit is charging the batteries). When I heard this noise I asked the service center on my next visit and they assured me that it is perfectly normal - and to ignore it. So I ignore it. It has never bothered us or kept us awake at night. It is barely audible. The other part is that it does not always run - which is also normal. If you don't hear it - that is fine. If you do - that is fine, too!
Added April 2013:
Lastly, the Tripp Lite inverter/charger that Roadtrek installs has two other functions. It has a surge protector rated at 450 joules and also a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) function. These are engaged when you turn the Inverter Wall Switch ON - and if you turn the Inverter Wall Switch ON when plugged into 110v shore power - an outside 110 volt power outlet that you plug the Roadtrek's power cord into, you will have 450 joules of surge protection for your electronics and also if there is a power drop in voltage outside coming in, the inverter unit will continue to power, for example, your television through inverted battery power until the outside power stabilizes. So this happens when you are both plugged in and put the Inverter Wall Switch ON at the same time. <><><> Will this take the place of a Surge Guard surge/power protection unit? Roadtrek says yes. I use the Surge Guard (or Progressive Industries surge/power unit if that is what you have) in addition. For one thing, 450 joules is a low rating for surge protection. My other thought is this. If a surge protector is tripped due to a lightening strike, etc. generally, the surge protection unit is no longer usable. It must be replaced completely or have its circuit replaced on units where that is even possible (Progressive Industries units can have their circuit replaced if it blows due to a power surge). Tripp Lite does not state what happens to the inverter/charger unit if it has a power surge go through it. I would not want to be in a position after a strike to have to replace or repair the Tripp Lite inverter/charger. I would rather replace the portable Surge Guard which in a strike would not let the surge enter the electric power cord of the Roadtrek. The choice is yours. If I am in error, I will error on the side of safety.
Added April 2013:
Lastly, the Tripp Lite inverter/charger that Roadtrek installs has two other functions. It has a surge protector rated at 450 joules and also a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) function. These are engaged when you turn the Inverter Wall Switch ON - and if you turn the Inverter Wall Switch ON when plugged into 110v shore power - an outside 110 volt power outlet that you plug the Roadtrek's power cord into, you will have 450 joules of surge protection for your electronics and also if there is a power drop in voltage outside coming in, the inverter unit will continue to power, for example, your television through inverted battery power until the outside power stabilizes. So this happens when you are both plugged in and put the Inverter Wall Switch ON at the same time. <><><> Will this take the place of a Surge Guard surge/power protection unit? Roadtrek says yes. I use the Surge Guard (or Progressive Industries surge/power unit if that is what you have) in addition. For one thing, 450 joules is a low rating for surge protection. My other thought is this. If a surge protector is tripped due to a lightening strike, etc. generally, the surge protection unit is no longer usable. It must be replaced completely or have its circuit replaced on units where that is even possible (Progressive Industries units can have their circuit replaced if it blows due to a power surge). Tripp Lite does not state what happens to the inverter/charger unit if it has a power surge go through it. I would not want to be in a position after a strike to have to replace or repair the Tripp Lite inverter/charger. I would rather replace the portable Surge Guard which in a strike would not let the surge enter the electric power cord of the Roadtrek. The choice is yours. If I am in error, I will error on the side of safety.
I am adding this in 2024 to explain the settings on the TrippLite 750 inverter/converter/charger. On the front of the inverter there is a slide switch located on the upper right corner. This switch has three settings - AUTO/REMOTE - DC OFF - CHARGE ONLY - in this order on the switch.
In this photo the slide switch is to the right of the LEDs. You can see the label for the switch settings and the switch is right above. This switch functions as both an on/off switch for the TrippLite and to set the mode of operation of the TrippLite.
AUTO/REMOTE enables the inverter function wall switch inside the Roadtrek to work. With this switch set to Auto/Remote when you turn on the wall switch for the inverter function the outlets attached to the inverter function become live by way of the inverter in the TrippLite. This next part is important to understand. When the inverter wall switch is OFF and the TrippLite is in this setting, the TrippLite automatically goes into CHARGE ONLY mode. (Charge Only will be explained shortly). The top green LED of the three LEDs next to this slide switch shows what mode the TrippLite is in. IF the TrippLite slide switch is in Auto/Remote and the Inverter wall switch in the Roadtrek is ON - that green LED will show as STEADY GREEN. When the inverter wall switch is OFF - the green LED will flash. It is flashing to indicate that the TrippLite is functioning in Charge Only mode - with the slide switch set to Auto/Remote. IN AUTO/REMOTE WITH THE INVERTER WALL SWITCH ON OR OFF THE TRIPPLITE CHARGES THE ROADTREK HOUSE BATTERIES.
DC OFF - this setting disconnects the TrippLite from the Roadtrek's house batteries electronically. This is the OFF switch for the TrippLite. The TrippLite is connected to the batteries directly bypassing the battery disconnect switch on the wall of the Roadtrek. IN THIS POSITION THE TRIPPLITE SINCE IT IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERIES WILL NOT CHARGE THE BATTERIES WHEN PLUGGED IN OR RUNNING THE GENERATOR. IF YOU PUT THE SLIDE SWITCH INTO THIS POSITION AND YOU ARE GOING TO PLUG IN OR RUN THE GENERATOR YOU MUST SLIDE THIS SWITCH TO EITHER AUTO/REMOTE OR CHARGE ONLY TO CHARGE THE BATTERIES. IF YOU DON'T THE TRIPPLITE DOES NOT CHARGE THE BATTERIES!
WHY HAVE SUCH A SETTING? FOR ONE THING IF YOU WERE GOING TO DISCONNECT THE HOUSE BATTERY CABLES FROM THE BATTERIES THE TRIPPLITE MUST BE OFF. THIS WOULD BE NECESSARY WHEN PUTTING NEW BATTERIES INTO THE ROADTREK. THIS SETTING WILL DO THAT. THE OTHER REASON AND PERHAPS JUST AS IMPORTANT TO KNOW IS THAT THE TRIPPLITE EVEN WITH THE BATTERY SWITCH OFF AND THE INVERTER WALL SWITCH OFF AND EVERYTHING OFF INSIDE THE ROADTREK - AS IN PARKED ON YOUR DRIVEWAY BETWEEN TRIPS - WILL DRAIN THE HOUSE BATTERIES... THERE IS A SMALL PARASITIC DRAIN FROM THE TRIPPLITE WHEN IT IS ON. THIS WILL DRAIN YOUR HOUSE BATTERIES WITHIN A HALF MONTH TO A FULL MONTH. TO STOP THAT DRAIN - SET THE TRIPPLITE TO DC OFF!
CHARGE ONLY DISABLES THE INVERTER WALL SWITCH. THE INVERTER FUNCTION DOES NOT WORK WHEN THE TRIPPLITE IS SET TO CHARGE ONLY. THE TRIPPLITE CHARGES YOUR BATTERIES IN THIS SETTING - JUST AS AUTO/REMOTE CHARGES YOUR BATTERIES IN THAT SETTING WHEN THE ROADTREK IS PLUGGED INTO SHORE POWER OR THE GENERATOR IS RUNNING. WHEN SET TO CHARGE ONLY AND PLUGGED IN OR RUNNING THE GENERATOR THE TOP GREEN LED NEXT TO THE SWITCH WILL BLINK GREEN.
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2005 CHEVY ROADTREKS HAVE A SMALLER WATTAGE TRIPPLITE - THE TRIPPLITE 600. Roadtrek did not install an inverter function wall switch with this model year. The inverter wall switch comes later with the TrippLite 750. The TrippLite 600 has the socket for the wall switch connection but Roadtrek chose not to use it. The TrippLite without the wall switch will still turn on the inverter function - but it has to be done on the front of the TrippLite itself by putting the slide switch to AUTO/REMOTE. Now, this can be a problem if when you leave the Roadtrek between trips on the driveway or wherever you keep it. With no inverter wall switch and the slide in AUTO/REMOTE the inverter function is ON - and even with nothing plugged into them - those inverter connected outlets are LIVE. This will drain the Roadtrek house batteries in a few days. So for those 05 owners - set the slide switch to CHARGE ONLY or DC OFF if you are not using the Roadtrek.
These are the important points to know about the TrippLite inverter/converter/charger. This link will bring you to a much more detailed and technical article about the charging systems in the Roadtrek - what charges the house batteries and when.
Read the article at the above link. It will explain not only more about the TrippLite but the OTHER battery charging system that works when you drive your Roadtrek or just run the engine!
First, let me thank you for this series. I have had to reset our Inverter a number of times. (This I believe is an old-age thing.) It always (and quite often) happens when I forget to unplug the ceramic heater(s)before disconnecting from Shore Power. It is always a surprise when, after packing up to come into a dark interior. The first time it happened is particularly frightening because the cause/effect is not obvious at all. Anyway, the only way I have found to reset ours (2008 210V) is to reconnect the Shore Power or start the Generator. I have waited as long as a half hour without your suggested reset working. (Now, having said all that, after reading your article I may have a better understanding of how the Inverter works and reserve the right to change my opinion.)
ReplyDeleteThe other thing I learned was the source of that noise at the rear of the RT. That knowledge alone is worth the price of this article.
Great info, as always! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI guess I have to exercise the right to change my stance. The Inverter does, in fact, reset after being turned off for one minute. So, never mind.
ReplyDeleteDid you turn it off with the remote switch on the wall or with the switch on the inverter unit, itself?
DeleteYeah! Thanks for this series, it was very instructional! You guys have a good methodical way of explaining things! Even though the model I own is not the same as yours, the instructions really helped figuring out mine since inverters are very similar!
ReplyDeleteReally new to all this. Where do you plug in the surge guard surge protector. Do you plug your tv/DVD player into the surge protector?
ReplyDeleteThe portable Surge Guard Power/Surge Protector is plugged in between your Roadtrek's 120 volt shore power electric cable and the campground power box. This has nothing to do with the inverter. The Surge Guard will protect all of the outlets and all of the electronics plugged into them in your Roadtrek including the TV and DVD/Home Entertainment Center.
DeleteThank you. Your are a valuable information source .
ReplyDeleteOrv Myers
In my 2005 190 there is one outlet on the inverter. I am wondering why the inverter need to be on to watch TV when plugged into shore power? Does this outlet never see anything but the inverter? Is there no facility within the inverter to switch over to the shore power when it exists?
ReplyDeleteYou should not need to have the inverter switched on to watch TV when plugged into shore power. 2005 is the year that Roadtrek began to make the switch from a separate inverter unit and charger/converter unit to the Tripp-Lite single unit that does all three functions. If you have the Tripp-Lite then you certainly should not need to have the inverter wall switch on when plugged into shore power to have power in the outlet that shares the inverter. If you have the two separate units, then this design may have been different and then the inverter may need to be on to keep power to that outlet. My Roadtrek with the Tripp-Lite has an inverter switch on the wall. I understand that some earlier years did not have such a switch. This switch is connected to the Tripp-Lite as a remote - ON puts the unit into supplying inverted power OR charging batteries. OFF puts the unit into Charge Only mode in which it only charges the batteries and does not supply power to the outlet(s).
DeleteIf you must have the inverter on when watching TV when on shore power, I would use an extension cord and plug the TV into another outlet. While not convenient, you would not have to put the inverter on.
Apparently, in 2005 was the year that the wiring was redesigned - and some built in 2005 made the change and some kept the old system.
I always recommend reading the Notes section on this link -
http://www.metrotrekkers.org/utility/electrical.htm
You will learn all about your electric system in your Roadtrek.
My 2002 190 Chevy Popular appears to maybe not have a inverter? I see no on - off switches inside anywhere and I can't run a 110 fan plugged into any of the several outlets I tested with the battery switch on. Over lights work but no 110 action…? Thanks Kurt
ReplyDeleteEarly year Roadtreks did not come with an inverter as standard equipment. You only have a converter/charger. No shore power or generator and you have no 110 volt power. You can have one installed - many have.
Deletewell then that explains why I couldn't find the switch. If I install a inverter can I run a small fan or two all night without draining the battery too much?
ReplyDeleteThis depends on four things. How many amp hours of battery or batteries you have, how large an inverter you install, how many amps the fan uses, and what else you are running on the batteries or inverter at the same time. This will determine if you can or cannot go for one or two days without charging the batteries back up. Any motor - like a fan - draws a lot of electricity - and on batteries or inverter will not run very long without a lot of battery to power it. You may do better finding a 12 volt fan - sold in stores for truckers - truck stops have such shops - that will run longer putting into a 12 volt outlet connected to your coach batteries than a 110 volt fan will run on an inverter. No matter what, sooner or later you will have to recharge the battery to continue use.
DeleteGreat idea. If I get a 12 volt fan can I plug it in to the outlets with the battery switch on or does it need to plug into a cigarette outlet?
DeletePlug it into a 12 volt outlet connected to the coach batteries with the battery switch ON - not into the dash cigarette outlet - or you may find you have drained your engine battery and will not be able to drive away.
DeleteHi - thanks for your thorough blog! We used our 2016 Roadtrek Zion for a few days, parked it in the driveway, turned off everything EXCEPT the inverter. A few days later, an alarm was sounding and went off after we turned off the inverter. I didn't see anything in the TrippLite manual that mentions an alarm and was wondering if you knew if the inverter alarms?
ReplyDeleteThe Zion has a very different electrical system. Do you have Ecotrek or AGM batteries? Do you have solar panels? What model TrippLite does your Zion have? I did not think that Roadtrek was using the TrippLite in the Zion - might be - but what model is it? There is no alarm in the TrippLite 750. There may be an alarm in one of the other "new" systems that are dependent upon the inverter being on. There is a lot of inter-connection in the new systems that they have been putting into the newest models. If you don't want to try to discuss this here, contact us with the email Contact Link at the side of the page. :)
DeleteI'm so sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Just now realized that I probably didn't check the 'notify me' button! Anyway, we do have solar panels and a Sine Wave converter charger - if I'm understanding my system correctly (I think this is the inverter which is installed on the floor under seating where the bed rolls out/to the left of the fridge) . What I *think* is happening is that the Sine Wave converter charger needs to be turned off as well as the controls on the panel above the door. This has happened twice where we turn off the battery and the inverter on the wall but leave on the Sine Wave and after a few days not using the RV, upon return the Sine Wave is alarming. I just turn it off and haven't noticed any residual problems but I'm a bit frustrated as I'm not electrical system savvy AT ALL and feel somewhat a fool because the sales pitches (and other sources I've talked to/read about) all say "it's easy, you just need to flip a switch" but it's not that easy if you're not familiar at all with electrical systems. There was no documentation or manuals provided for the Sine Wave but I know I can get it on the internet. Need to probably unscrew the wooden seat above it so I can actually read the entire face of the equipment which is facing up under the seat!! Hopefully that makes sense.
DeleteCall Roadtrek and talk to their tech reps. Explain what is happening and they will be able to explain how to keep it all running correctly. There are big differences with the new electric systems in Roadtreks from the more basic RV systems in older years and models.
DeleteI have a 2004 190 30th anniversary special edition. It did not come with the tripp lite however some added an Xantrex 400 pro inverter. Do I need to do anything if I switch out my coach battery for an AGM?
ReplyDeleteThe TrippLite was not installed by Roadtrek until mid-2005. You are going to have to check the Xantrex 400 manual and also the manual for your converter/charger unit. What is handled by one three in one unit after 2005 is handled by two separate units in your 2004 - the inverter unit and the converter/charger unit.
DeleteI have a 2003 RT 190 V. From all I've read, it does not have an inverter, so I can't use AC 120v while driving (mainly to charge my laptop). Except if I run the generator. I'm about to buy a 200w inverter that will plug into a 12v socket that will charge/operate the laptop. But just want to double check here to see if I'm missing something. Maybe the inverter is hidden. But there's no switch for it, or no reference in the owner's manual. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteBefore 2005/2006 the inverter and the converter/charger were two separate units and in some Roadtreks the inverter unit was an option. It would be best to contact Roadtrek with your year, model and VIN and they can tell you if the inverter was installed as an option or if at all. Keep in mind that an inverter plugged into a 12 volt socket should have a cooling fan and even then these units get hot. They will drain your battery quickly (as does the built in inverter). There is no problem using one as long as you keep close eye on your battery level and place it where the heat from it will not be a problem.
DeleteFantastic blog. Thank you! My 2007 Roadtrek 170 Popular has an interesting behavior: the inverter remains on even after the "Inverter On/Off" switch has been turned off. The inverter AC outlets remain useable. I checked the On/Off switch itself; it is fine. Since I discovered this, I now turn the TripLite's mode switch to Charge Only when not using the inverter. After switching the mode back to Auto, I still have to turn the Inverter On/Off switch On, so it's not a simple short in the switch wiring. I rarely use the inverter so it's not much of a problem. But I wonder if others with phantom battery drain problems have the same symptom -- you wouldn't notice it if you're not using the AC outlets. (The battery disconnect switch does not turn off the inverter either, as expected.)
ReplyDeleteBart - there may be a problem with the inverter wall switch in your 170. I wrote an article about a similar problem BUT it was discovered and eventually acknowledged by Roadtrek that IF THE INVERTER WALL SWITCH IS ON and the BATTERY SWITCH is OFF, there is power in the inverter outlets. The wall switch is nothing more than a remote switch to turn inverter power on when the Inverter itself is in Auto/Remote on the slide switch on the unit. As was discovered with the switch on but the battery switch off and everyone assuming the outlets were then dead with no battery power coming through, it can be very dangerous with unexpected live outlets. It is good that you are now aware of this in your 170 as if you had to do any work on one of those outlets you know there could be power in them when there should not be. The switch is connected to the inverter unit with a cord and plug that looks like a computer network cable and plug. TrippLite has their own remote switch and panel which is give more information about the inveter status up front on the wall - but Roadtrek did not use that and instead used their own. What is happening with your inverter and this problem is not usual - and while you have resolved the problem by turning the inverter to Charge Only, one day you might want to have the switch replaced and have it all functioning as it should.
DeleteThanks for the quick answer. I already checked the switch and the switch wiring. (Easy to do: unplug the cable at the inverter and connect an ohmeter to pins 1 and 7: should show almost zero resistance when the switch is set to Off (switch closed) and infinite resistance when the switch is set to On (switch open). That's sort of opposite to what you might expect, but correct.) The issue is almost certainly in the inverter itself, and it's not worth it to me to replace the inverter. But you are right, I will need to warn anyone working on the RV to leave the inverter disabled for safety.
ReplyDeleteHave always enjoyed your Blog. I have a new to me 2013 Ranger RT with a similar problem to Bart's, except with my INVERTER WALL SWITCH "OFF" and the inverter in the "AUTO" mode I still get 120V current to outlets. Of course, Battery switch to "OFF" same problem. I assume it is an inverter internal issue and with a 2013 at 35k miles perhaps a warranty issue?? Anyway, I too have moved the inverter switch to "Charge Only" to cut off the always on AC current from the 12v system. The Inverter owners manual does not address this issue thought about giving the vendor (Tripp-Lite) a call. Thoughts? thanks Irvin
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like there is a problem with the Tripp-Lite or with the wall switch. IF that switch is OFF there should be no power in the outlets. While Roadtrek warranties the overall RV, the individual appliances/components each have their own warranties from the manufacturers so it is Tripp-Lite's warranty (not sure how long that is good for) that would cover this. When you were buying the Roadtrek from its prior owner did you see this working properly? My best recommendation would be to contact Tripp-Lite. I have found them very responsive when I have emailed questions to them. If you can get a service tech at Tripp-Lite on the phone that would be the best way to troubleshoot this. The wall switch for the Inverter is not "stock" Tripp-Lite. They have a much more sophisticated wall switch/monitor panel. Roadtrek uses their own simplified switch. The switch connects to the Tripp-Lite with a cable and connector that is exactly like a computer network cable. You could try putting the unit back into Auto/Remote, unplug the switch cable from the unit - turn off the Inverter (middle slide position) and then put it back to Auto. If there is now no power to the outlets chances are the problem is the wall switch. If not, then it is something in the Tripp-Lite unit - and you can put the switch cable back in and set it again to Charge Only. Call Tripp-Lite. Let us know what you find out - use the contact us link at the side of this page to use email. Thanks!
DeleteWell, spoke with the Tripp-Lite technician, the unit has a 30 month warranty and he stated he had never spoken to a customer who only a single switch as a remote for the inverter (so no help). I unplugged the blue remote switching cable from unit and as you recommended turned off the inverter (middle slide position). Waited about a minute, then slide switch to Auto. Inverter lights looked good, and without the RT remote switch in the line, power went to outlets. Then repeated process connected remote switch line (blue cable) to inverter and with the RT remote switch (as seen in your photo above) in the off position power still went to the outlets. So I assume I have a remote switch issue (the remote switch is unable to turn off the AC inverter auto/remote function?) OR I have misunderstood the function/purpose of the RT remote switch. Does or should the RT remote switch turn the inverter off so no AC current goes to any outlet? Thanks for your time.
DeleteThe wall switch for the Tripp-Lite activates the inverter function -in a sense - if OFF then it is in Charge Only. If ON it is in Auto/Remote puts 110 vols into the coach outlets. It looks like the switch is bad. It is Roadtrek's switch. I have never looked behind the switch to see how if it is hardwired to its cable or there is another plug on the switch end for the cable - would'n't that be nice! But I suspect the switch end is hardwired to the cable. Because this runs through the wall from the front to the back this is something for a RT service tech to replace. And I am not sure if any lead from that cable is used in the monitor panel to show the battery charge. Tripp-Lite's remote switch which includes its own monitor panel shows battery charge and duplicates the troubleshooting LEDs that are on the Tripp-Lite unit - it is also larger because of the monitors than the single Roadtrek on/off switch. So - simple answer to your question is yes - the RT remote switch turns the inverter FUNCTION off so no AC current goes to any outlet. (It does not turn off the Tripp-Lite. If it did your batteries would not charge when you are driving, plugged in, running the generator). Call Roadtrek service tech at customer support and ask about replacing the Tripp-Lite remote switch. (Unfortunately, their stock answer is take it to a dealer/service - but you never know.)
DeleteThanks for your assistance in this matter. Best to your and your bride. Irvin
Delete2007 RS Adventurous. Inverter fine on shore, 110 everywhere, charges aux batt. However, off shore, with Battery switch ON, no power at inverter/no lights/no 110 anywhere. Disconnected Remote, same. Fuse or connection issue ? Even engine running no inverter.
Delete2007 RS Adventurous. Inverter with Shore Power is fine. However, no power to Inverter (no lights/fan) with Batt switch on, remote disconnected, even with engine running. Fuse ?
DeleteSince it works fine with shore power on, I would make sure that the house battery is good. If that battery is dead or very low,the unit is not going to power up. If the battery is good - There is a fuse on the inverter/converter/charger unit. Check that it has not burnt out, but again if the unit works with shore power, that fuse should be fine. Also - first, follow the procedure that is in bold text in the article above to reset the inverter. If that does not start it, then check the fuse. After that you would need to have this checked by an RV tech at a service shop to troubleshoot this.
DeleteRON - also make sure all circuit breakers in the Roadtrek breaker/fuse box are not tripped. Also make sure that the slide switch on the inverter/converter/charger is set to AUTO/REMOTE.
DeleteThanks,
ReplyDeleteWe have a 2009 Roadtrek Versatile 210 that we bought in January 2018. We love it. We’ve already had some great adventures.
ReplyDeleteHowever, last month on our way up to Canada for a camping trip, we had a blowout in the right rear tire. It was shredded. We got help, got a new tire, and were on our way, but discovered that night that we had no battery power at all. We checked the battery connections and they looked fine. On shore power, everthing worked except two outlets, so we just made do for the rest of the trip.
We have an appointment at an RV dealer for next week, and are scared we will have a huge repair bill. I went out to Goldie (our gold Roadtrek) and looked into the box where the inverter is, and saw that the “Inverter Out” plug was unplugged. I plugged it in, but still no juice from the batteries. Any ideas? Anything else we can troubleshoot on our own?
Simple and obvious question - is your battery switch ON? Next - make sure the slide switch on the front of your inverter is set to AUTO/REMOTE. Next check your battery level on the meter on the wall is at the third LED up "G". Next the TrippLite 750 has a circuit breaker button right on the front of the unit. If that has popped, push it back in. That someone unplugged the TrippLite is odd and makes me wonder what else they unplugged. Did whoever changed the tire go into the cabinet on the rear passenger side and remove the tire jack? Could some wire have been pulled out if they did. The battery connection cables to the TrippLite are on the front of the unit at the bottom left. If none of this helps contact me by email with the contact link at the left side of this page.
DeleteDoes the inverter have to be turned on for the under-hood alternator to charge the battery while driving?
ReplyDeleteWhile this sounds like a simple question to ask and answer - the answer is dependent on if you are talking about Roadtrek's Underhood Generator OR if you are talking about the engine's alternator that is always running while you are driving. When driving,the engine's alternator will charge the Roadtrek's batteries with the inverter switch OFF. You also DO NOT need to put the battery switch on - though this seems to vary by the year of the Roadtrek. When Roadtrek added new electric system features such as the Underhood Generator, EcoTrek Lithium Ion batteries, Solar panels, and VoltStart - any of which could have been installed alone or with some or all of the rest, all of the settings of what has to be on changed. If you have a basic Roadtrek - coach batteries (either wet cell or AGM), and the Onan Generator (or not any generator) the basic system works so that when you drive the Roadtrek batteries charge using the engine's battery and engine's regular alternator. And the inverter DOES NOT have to be turned on at the inverter wall switch. It is actually best to only turn on the inverter wall switch WHEN YOU WANT 110 AC voltage in the few electrical wall outlets that are connected to the TrippLite Inverter/converter/charger and as soon as you no longer need power from the inverter SHUT THE WALL SWITCH OFF. If you do not you will drain your coach batteries quickly - even if the battery switch is OFF.
DeleteGood Day
ReplyDeleteI have a 2013 Popular 190 I have no power to the three outlets you have mention
the TV outlet, the kitchen outlet and the one behind the drivers side.
Coach Batteries are charged and I replaced the plug with the reset on it but nothing seems to work. The lights are green on the inverter the fan is working on the inverter so I believe the inverter should be good.
What may be the problem.. Thanks
The outlets connected to the inverter are all on one GFCI circuit together. One of the outlets on this circuit will have the GFCI TEST and RESET button. Usually it is the outlet the TV is plugged into. Check there first. Press the reset button with the inverter turned on and all of the inverter outlets will have power. There is sometimes another outlet that not everyone knows about. It is on the bottom step of the side RT entrance door - if you open both doors - that one with the door that covers the bath of the bathroom cabinet you will see it on the back of the step. That is another outlet Roadtrek has put the GFCI outlet for the inverter outlets. That should solve your issue! If it doesn't make sure there is no moisture getting to the outlet with the GFCI switches - as that will just trip the GFCI. The other thing to make sure of is that the inverter slide switch is set to AUTO/REMOTE - if it is set to DC Off or CHARGE ONLY - the inverter switch on the wall inside the Roadtrek is DISABLED. Switch it to Auto/Remote and that switch works again.
DeleteHi once again
DeleteLong story short I disconnected to new gfci plug and hardwired an appliance and the appliance worked so the new GFCI Plug was defective.
Thanks for all of your help for each and every questioned they are most appreciated.
Kevin
Hello sorry I was late to respond
ReplyDeleteI have switch the inverter side switch to the off position and waited for a minute and when i put it to the charge or auto position the three lights light up and the fan comes on for a few seconds then everything shuts off. I left the switch on the auto position but there is still no power to the three outlasts. The battery indicator beside the fuse panel shows four lights.
I have changed the GFCI switch but still no power.
When i press the button to reset the gfci switch nothing engages it just pushes in and comes out.
Thank you for your insight and time this is a learning experience for me
A
ReplyDeleteHello Again a further discovery I made was the wire for the inverter output was disconnected... I plugged it back in and the lights above the battery shine green and the lights above the operation is yellow Im now waiting to see if the yellow light turns to green which might indicate that all it good.
Sincerely
Kevin
Hello Once Again all lights on the inverter are off, no lights on and still no power to the three outlets
ReplyDeleteSincerely
Kevin
Hello again I also noticed that a red light comes on briefly on the gfci switch then goes off.
ReplyDeletethis is all great information! I need to reset my inverter...does the van need to be plugged into shore power to do this? I took the batteries out...does the van need them installed in order for me to reset the inverter? thanks
ReplyDeleteI have attached a current link to the TrippLite 750 manual. All of the details on how to reset the unit are included step by step. https://www.tripplite.com/support/owners-manual/754042
Delete2010 Chevy 190 Pop. Once again, Thank you. Inverter plugs quick working, (we think the cat’s heated bed tripped it). After reading through this, reset the tv plug outlet and we have inverter power again. As always, your blog is the first place we go for info!!
ReplyDelete