The "Penthouse" actuator problem has been solved. It wasn't a problem with the actuator, but the circuitry of the builder. For some reason they ran both the thermoelectric cooler and actuators on the same circuit, protected by an over discharge battery protector that shuts down the circuit when the domestic battery voltage drops below 12.8v. So, if the cooler draws it down near to 12.8v when the actuators are used, they will pull the voltage below 12.8 (even momentarily) and the entire circuit shuts down, hanging the actuators. Running the vehicle to recharge the domestic battery is sometimes complicated by the battery charging relay which first directs the alternator's power to the starter battery.
We have redirected the actuator circuit, which does not create a long term power draw, removing it from the one over discharge protected. We also installed an on/off switch for the cooler so that it could be shut down totally when the vehicle is not being used as an RV, eliminating any battery draw. Also added a solar trickle charger to ensure the domestic battery stays fully charged.
So, now all is working perfectly. It would have helped had we had any schematics, but none were provided. OTOH, we learned quite a bit taking the vehicle apart and tracing the wiring - with its surprises.
__________________
ex. Jucy Campervan
8/15 Quebec, Maritime Canada & New England - 9/15 Florida, Gulf Coast & Texas - 7/16 Smoky Mtns & Biltmore - 8/16 Wisconsin & UP, Mackinac Island -- 9/18 Yellowstone - 4/21 Utah N.P.s
|
Linear Mode
