Generator Start Kills DC Power for Two Hours

[SidecarSammy]

2005 Gulf Stream B T Cruiser.

Lent the Cruiser to a couple needing a place to live in the RV park next to my 5th wheel for about 6 months. After getting it back I was cleaning out the RV and while connected to shore power I thought I would test the generator. I lost all DC power.

I forgot I had made the same mistake 5 years ago and could smell the smoke coming from under the sink. I replaced Automatic transfer switch and all was fine. This time nothing seemed burnt but I swapped it out anyway.

All seemed to work fine on shore power. After disconnecting shore power I tried the generator and again lost all DC power. When checking the power panel none of the lights would come on, steps wouldn’t work nor the indoor lights. As time goes by the lights started coming back on but very dim. After about 2 hours all DC power is back.

The generator won’t crank from inside using the start switch of from outside. Putting power directly to the generator in the rear the generator will crank. Fuse in generator and all fuses are good in the RV fuse box. Any ideas?

 

[Our Pack]

Hi, I don't have any answers but I do have the same problem with my 2006 Yellowstone/BT. Can't wait for other to engage.

 

[Gulf Santa]

I'm guessing the dc converter is bad.

 

[Our Pack]

Thx, Santa

 

[Our Pack]

SidecarSammy,
Did you replace the DC converter as Gulf Santa suggested?
Or was there another fix?
Thx,
Our Pack

 

[Ronald1955]

2005 Gulf Stream B T Cruiser.

Lent the Cruiser to a couple needing a place to live in the RV park next to my 5th wheel for about 6 months. After getting it back I was cleaning out the RV and while connected to shore power I thought I would test the generator. I lost all DC power.

I forgot I had made the same mistake 5 years ago and could smell the smoke coming from under the sink. I replaced Automatic transfer switch and all was fine. This time nothing seemed burnt but I swapped it out anyway.

All seemed to work fine on shore power. After disconnecting shore power I tried the generator and again lost all DC power. When checking the power panel none of the lights would come on, steps wouldn’t work nor the indoor lights. As time goes by the lights started coming back on but very dim. After about 2 hours all DC power is back.

The generator won’t crank from inside using the start switch of from outside. Putting power directly to the generator in the rear the generator will crank. Fuse in generator and all fuses are good in the RV fuse box. Any ideas?

As a retired mechanic; I would first check and clean all ground wires related to the generator.
I have often found circuits that could not carry the amp load had corroded connections. On our BT 5230 (2022) next to house battery compartment I found a compartment that is used for circuit breakers and fuses. I would remove the cover and check the breakers and fuses. I did a quick google search and did not find your specific issue. I use to use a automotive sealed beam light to test the ability of the ground circuit or ground panel to supply enough amps for the circuit. Dims lights is a good indication of corroded connections.

 

[Just two]

Looking at another post on using lithium batteries to start the generator.
That got me to thinking about your issue.
Are you sure that your battery is correct to start your generator? Some batteries Lithium or Lead acid have low Cold Cranking Amps but are fine to run 12 volt draws like lights, water pumps or even a refrigerator.
And if the battery has a BMS or a thermal fuse it may trip then reset when given a chance to cool.