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Inverter issue?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by spookyFOX, May 26, 2025.

  1. May 26, 2025 #1
    spookyFOX

    spookyFOX Bobtail Member

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    Jul 3, 2024
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    Hey guys! I think im having an issue with my inverter. 2020 pete 579. Has the smart air and auto start and the factory inverter. When im chillin playing games after a shift my inverter voltage goes all the way down to like 12.2 on the inverter control deal in a pretty short amount of time. I have to go start the truck so it can charge back up. The issue is it gets so low before the apu batteries are low enough to make the truck auto start that the auto start disengages. 4 brand new batteries too. Do I need a higher wattage inverter?
     
    spookyFOX, May 26, 2025
    spookyFOX, May 26, 2025
    #1
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  3. May 26, 2025 #2
    tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    I'm not really understanding your problem, to be honest. But a larger inverter will still only supply as much current as all the devices connected to it ask for. The inverter just "converts" 12 volts DC power from the batteries/alternator to 110 volts AC power at the household power outlet.

    I don't see how using a higher wattage inverter will help you. If it did anything MAYBE it would make your problem worse. Usually the APU should come on soon after you start using 120 volt devices. You could turn the APU on manually before you use the devices plugged into the inverter.
     
    tscottme, May 26, 2025
    tscottme, May 26, 2025
    #2
  4. May 27, 2025 #3
    spookyFOX

    spookyFOX Bobtail Member

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    Jul 3, 2024
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    I don't think the inverter is connected to the electric apu batteries, it's connected to the truck batteries. The apu doesn't kick on when I use and electricity in the bunk, it only runs my bunk ac while the truck is off. There is no turning the apu on manually. I admittedly don't understand batteries and electricity very well but it seems to me like I'm drawing too much power or something for the inverter to handle. Only the voltage is dropping fast. I'll look at the gauge on the dash when the voltage gets low and it says the truck batteries are still at 90% or whatever but the voltage gets so low the inverter is showing an E01 fault. The voltage gauge on the dash is also a lot higher than what the inverter controller is saying when this happens. I have 4 brand new batteries so I'm pretty sure nothing's wrong with them.
     
    spookyFOX, May 27, 2025
    spookyFOX, May 27, 2025
    #3
  5. May 28, 2025 #4
    Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    It's possible the inverter was wired incorrectly or has a bad connection. If there's a spot where the cable isn't tightly connected it could introduce resistance which would lower the inverter reading. That also happens if the wires are too small but if it's factory I don't think that would be an issue.

    If the truck's reading higher than the inverter to a significant degree then it sounds like a wiring issue. Give the battery cables a wiggle where they go into the inverter and then on the batteries. If it moves it's loose. Just make sure not to touch anything metal between the connections when tightening.
     
    Tb0n3, May 28, 2025
    Tb0n3, May 28, 2025
    #4
  7. Jun 1, 2025 at 6:17 PM #5
    Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    As others have mentioned, check the wiring for problems.
    Second, have the batteries the inverter is connected to tested. You could have one or more in the bank that is bad or is on its way out.
     
    Espressolane, Jun 1, 2025 at 6:17 PM
    Espressolane, Jun 1, 2025 at 6:17 PM
    #5
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