Inverter Issues

**Leechantee** · 12-21-2021, 12:21 PM

We have a 2021 GD Solitude 378 MBS-R and have had issues with our inverter since the beginning. We have called customer support with no real help. We have no basic knowledge of anything electrical so this may be a simple fix-we just don’t know where the issue is coming from or if we are not understanding the purpose. We have a solar panel on our roof and a Magnum Dimensions inverter installed in the area where our battery is. From our understanding from our walkthrough, was that the inverter could always stay on and that would be what powered our fridge while traveling. The issue we are having is that the inverter does not stay on, not when connected to shore power or while connected to the truck when traveling. We are currently traveling across the country and we were hoping the fridge would stay on. When we attempt to turn the inverter on we get an error code of E03. Looking at the manual this means the voltage is low and we need to recharge the battery, but according to the control panel the battery is full.

**A.Texas.Yankee** · 12-21-2021, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by Leechantee

We have a 2021 GD Solitude 378 MBS-R and have had issues with our inverter since the beginning. We have called customer support with no real help. We have no basic knowledge of anything electrical so this may be a simple fix-we just don’t know where the issue is coming from or if we are not understanding the purpose. We have a solar panel on our roof and a Magnum Dimensions inverter installed in the area where our battery is. From our understanding from our walkthrough, was that the inverter could always stay on and that would be what powered our fridge while traveling. The issue we are having is that the inverter does not stay on, not when connected to shore power or while connected to the truck when traveling. We are currently traveling across the country and we were hoping the fridge would stay on. When we attempt to turn the inverter on we get an error code of E03. Looking at the manual this means the voltage is low and we need to recharge the battery, but according to the control panel the battery is full.

What voltage does your panel show when NOT on shore power?

Do you have a multimeter that you can use to test at the battery terminals?

Full Timing Family
2021 Momentum 395MS-R
2021 Ford F450 King Ranch

**Second Chance** · 12-21-2021, 01:09 PM

The lights on the control panel are notoriously inaccurate. As @A.Texas.Yankee suggested, a true voltmeter (i.e. a hand-held multimeter) is the only way to tell what the charge state on the battery really is - unless your solar charge controller will tell you. If you have a single lead-acid battery and a residential fridge, the battery won't last very long.

Rob

**Franktafl** · 12-21-2021, 01:28 PM

Most likely, the solar panel is supplying 12 volts which your control panel is probably reading. One solar panel is NOT enough to power the fridge (about 100 watts, 200 at the most) which is NOT enough to charge the battery AND run an appliance AND run your 12 volt loads. So the inverter is probably correct.

It is NOT beyond belief that the thing is wired incorrectly either. I would invest in a quality meter probably from Fluke or something such. maybe something that has an amp clamp as an added option. it is probably best to do your testing while you are on shore power so you can disconnect it and see what it looks like at full battery and do the measurements as the battery dies (which should not take long if the fridge is on the system).

Long ago I purchased meters to monitor amperage (amp clamp style) so I could monitor voltage and amperage in the cabin. They are easy to install, finding a place to mount the meters are the hard part.

AC Current Voltage Amperage Power Energy Panel Meter LCD Digital Display Ammeter Voltmeter Multimeter with Split Core Current Transformer CT AC 80-260V 100A Multi-Function Power Monitor

https://www.amazon.com/MICTUNING-Mul...a-849253922382

**MARKMILL** · 02-04-2022, 03:30 PM

Anybody know why the inverter reads an E01 error code; while the LCI one Control system shows 13.6v? Grand Design 310gk 2021

**Second Chance** · 02-04-2022, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by MARKMILL

Anybody know why the inverter reads an E01 error code; while the LCI one Control system shows 13.6v? Grand Design 310gk 2021

Depends on the brand of inverter. There is a manual in the paperwork packet that came with your RV or you can download the PDF version from the inverter manufacturer's web site. Either will have the error codes.

Rob

**ForBruce** · 02-11-2022, 11:42 AM

the e01 error can also be OVER VOLTAGE caused by a defective battery charging inverter . Buy a multimeter.... shut down the solar (pull connector if necessary ) and read the charging voltage at the battery.

Read voltage with circuit breaker for charger off and then also when on. Check your batteries for water -acid level.

NOT SURE OF THIS LAST BIT..i am buying a 378mbs-r with solar . I was told there are two 12 volt to 110 inverters. one for the refrigerator only. (1,000 watts)and one that is connected to solar (2,000 watts ) to run a variety of 110 outlets in the trailer when boondocking.

PS .. i am a 2021 Montana High Country Refugee
escaping to a 2022 Grand Design solitude 378mbs