09 2026 Wayfarer Electrical Features
General Information
There are two electrical systems in your Wayfarer Motorcoach. These are the 12-volt DC (VDC) system and the 120-volt AC (VAC) system. Most standard appliances require the 120-VAC system, while the majority of the lighting systems used in the Wayfarer use the 12-VDC electrical system.
The electrical power for the 12 VDC system is supplied by the batteries of the Wayfarer. Those batteries are charged by a power converter. The alternator also charges the batteries when the engine is running.
The electrical power for the 120 VAC is supplied by the 30-AMP shore power cord when the Wayfarer is connected to an external power source or when the on-board electrical generator is in operation. The inverter can also supply 120 VAC electrical power (to limited outlets and limited appliances) the items onboard the Wayfarer are powered by the inverter are limited to Televisions and Refrigerator —the inverter transforms the 12 VDC electrical power from the batteries into the 120 VAC electrical power needed for the basic appliances. To connect the Wayfarer to an external source of 120 VAC electrical power, it is first recommended that main 30-amp circuit breaker is in the “off” position. This is done to prevent any power surge upon connecting the motorcoach to the external power source. Then unwind the power cord from the electrical compartment located in an external compartment. The standard, flexible, power cord supplied with the Wayfarer is designed to handle 30 amperes. Make sure that the pins in the male end of the plug are oriented correctly so they match the power cable, and they are in good condition (i.e., are not bent or damaged).
NOTE: Do not attempt to use any electrical adapters to convert the provided 30amp power cord, as this will damage electrical components inside the motorhome.
If there is a circuit breaker switch at the “plug” end of the power cord, that breaker should be turned “Off” before making the connection. Insert the plug into the mating outlet and then turn the circuit breaker “On.” Close and lock the electrical compartment door to protect the contents and to keep them clean and dry. Close the cover on the power box, if so equipped, to avoid an unintentional disconnection and to keep the contents clean and dry. Then switch the main breaker to the “On” position.
Electrical Features
When properly connected, the 120 VAC system provides power to all the 120 VAC circuits and outlets when the main breaker is turned “On.”
Circuit Breaker Boxes
For the Wayfarer, the 120 VAC and 12 VDC breaker boxes are in the bedroom. The circuit breakers and fuses are installed to protect the electrical system (Figure 9-1), of the Wayfarer from any overloads. Do not attempt to change the electrical circuitry or to add appliances yourself.
Please consult an authorized Tiffin Motorhomes Dealership or Tiffin Motorhomes, incorporated in Winfield AL to determine whether any changes you desire are appropriate and acceptable.
Tiffin Motorhomes’ qualified staff of electricians can readily determine whether any changes sought (e.g. solar, radio, amateur radio, satellite television receiver, personal computer system, and the like) are possible or not and can advise you on how best to realize these enhancements.
Please note that the 12 VDC fuses and breakers are located in a separate compartment adjoining the 120 VAC breakers. Fusing is provided for the following 12 VDC CIRCUITS: Refrigerator power, Radio power, HD Antenna / Satellite Booster Power, and Thermostat Power. When the ignition is on, the chassis batteries and house batteries will automatically merge to charge batteries when vehicle is in operation. NO SWITCH.
Battery Distribution Center
The motorhome is equipped with a 12 VDC battery distribution center, located in the coach’s battery compartment. The center has a 200amp main coach disconnect / breaker (Figure 9-2); which will turn off all 12volt battery power to the motorhome. There are also (2) fuses of 250amp, and 60amp which distributes the 12 VDC power to system components within the motorhome.
When the 200 amp 12 VDC main circuit breaker is shut down or electrically tripped, it must be manually reset. This breaker protects the slide-outs, the AC ignition, the electric step, the 30-amp ignition system, and the 12 VDC disconnect system. As needed, manually reset the circuit breaker or breakers.
Be careful when working around these connections as an accidental electrical short to ground (i.e., momentarily connecting the “positive” or “hot” terminal to any part of the chassis) can be hazardous and harmful.
To access the battery distribution center, open the access panel on the steps. When access to the batteries are no longer needed, close and securely fasten the access cover to place these steps back in service.
Battery Inspection and Care
Your motorhome comes equipped with two lead-acid batteries (Figure 9-3) as standard, with an optional upgrade to two lithium batteries (Figure 9-4) for enhanced performance and efficiency.
To access these batteries, open the access panel on the steps. When access to the batteries is no longer needed, close and securely fasten the access cover to place these steps back in service.
When batteries are not used for extended periods of time, they will gradually lose their electrical charge. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically recharge the batteries to increase the operational lives of the batteries. It is also necessary to check the external condition of the batteries on a regular basis.
Proper maintenance of your lead-acid batteries is essential to ensure reliable performance and extend their lifespan.
1. Inspect for Damage: Look for cracks in the battery case and cover. Check the vent plugs and replace them if they are cracked or broken.
2. Clean the Battery: Keep the battery clean by removing dirt and acid residue from around the battery terminals. These accumulations can provide an electrical path that discharges the battery.
3. Cleaning Method: Use an old toothbrush and a diluted solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water (distilled or de-ionized preferred; tap water acceptable) to neutralize acidic build-up. Foaming on the battery top indicates that acidic residues are being neutralized. Rinse the cleaned areas thoroughly with distilled or de-ionized water (tap water is also acceptable).
4. Avoid Contamination: Do not allow the baking-soda solution to enter the battery fill plugs or cells, as this could neutralize the sulfuric acid inside and damage or “kill” the battery.
5. Prevent Corrosion: Dry the battery cables and terminals thoroughly to prevent corrosion. Apply a plastic ignition spray to the terminals for added protection but avoid grease on metal-to-metal connections, as it can act as an insulator.
6. Extended Periods of Inactivity: If the batteries aren’t used for a long time, remove them from the motorhome and store them in a warm, dry place.
7. Professional Assistance: It is strongly recommended to have a qualified service technician perform battery removal and maintenance, as it can be too complex for the average owner.
8. Self-Maintenance Procedure: For owners who wish to perform this service themselves:
o Mark the battery cables ("+"/red for positive, "-"/black for negative) to ensure proper reconnection.
o Periodically recharge the batteries to maintain their full charge.
9. Check Fluid Levels: Regularly check the fluid levels in all battery cells. Use safety eyewear during this process. Refill cells that are low with distilled or de-ionized water (DO NOT use tap water). Avoid overfilling and follow filling directions precisely.
10. Regular Checkups: Conduct battery checkups periodically to maximize service and longevity over time
To ensure your lithium batteries perform optimally and last longer, follow these detailed maintenance practices:
1. Charging: Regularly charge the battery to a voltage range of 14.2–14.6 volts at least twice a month. This helps balance the cells and maintain consistent performance.
2. Storage: When storing the battery for extended periods, use a disconnect switch to isolate all circuits from the battery. Ensure the battery is charged to around 50% before storage. If temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, consider storing the battery in a warmer environment to prevent damage.
3. Cable Connections: Inspect the battery's cable connections biannually. Tighten them securely to a torque specification of 9–11 foot-pounds to ensure a stable and efficient connection.
4. Low Voltage Recovery: If the battery enters low voltage disconnect mode, it can be revived by jump-starting it with a 12-volt power source. This process restores the battery's functionality.
5. Temperature Management: Avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures, as this can impact its performance.
120 Volt (VAC) AC Receptacles
Your Wayfarer motorhome is equipped with several 120 VAC receptacles (Figure 9-5) located throughout the interior of the motorhome.
For these receptacles to work properly, do not use an adapter, cheater, or extension cord which defeats the function of the grounding pin. For the same reason, never remove or bend away the ground prong or pin from any three-prong AC plug so that it would fit a two-prong AC receptacle (i.e., an ungrounded AC receptacle).
Never operate the Wayfarer if there is an electrical short present, as an electrical short may deliver an electrical shock to anyone coming in contact with the exterior of the unit.
If you should feel even the slightest of electrical shock, immediately disconnect the unit from the 120 VAC power source and locate the electrical fault (i.e., typically, it is a break in the grounding circuit).
Do not reconnect the 120 VAC power until after that electrical fault is fixed— the grounding circuit must be continuous from the frame to the distribution panel, to the power cord, and to the earth ground so that electrical-shock protection is realized.
USB Receptacles
The Wayfarer is equipped with USB ports (Figure 9-6) conveniently located on the front dashboard and in the bedroom area as well as on the passenger console. These ports allow for easy access when charging cell phones, laptop computers, iPods, iPads or other tablets.
Ground-Fault-Circuit-Interrupt Receptacles
In the kitchen and bath areas, there are 120 VAC GFCI receptacles (Figure 9-7), which provide greater protection against inadvertent electrical shocks. These specialized GFCI receptacles provide both overload and short-circuit protection for the user. The electrical receptacles located in the slide-out are wired through the kitchen GFCI. The exterior receptacles are wired through the bathroom GFCI. If an appliance plugged into a slide-out or exterior receptacle is not working, check for a tripper GFCI in the kitchen or bathroom. The GFCI should be tested at least once a month. The 120 VAC electrical system must be ON for the GFCI to be tested. All GFCI protected receptacles are marked as such, but only one of them might have two pushbuttons on the receptacle (as shown in the picture). The upper pushbutton is a “test” button, which can be used to ensure that the GFCI function is working.
Figure 9-6 GFCI Receptacle
To reset this GFCI breaker, push the lower button (the “reset” button) to restore power to all the GFCI receptacles on this circuit. These receptacles protect the user from ground faults between an electrically “hot” wire and ground. The GFCI will not reduce the shock hazard if the short is between a neutral and “hot” wire, or two “hot load” wires. The GFCI must be tested at least once a month. The 120 VAC electrical system must be ON for the GFCI to be tested.
To test the GFCI, the reset button must be pushed in fully before starting the test. Push the test button; this will cause the reset button to pop out, which means that the protected circuits have been disconnected. Push the reset button back in until a “click” is heard-this will reactivate the protected circuit. If the GFCI is working properly, the reset button will remain in the “in” position.
Inverter
A 2000-watt inverter (Figure 9-8) is provided as a standard feature on the Wayfarer; the inverter will transfer or pass 120 VAC power to its loads when plugged into shoreline or the generator is running. Invert 12 VCD power into 120 VAC power when 120 VAC is not available. The inverter can create 120 VAC to power the entertainment system (e.g. TVs, Blu-ray player and refrigerator) when 120 VAC power is not available.
The inverter switch is located on the Spyder control panel (Figure 9-9). This switch allows quick inverter ON/OFF control and quick indication of the inverters power status. Note: Leaving the switch on for extended times can drain the batteries.
Converter
A converter is provided as a standard feature on the Wayfarer located as part of the main 120volt distribution load center located in the bedroom. This converter takes 120 VAC power and transformers that into 12 VDC power when 120 VAC is available. The converter will create 12 VDC to charge the house batteries when 120VAC power is available from either the shoreline or generator power.
Electrical Generator
The electrical generator is a 4 KW conveniently located in one of the side compartments in the Wayfarer motorhome. Prior to starting or stopping the generator (Figure 9-10), make sure that all the 120 VAC appliances are turned “off. After the generator has been started, wait until the transfer switch has connected before turning “on” any of the appliances. The generator can be started from either the remote-start switch (Figure 9-11), located on the central control panel or directly at the generator itself. The hour meter installed on the generator records the number of hours of operation of the generator motor—this elapsed time is needed for observing necessary maintenance schedules on the generator.
Automatic Transfer Switch
The automatic transfer switches or (ATS) transfers 120V AC power from shore line normal power or generator power to the coach’s main electrical distribution panel (Figure 9-11). The ATS has a delay of around 5 seconds before switching power to shore line, and a delay of around 30 seconds before switching power to the generator. The ATS is located on the driver’s side rear cargo bay. This appliance has limited surge protection capabilities.
If the unit is plugged into shore but no power to coach, then make sure the shore outlet has power. If power is present, this may indicate the unit is sensing an open neutral condition. Start the generator, if the power is restored, then either the shore plug or the outlet may be defective (the neutral line may be broken.)
If there is no power to coach from shore or generator, then check the generator circuit breaker. If the circuit breakers are not tripped in the generator or the coach, the transfer box may need to be replaced. For more detailed information on the automatic transfer switch, please refer to the specific owner’s instructions found in the owner’s information package.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
The circuit breakers (Figure 9-12) are in the main 120 VAC distribution load center located in bedroom. When the circuit breakers are shut down or electrically tripped, they must be manually reset. As needed, manually reset the circuit breaker or breakers as shown in the accompanying figure.
The panel has a main 30amp breaker which turns off all incoming power to the panels branch breakers. All branch breakers are labelled as to their function. This panel also has 12 VDC fuses, which are labelled as to their function.
Fuse Blocks
Some of the electrical circuitry within the motorhome is protected by various fusing systems. Some of these fuse blocks are immediately accessible from the driver’s side underneath the dashboard. These fuse blocks protect some of the major electrical systems of immediate concern to the driver.
The electrical circuits protected by the under-dash fuse block include headlights, panel light for dashboard, taillights, turn signals, cruise control, engine computer, accessory fuses, heater and dash air conditioning. Additionally, there is another chassis fuse panel which works in conjunction with the chassis fuse panel and provides comparable protection for the above-listed circuits.
Located beneath the access panel on the dashboard are two additional fuse panels; these panels protect the following electrical systems: mirrors, optional satellite jacks, camera, optional power windows, dash trim, lighter, map light, optional power seats, and radio.
Should there be any electrical failure of these components or systems, the first troubleshooting procedure should be to check the fuses and have available replacements to replace any blown fuses, as may be warranted.
As an aid to extracting and/or installing fuses in the fuse blocks, one may wish to buy an inexpensive fuse puller at any electronics or hardware store. This tool makes the installation or removal of fuses much easier and prevents inadvertent damage to nearby fuses or the fuse block itself.
Seven-Pin Towing Connector
Your Wayfarer is equipped with a standard, 7-pin connector near the towing hitch at the rear of the motorhome to supply the necessary circuitry to control a towed vehicle. The wiring of that connector is shown in the accompanying diagram (see Figure 9-13).
Make sure that any cable from the vehicle to be towed is wired correctly to mate properly with the connections shown in the connector. If in doubt about proper wiring, have a qualified service technician prepare and install the necessary cable to mate with the 7-pin connector on the motor home to assure proper operation subsequently when any vehicle is towed by the motorhome.
When the towed vehicle is uncoupled from the motorhome and the cable is disconnected from the 7-pin connector, be sure to close the spring-hinged cover plate on the connector to protect the contact pins from dirt or debris. In a similar manner, protect the cable end from similar damage, weather, or debris— one such method could be to place the connector end in a heavy-gauge plastic bag (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.) and secure the bag tightly around the cable with a stout elastic band or tape and then mount the secured cable in a manner to keep it both from mechanical damage and water intrusion.
When the towed vehicle is again coupled to the motorhome via the towing hitch and the cable is again connected to the 7-pin connector, make sure the resultant connection is tight and solid so that the connection won’t jar loose during use. Several supplemental methods to secure that connection have been used; some of which include securing the connection with a strong rubber band or with Velcro type fasteners to provide a supplemental mechanical backup to the actual electromechanical connection. Should a conversion adapter to convert the round, seven-pin connector to a flat, four-pin connector be needed; such an adapter may be purchased from any RV after-market store.
