new E19 - no power when not connected

[TWebs46]

We just finished our first night in our new E19. We are connected to shore power and all is well. However, if I disconnect from shore power we have no power in the trailer. Fridge is off, no lights, no nothing. I checked the breakers on the converter; flipped the two 15 amp breakers off then on again. I tested the GFCI on the outside and it is working. Our trailer has EMS and its reading E0, normal. We have solar with two panels and two lithium batteries. the victron panel says all is well.



I don't know where to look next and would appreciate any suggestions.



Tom Weber

[cpaharley2008]

If you disconnect from 120v power, then all you will have is 12v power in the trailer, lights should operate on/off.....

[TWebs46]

We have no 12 volt power when disconnected from shore power.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by TWebs46

We have no 12 volt power when disconnected from shore power.

Are you saying the 12v lights in the trailer do not operate?

[Gasguy]

Check to make sure your 12 volt main disconnect switch is in the on position.
Our trailer is a 2018 model so it’s a bit different than yours but nothing works at all if the switch inadvertently gets turned off.

[sameo416]

1. Check the main battery disconnect switch. It sounds like it might be off.
2. Check the fuses on the DC side of the distribution panel. There are red LEDs that illuminate when a fuse is blown, but these may not work without DC (connect to external AC maybe to check). There are reverse polarity fuses that remove all DC power.
3. Check the battery connections. Make sure the polarity is correct (red to red)
4. If none of those reveal the issue, you'll need to figure out where the power supply ends by using a multimeter or a 12V light to see what is energized. I'd check the battery connections on the distribution panel first (these are big screw terminals right alongside the circuit breakers on the green circuit board.

Internal roof lights need the master light switch on to operate.

[TWebs46]

Yes, Jim. No lights furnace or fridge when disconnected from shore power. No nothing.

[Donna D.]

Sounds like the battery disconnect switch is OFF. I know they've changed the switch and it's placement, but mine is on the drivers side dinette rear cabinet.


The purpose of the switch is so there is NO power to anything in the trailer. That's what's happening to you....

[Fender]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Sounds like the battery disconnect switch is OFF. I know they've changed the switch and it's placement, but mine is on the drivers side dinette rear cabinet.


The purpose of the switch is so there is NO power to anything in the trailer. That's what's happening to you....

My 2022 E19 has the 12 Volt kill switch in the same place.

For what it's worth I found the orientation videos on the ETI website to be very helpful for things like this.

[TWebs46]

Problem solved. Battery disconnect switch was in the wrong position. Thanks to all for helping this newbie!

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by TWebs46

Problem solved. Battery disconnect switch was in the wrong position. Thanks to all for helping this newbie!

Switch
We’ve camped with Escape trailers for going on 10 years. We bought both of them used. Our
19 had a very heavy duty on/off switch that was after market installed. It never got flipped by accident. Then we sold the 19 and got the 21C. It has the factory switch the dinette. It is easy to flip off or on.

Enter fidgety grand kids who excuse themselves from the table by sliding down under the table and crawling out.
Then Rita says “Hey, the Max Fan is off, or I don’t have any lights to see over the sink.”
Enter yours truly who walks over and flips the switch back to on. Problem solved. Happens to us about 5 times a year.
Don’t feel like a rookie, just learn the lesson and roll with it.
Iowa Dave