Advice Please

Heather Jones · Jul 19, 2015

I had an issue with my inverter this week. Of course, I got stuck sitting for about 10 hours when it went out. I wasn't running anything but my laptop and my fan off of it. I came home and had my dad look at it. He is not sure what the deal is either. It is just not charging the battery. So, he and our repair guy has decided to use a big generator and to put the 10,000 AC unit in my van. I cannot lift it because it is too heavy for me (meaning the generator). So, their plan is to put a carrier on front and chain it so it cannot be stolen. I am a little worried about this. One it is loud and many times I am parked next to another van who is trying to sleep. The other worry is being in traffic with it. My van is not a Sprinter or and extended so I don't have the extra room in it like some do (until we make sure I can make money) The other issue I have is, does anyone have a built in bunk or do you use an air mattress as well? The very last question I have is, do you keep the cage in or remove it for that little extra room. Dad and I have been debating about this. I think it needs to stay just in case. He says if I strap everything down correctly, it won't be an issue. Of course, he drives a big truck and has for 35 years. I am new to this, but I think he compares my van to his semi and sometimes he doesn't think about the difference.

Moot · Jul 19, 2015

An inverter takes the 12 volt D.C. from a battery, steps it up and converts it to 120 volts A.C. It will not charge your battery.

Heather Jones · Jul 19, 2015

The guy who set it up said that the battery he is running the inverter off of should charge while the van is running, but it is not. It says OPP on it when I turn it on.

Moot · Jul 19, 2015

Okay, that makes sense. The battery is being charge or should be charge by the van's alternator. Is the battery that runs the inverter a separate battery and not the starting battery?

Heather Jones · Jul 19, 2015

Yes, it is separate and a slow drain semi battery.

Moot · Jul 19, 2015

Heather Jones said:
Yes, it is separate and a slow drain semi battery.

The problem is somewhere between the alternator and the axillary battery or a bad axillary battery.

Heather Jones · Jul 19, 2015

Ok, thank you so very much for your help!

Moot · Jul 19, 2015

You should first check to see if the battery is receiving 12+ volts with the engine running. If it is then the problem is probably a bad battery.

Heather Jones · Jul 19, 2015

Ok, I will do. You have been a lot of help to me. I am grateful.

xiggi · Jul 19, 2015

Luke moot says make sure the problem is actually the battery not charging and not a bad inverter. Did the install a fuse in line or a breaker that could be tripped? What brand and size is the inverter?

Doggie Daddy · Jul 19, 2015

xiggi said:
Luke moot says make sure the problem is actually the battery not charging and not a bad inverter. Did the install a fuse in line or a breaker that could be tripped? What brand and size is the inverter?

I often wondered what Moot's first name was.

Heather Jones · Jul 19, 2015

I did not see where a fuse was in the line or a breaker. I am not sure what kind. Black and silver. My dad took it out and is going to hook the generator up. I just worry about it sticking out the front and it being so loud waking other drivers. I would rather use the inverter. I want to say Cobra. But not sure.

xiggi · Jul 19, 2015

Opp code normally means overload. I'm guessing your battery is charging and there is a problem with the inverter or wiring. Some gen are loud just try to park away from people when you can. That ac will keep you more comfortable than a fan connected to your inverter.

billg27 · Jul 19, 2015

Try these guys.

danthewolf00 · Jul 20, 2015

I run a honda 2000 with a 5k btu ac .

Unclebob · Jul 20, 2015

You definitely don't want an overly loud generator. It will not make you any friends that might even get you run off of some places. If you're going to use a generator definitely spend the money and get a quiet one.

Heather Jones · Jul 20, 2015

xiggi said:
Opp code normally means overload. I'm guessing your battery is charging and there is a problem with the inverter or wiring. Some gen are loud just try to park away from people when you can. That ac will keep you more comfortable than a fan connected to your inverter.

Ok, thank you. Yes, I have to agree it will be much better than a little air moving.

Heather Jones · Jul 20, 2015

danthewolf00 said:
I run a honda 2000 with a 5k btu ac .

I am not sure what this one is. It came off of my dad's semi. He got it when his air went out and he could not get it fixed due to the wait time and him being under a load. I do know to me it is a little loud.