Acts like power is struggling

Jajjaaj

Member
I have a 2009 Bighorn 3670RL. I noticed that my slides were struggling to come in and out as if it were trying but didn't have enough power. After talking to a mechanic over the phone, he said it was my batteries. It had been a few years, so I replaced them. Didn't improve the situation. Calling a mechanic out to the area where I am will cost hundreds of dollars, so I figured I could find a mechanic closer to the city. Anyhow, the power went went out the other night, and all my lights were really dim, and a loud buzzing sound started from somewhere and didn't quit until the power came back on. I couldn't figure out where the noise was coming from but guessing it had something to do with the inverter/convertor? I'm not real familiar with this or where they would be located, but hope I can get it figured out with a little help? I'm pretty handy.
 

Dahillbilly

Well-known member
as far as the loud buzzing sound not sure. If the slides still didn't work right with the new batteries I would double check the connections especially the grounding connections. Good luck
 

TrailCreek

Well-known member
The inverter is usually behind the rear basement wall. Not hard to remove. I had to replace mine for the same reason. Just another part that's easy to swap out if you are handy. Disconnect all power first.

Checking the ground is a good idea. Also, check lubrication on moving parts. Your unit has been around a while, and seals can get hard.

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RoadJunkie

Well-known member
How cold is it? The 3670 has all hydraulic slide activation and sometimes really struggle when temps are low.
 

Jajjaaj

Member
Thanks
The inverter is usually behind the rear basement wall. Not hard to remove. I had to replace mine for the same reason. Just another part that's easy to swap out if you are handy. Disconnect all power first.

Checking the ground is a good idea. Also, check lubrication on moving parts. Your unit has been around a while, and seals can get hard.

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
Thanks, I'll take a look.
How cold is it? The 3670 has all hydraulic slide activation and sometimes really struggle when temps are low.
I live in Colorado. The slides do really well in cold weather. Unfortunately, the first time I had an issue was during the summer and I was in Texas. I now notice that anytime my rig is not plugged into shore power, anything that should work, doesn't.
 

JohnDar

Prolifically Gabby Member
In the 2009 BH3670, they either mount the converter directly behind the breaker panel in the stairwell or against the basement wall near the base of the stairs (I’d look there first before pulling the breaker panel). You’ll have to remove the pipe chase cover for the washing machine plumbing and the DS basement wall to get at it. It’s not too bad crawling in there to get it, unless you’re a large person.

Once you find it and/or replace it, DO NOT return it to that location. On ours, it was directly under the ASV that failed and dumped water on the spot where it originally was. Fortunately, I had relocated it and my surge suppressor prior to the flood to a spot out of harms way that was more accessible. I can post photos of it, if you want.


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Jajjaaj

Member
In the 2009 BH3670, they either mount the converter directly behind the breaker panel in the stairwell or against the basement wall near the base of the stairs (I’d look there first before pulling the breaker panel). You’ll have to remove the pipe chase cover for the washing machine plumbing and the DS basement wall to get at it. It’s not too bad crawling in there to get it, unless you’re a large person.

Once you find it and/or replace it, DO NOT return it to that location. On ours, it was directly under the ASV that failed and dumped water on the spot where it originally was. Fortunately, I had relocated it and my surge suppressor prior to the flood to a spot out of harms way that was more accessible. I can post photos of it, if you want.


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That would be great! Thank you!
 

JohnDar

Prolifically Gabby Member
OK, here's some photos if you've never been behind the walls.

The "Basement 'O' Doom" is what I called it after seeing the jumbled mess back there. And don't be surprised at the junk and debris back there.

In IMG2702, the original position for the converter is the gray box partially visible in the back left of the photo near the wall behind the black drain pipe. The black box is the hardwired surge suppressor after I moved it the first time. I had the dealer install it prior to delivery and they put it behind the breaker panel in the kitchen, inside that hole you see in the back wall. In that photo, you can also see the black tank just under the floor extension, and Gray #1 (lavatory) under and in front of it.

The photo labelled "Converter Remount" is where I moved both devices to a piece of plywood I attached to the bedroom stairs framing, safe from any water leaks.

"Walls Installed" are the modifications I made to the basement walls to allow access without having to pull down the walls.

"Converter Access" is the change I made to the doors to use barrel latches.

Lastly, "Washer Plumbing cover" is the pipe chase cover that needs to be removed to get the DS wall out. The Caution Tape is there to remind me to duck when poking around in there. Beaned myself many a time digging around in there.

Hope this helps.
 

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SLO

Well-known member
I like your organization. Impressed you even mitered your access frames.


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Jajjaaj

Member
OK, here's some photos if you've never been behind the walls.

The "Basement 'O' Doom" is what I called it after seeing the jumbled mess back there. And don't be surprised at the junk and debris back there.

In IMG2702, the original position for the converter is the gray box partially visible in the back left of the photo near the wall behind the black drain pipe. The black box is the hardwired surge suppressor after I moved it the first time. I had the dealer install it prior to delivery and they put it behind the breaker panel in the kitchen, inside that hole you see in the back wall. In that photo, you can also see the black tank just under the floor extension, and Gray #1 (lavatory) under and in front of it.

The photo labelled "Converter Remount" is where I moved both devices to a piece of plywood I attached to the bedroom stairs framing, safe from any water leaks.

"Walls Installed" are the modifications I made to the basement walls to allow access without having to pull down the walls.

"Converter Access" is the change I made to the doors to use barrel latches.

Lastly, "Washer Plumbing cover" is the pipe chase cover that needs to be removed to get the DS wall out. The Caution Tape is there to remind me to duck when poking around in there. Beaned myself many a time digging around in there.

Hope this helps.
Forgot to thank you. Greatly appreciate all your help and taking the time to post the photos.
 
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