RV Electrical Tips

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Air Conditioner (Auto) | Air Conditioner (Roof) | Batteries | Converters | Electrical | Winterizing | Leaks | Maintenance | Slideouts | Links to Suppliers |

Air conditioner (Auto)

• Make sure dash controls are set on AC.
• Check 12 volt fuses/breakers for "heat AC".

• Check heater control may be set on heat.
• Make sure controls are switching to AC.
• Check for air flow from vents.

• Check Freon may be low.
• Check heater control may be set on heat.
• Water valve may not be closed all the way.

• Check to make sure thermostat is set below room temperature.
• Make Sure 120 Volts AC is available from generator or shore power.
• If using the generator check all circuit breakers on the generator.
• Check coach circuit breakers.

• Control may be set too low.
• Make sure the filter is clean and unobstructed.
• Check to see if too many outlet vents are closed.

• Give the air a head start on the heat of the day.
• To offset heat gain:
1. Close windows and blinds.
2. Limit use of entrance doors.
3. Use awnings.
4. Avoid heat-producing appliances.
• Make sure outside power supply is not below 108 volts.

• Both batteries should charge when the engine is running.
• The auxiliary battery charges from the converter, from the 120 volt supply. this includes the generator when it is running.

Pressing "Use/Store" switch will not connect battery.


• Battery may be discharged. Recharge battery or "jump" with direct connections.
• Check fuses on solenoid and replace if blown with same type and rating (5 Amp).
• Some Common Solenoid locations are:
1. Under hood in electrical box. (Gas).
2. Under hood in driver side fender (Mini).
3. In compartment under drivers door (Diesels) until mid 2001.
4. Under dash in front of passenger seat (Diesels) after mid 2001 and later.

12 Volt RV power operates normally but indicator lights will not illuminate.


• Check fuses on solenoid (same locations above) and replace if blown with same type and rating (5 Amp).


Battery switched to "Store" position but indicator light remains on.


• RV is plugged in to 120 volt AC shore power or operating on gen-set.
• Ignition key may be on or on acc.
• Check that Coach battery is switched to "Use".

• Make sure your battery disconnect is turned off when unit is not in use if your unit is equipped with one.
• Make sure all your lights are turned off.
• Make sure items such as your furnace, water heater, water pump, power roof vent etc. are all turned off.
• On Ford chassis, Make sure the map light is turned off at the dash NOT at the light.
• Make sure all the storage compartment lights are off. [doors closed].
• Make sure the step light switch is off at the entry door.
• Make sure the thermostat for the air conditioners are off when not in use. [If unit heats up with the thermostat on cool the batteries can run down].
• Make sure the 12 volt vent fan thermostat is off when not in use. [The fan can come on if the heat rises in unit and run batteries down].

• Store batteries in fully charged condition. [12.6 volts 100% charge].
• Batteries will loose about 0.1 volt per month even when disconnected. [0.1 volt X 6 months = .6 volts. 12.6 volts - .6 volts = 12.0 volts, state of charge is less than 25% with no draw just setting].
• Charge your batteries every 30 days when disconnected in storage.
• Coach Battery NOT disconnected will use from 0.1 amp to 0.5 amp or more. [A 105 ah battery will be dead in less than 200 hours with a .5 amp draw]. Remove the battery cables from the battery if you do not have a battery disconnect, and recharge every 30 days.

• Keep the batteries clean.
• Check the water levels and fill as needed.
• Recharge batteries every 30 days even when not in use.

• Make sure the battery in connected to the converter when in use. [Battery disconnect in on].
• Avoid blocking air flow to the converter.
• Be sure all circuit breakers 12 volt & 120 volts are on.
• Stop any water leaks into the area of the converter.

No 12 volt power to unit.
• Make sure the battery disconnect is on.
• Check the main 50 Amp 12 volt circuit breaker, reset if needed.
• Check battery cables and wires, make sure there making a good connection.
• If the problem is not clear check with your dealer for help.

No 120 volt power to unit.
• Make sure the power cord is plugged into a good power source, [outlet or generator].
• Check the circuit breakers, in the motor home breaker box, power supply, and generator. NOTE the generator has its own circuit breakers.
• If using an adapter on the power cord make sure it is good.

No 120 volt power on part of the unit.
• Check circuit breakers on your unit, on the generator [one may be off], and your power source.
• Check your cord adapter if using one.
• Reset the GFI if it is off.
• If you can not find the problem, contact your dealer.

• For any automotive electrical see the service center for your chassis.

• ALWAYS Make sure the jacks are down before moving the slide out room in or out.
• ALWAYS Dump air bags on Diesel units before operating leveling jacks.

• Make sure all storage compartment doors are closed.
• Make sure the ignition key is off.
• Make sure the battery disconnect is turned on, and battery is charged.

• On the front slideout, put inside switch to manual, then use the manual crank to move the room in or out.
• On the rear slideout use crank or socket to move the room in or out.

• Read Your owners manual for directions on winterizing your motor home.
• NOTE: When winterizing your water system, DO NOT FORGET to drain the water heater, water pump, toilet valve, and ice maker if unit hase one.

• NOTE: None use of the Generator for 120 days is considered "Storage" and requires STORAGE steps to prevent problems.

• Check all seals every 3 to 4 months, reseal as needed.

• Repair all fresh water leaks as soon as possible.
• Your dealer can be helpful with repairing any fresh water leaks.

• Do not allow waste water to leak on the ground, make repairs as soon as possible.
• Your dealer may be helpful with locating and repairing any water leaks.

• Look for gaps and openings.
• Your dealer could be helpful in locating and repairing air leaks.

• Check all seals and moldings.
• Check all seals on windows and doors.

• Check all seams on moldings, reseal any bad seal that look bad.
• Reseal all vents as needed.

• Check the seal around the skylight for poor seals, reseal if poor.
• NOTE: Remove old seal before applying the new seal.
• Clean surface before applying the new sealer.

• Read your Generator Operator's manual for Proper Periodic maintenance.
• NOTE: None use of the Generator for 120 days is considered "Storage" and requires STORAGE steps to prevent problems.

Links to Suppliers
Chassis

Chevrolet
Phone: 800 367-2438

Ford
Phone: 800 444-3311
Web Page: Go To FORD web site, Motor home assistance coming soon.

Freightliner
Phone: 800 3854357
Web Page: Go To FREIGHTLINERS web site, find there service centers.
Parts: Freightliner, Oshkosh & John Deere, 800 545-8831

Spartan
Phone: Customer Service, 800 543-4334 - Technical Service, 800 543-4277
Wep Page: Go To Spartans wep site.
Workhorse
Phone: Customer Service, 800 863-6740 - Roadside Assistance, 877 946-7731
Web Page: Go To WORKHORSE web site, Find there service centers.

Allison Transmission 800 252-5283
Caterpillar Diesel Engines 800 447-4986
Cummins Diesel Engines 800 343-7357

Evens Tempcom
Phone: Customer Service, 800 354-7088 - Auto AC and heater.
Web Page: Go To EVANS TEMPCON web site, Find there service centers.

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