I own a 2011 Fleetwood Jamboree 28Z and just installed new 6-volt house batteries about two weeks ago. When I first connected them, they showed a healthy 13.2 volts. However, I've noticed the voltage steadily declining over the past few days and it's now reading 12.2 volts. The concerning part is that when I plug into shore power, my multimeter shows absolutely no change in battery voltage - it stays at 12.2v whether plugged in or not. I'm trying to figure out if the charging is supposed to happen through the inverter/charger unit or if there's a separate converter that handles this. The batteries are definitely good since they're brand new, so I suspect something in the charging circuit has failed. Any guidance on troubleshooting this would be greatly appreciated.
Your RV's converter (not inverter) charges the house batteries from shore power. No voltage change when plugged in indicates a failed converter, blown fuses, or wiring issues in the 12V charging circuit.
Before diving into repairs, we need to confirm exactly what's happening with your charging system. The fact that your battery voltage shows no change when connected to shore power is a clear indicator that your converter isn't functioning properly.
Start by locating your converter (not inverter) - this is the component responsible for converting 120V AC shore power to 12V DC for charging your batteries. In your 2011 Jamboree, this is typically a separate unit from any inverter you might have. The converter should be mounted in a cabinet or compartment, often near the electrical panel.
Many RV owners confuse converters and inverters, but they serve opposite functions. Your converter takes 120V AC from shore power or generator and converts it to 12V DC to charge batteries and power 12V systems. An inverter does the reverse - converting 12V DC battery power to 120V AC for household appliances.
For a comprehensive understanding of how these systems work together, I'd recommend reviewing our complete RV electrical systems guide.
First, verify that your converter is receiving 120V AC power. You'll want to use a non-contact voltage tester or multimeter to check for 120V at the converter's input terminals. If there's no power reaching the converter, check the main breaker panel for tripped breakers.
Most converters have internal fuses that protect the 12V output circuits. These fuses can blow due to overloads or age, completely stopping the charging function. Look for a fuse panel on or near the converter unit. Fuse ratings vary by unit, so verify the correct amperage rating with your manufacturer documentation before replacement.
Before working on electrical systems, disconnect shore power at the pedestal and turn off the main breaker. With shore power reconnected, measure the DC voltage at the converter's output terminals. A properly functioning converter typically shows 13.2-14.4 volts DC when in charging mode, though you should verify specifications for your specific unit. If you're seeing 12V or less, the converter has likely failed internally.
Converters typically fail in one of several ways. The most common issue is failure of internal components like capacitors or diodes, which can completely stop the charging function while still allowing the converter to power 12V loads from shore power.
Another frequent problem is corroded or loose connections between the converter and batteries. Check all connections in the charging circuit, including the main battery cables and any inline fuses or breakers.
Your 2011 Jamboree is now over a decade old, and converters may experience age-related failures over time. Older converters also tend to be less sophisticated, lacking the multi-stage charging profiles found in modern units.
If your diagnosis confirms converter failure, you have several options. You can replace it with an identical unit to maintain the original configuration, or upgrade to a modern smart converter with better charging algorithms and battery maintenance features.
When selecting a replacement, ensure the amperage output matches your needs. You can use our electrical load calculator to determine the appropriate converter size for your specific setup and usage patterns.
Converter replacement involves both 120V AC and 12V DC connections and should be performed by a qualified technician. The 120V side requires proper grounding and adherence to electrical codes, while the 12V side must handle the full charging current safely. All connections should be torqued to manufacturer specifications and protected with appropriate fusing.
While waiting for parts or professional repair, you can maintain your batteries using a portable battery charger connected directly to the battery terminals. This won't provide power to your 12V systems like the converter normally would, but it will keep your batteries from becoming completely discharged.
Monitor your battery voltage daily and recharge when it drops below 12.1 volts to prevent damage to your new batteries. Deep discharge cycles can significantly reduce battery lifespan, even on new units.
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