Generator power surge? Batteries, appliances dead

[Mynamite]

Hi folks, yes it's me AGAIN! Ihad a lovely week that HOW actually ran, then spit hit the spam again..made it to Quartzsite after 7 weeks (!) broke down in Valle. During a weekend trip to Laughlin, pulled over and turned on generator to heat up lunch in the new microwave convection oven. The light in that thing started flashing on and off and there was a loud knocking sound in the wall behind it. Shut gen down and ate cold food. That night back in Q, generator on to see what happened. After 1 hr no problems, started a load of laundry. Cold so one electric heater on. About 15 min heater glowing bright red flashing and smoke rolling out of washer compartment. turned generator off; (new washer dryer dead, convection oven dead
Next couple days did not run generator, met an electrician at La Posa who said he'd work on it. By this time coach batteries Dead. Under warranty with Napa so replaced these with similar 8424s for free . Unfortunately new batteries have handles, so do not fit in compartment . The "electrician" who was working on this up and moved to Yuma , leaving six new batteries lying on the ground and with $$ in his pocket.
I seriously need professional help!!! I read through so many threads today, trying to figure out what to do about batteries, etc, till I realized this is not getting me anywhere but more confused. I have to get batteries from Napa because of the warranty. After over $13k since August 19, funds are low and my patience is SHOT. Have any of you had work done while in Quartzsite, particularly on electrical issues? It would be great to find someone here who is familiar with these complicated birds! I realize that's a tall order, but thought I'd ask. If you know a mobile person here, that you would trust with your bird, please let me know. Thanks in advance for your help.
BTW, the "electrician" seemed to think that the entire issue was caused by a surge from the generator, caused by a faulty voltage regulator. All I know is that nothing works, even propane fridge and stove, and I need a vacation!!!

[Mynamite]

THANK YOU!!! It seems that some kind soul saw my post and contacted Kevin and Brandis Sarich, who immediately came over to help! Kevin was able to talk me down "off the ledge" I was prepared to jump off of, and helped me put this set of problems into perspective. I now know what type of batteries I need, and can begin working on that tomorrow. Another Q neighbor came over with a spare battery and hooked it up so that I have lights, water pump, and propane to get through the night (it's cold here!). First priority is to get enough battery power so that I can start the engine, drive into Q to get batteries properly installed. The generator can wait a while, at least I won't freeze and I can fill / empty tanks, use water, etc. Woo Hoo!
Thank you all here on the WOG for the help I've received. I am so grateful! the best part about today is knowing that help and support are here! Thank you!!!

[mpierce]

Kevin and Brandis are the greatest! Had the pleasure of being beside them at Q last year.

[Mynamite]

Originally Posted by mpierce

Kevin and Brandis are the greatest! Had the pleasure of being beside them at Q last year.

I wholeheartedly agree! So glad they're here! So are you coming back to Q this year?

[K Ridley]

Originally Posted by Mynamite

Hi folks, yes it's me AGAIN! Ihad a lovely week that HOW actually ran, then spit hit the spam again..made it to Quartzsite after 7 weeks (!) broke down in Valle. During a weekend trip to Laughlin, pulled over and turned on generator to heat up lunch in the new microwave convection oven. The light in that thing started flashing on and off and there was a loud knocking sound in the wall behind it. Shut gen down and ate cold food. That night back in Q, generator on to see what happened. After 1 hr no problems, started a load of laundry. Cold so one electric heater on. About 15 min heater glowing bright red flashing and smoke rolling out of washer compartment. turned generator off; (new washer dryer dead, convection oven dead
Next couple days did not run generator, met an electrician at La Posa who said he'd work on it. By this time coach batteries Dead. Under warranty with Napa so replaced these with similar 8424s for free . Unfortunately new batteries have handles, so do not fit in compartment . The "electrician" who was working on this up and moved to Yuma , leaving six new batteries lying on the ground and with $$ in his pocket.
I seriously need professional help!!! I read through so many threads today, trying to figure out what to do about batteries, etc, till I realized this is not getting me anywhere but more confused. I have to get batteries from Napa because of the warranty. After over $13k since August 19, funds are low and my patience is SHOT. Have any of you had work done while in Quartzsite, particularly on electrical issues? It would be great to find someone here who is familiar with these complicated birds! I realize that's a tall order, but thought I'd ask. If you know a mobile person here, that you would trust with your bird, please let me know. Thanks in advance for your help.
BTW, the "electrician" seemed to think that the entire issue was caused by a surge from the generator, caused by a faulty voltage regulator. All I know is that nothing works, even propane fridge and stove, and I need a vacation!!!

Myna, we will be there soon. We are currently in Fort Worth waiting for the rain to let up a little so we can head out. I would recommend that you not let anyone work on it who's not familiar with the Wanderlodge systems. I think that your washer/dryer and microwave issues are nothing more than the relay that switches between shore power and inverter getting weak. It should be a fairly straight forward troubleshooting and repair. Hang in there and we'll get you happy again.

[MRPutz]

Originally Posted by K Ridley

Myna, we will be there soon. We are currently in Fort Worth waiting for the rain to let up a little so we can head out. I would recommend that you not let anyone work on it who's not familiar with the Wanderlodge systems. I think that your washer/dryer and microwave issues are nothing more than the relay that switches between shore power and inverter getting weak. It should be a fairly straight forward troubleshooting and repair. Hang in there and we'll get you happy again.

While you're flying by on I-10 stop by for some sushi! You help Myna and we'll pre-pay with Sushi! Yea.. paying it forward.. kind of.. hee hee hee

[Mynamite]

Kevin, I read your message and I swear, you darn near made this crusty old Chief cry! Then I got choked up again reading the sushi "pay it forward" post from Michael and Tami... I can't thank you all enough for giving me back this feeling of hope. I had been tempted to sell my beloved Bird to the first bidder, cut my losses and go back to Florida.... Sorry, but it's been a rough 3 months....Now smiling and hanging in there
Wishing you good health and sunny safe travel!!!