06 The Electrical System
12-VOLT System
Your motorhome has two 12V coach batteries; one in the engine compartment and the other in a compartment on the drivers side (Image 57.1). The one in the drivers side compartment is also called the auxiliary battery.
The engine compartment battery (located under the hood) is charged by the alternator while driving the motorhome. It suppplies power to the engine ignition switch, dash controls switches and all exterior lighting of the motorhome.
The auxiliary or coach battery (Image 57.1) operates the furnace, water pump, liquid propane (LP) gas detector, CO detector, monitor panel and all interior lighting. It also supplies power to the electronic controls for the water heater and the refrigerator.
The auxiliary or coach battery(ies) are charged in two ways:
• From the vehicle alternator when the engine is running for approximately 30 minutes (this is the most efficient way).
• From the 12-Volt system through the power converter (at a lower charge rate using the shoreline or generator, can take up to 6-8 hours).
Troubleshooting the 12-VOLT System
1. The coach battery may be low (this can be checked at the monitor panel). You may charge your coach battery by simply running the chassis engine. If the coach battery wont hold a charge, contact a qualified service technician to test the battery and charging system.
2. A fuse may be bad. Replacement fuses may be purchased at auto parts stores, hardware stores and some service stations.
3. The 40AMP circuit breaker may need to cool down or be reset. Depending on the model, you must push the reset button. On other models the breaker resets automatically (no reset button). The reset button is often on the back side of the breaker box and can be felt but not seen.
4. If the breaker fails and will not reset, there is an electrical overload or other problem and you must contact a qualified service technician to evaluate and repair.
5. A rotten egg odor in the coach indicates sulfur fumes which are probably coming from the coach battery because of over-charging or a short. Open all windows in the motorhome and contact an authorized service technician to arrange for service and repair.
120-VOLT System
By connecting the motorhome's power cord to a 120-VOLT outside power source or using the on-board generator, you will be able to run the roof air conditioner, microwave and the 120-VOLT electrical outlets in the motorhome.
The 120-VOLT outlets in the bathroom and kitchen are protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) (Image 59.1). This device is intended to protect you against the hazards of electrical shock when using electrical appliances..
Troubleshooting the 120-VOLT System
1. The shore line must be plugged into either an external 120-VOLT receptacle or the generator receptacle located in the shoreline storage compartment (Image 59.2). If using an external 120-VOLT receptacle, make sure the breaker for the receptacle is turned on. If using the generator receptacle, you must also have the generator running.
2. The circuit breakers in the power converter box must be in the "ON" position. 3. The 30AMP breaker on the generator must be in the "ON""position.
NOTICE: If the power is on and there is no current to the outlets, push the "RESET"" button (at the center of the GFCI outlet.)
When using the on-board generator, the 120-VOLT shore line must be plugged into the receptacle in the compartment (Image 59.2).
40 AMP Reset Locations
The Power Converter
Your motorhome operates on two different electrical systems: a 12-VOLT DC (direct current) system and a 120-VOLT AC (alternating current) power. A power converter (Image 61.1 and 61.2) is used to transform 120-VOLT AC power to 12-VOLT DC power when the motorhome is plugged into a campground receptacle or plugged into the shoreline receptacle with the generator on.
The converter supplies 12-VOLT DC power to interior lights, fans and the water pump. The 120-VOLT AC provides household current to the wall outlets, roof air conditioner and the microwave.
Converters incorporate a series of automotive fuses and circuit breakers.
The 120-VOLT AC system has a series of circuit breakers. If one of these should trip, move the switch all the way to the "OFF" position until you hear a "click", then press back to the "ON" position as indicated at the breaker itself.
If repeated attempts do not fix the problem, contact an authorized service technician to check the system and make necessary repairs.
Never store flammable material near the converter. Converters create a great amount of heat and require a lot of ventilation. Keep the area around the converter clear for proper ventilation.
If the converter overheats, it will temporarily shutdown. The converter has a thermostatically controlled cooling fan which will cycle "ON" and "OFF". This is to keep the converter cooled when needed.
LOCATION
Refer to the diagram on page 60 for the possible location of your power converter. The location will vary depending on the model of your motorhome.
The Generator
The generator is designed to provide 120- VOLT electrical power if outside power is not available or when you are traveling in the motorhome. This feature will allow you to enjoy all the comforts of the motorhome while traveling or roughing it in the woods.
The generator will consume about one gallon of fuel for each hour of operation. The fuel supply is shared with the motorhome engine and is designed to shut off at 1/4 tank capacity or less. Image 62.1 On-board Generator Compartment Located on Drivers Side of Motorhome If you will be camping without the convenience of 120-VOLT power connection or using the generator while traveling, you will need to plan ahead and refill your fuel tank to allow for uninterrupted use of the generator.
NOTE: The 120-VOLT shore line cord must be plugged into the receptacle in the cord storage compartment to allow the generator to provide power to any of the motorhome systems. (See page 59).
THE GENERATOR IS DESIGNED TO SUPPLY POWER TO THE FOLLOWING APPLIANCES:
• Roof mounted air conditioner.
• Microwave oven.
• Refrigerator (On AC mode).
• It will also recharge the auxiliary battery.
GENERATOR PRESTART CHECKS:
• Check oil level daily or after every six hours of operation.
• Check motorhome chassis fuel level for adequate supply (minimum 1/4 of a tank).
STARTING THE GENERATOR
• When starting and stopping the generator (Image 63.1), you must turn off all electrical appliances, roof mounted air conditioner and microwave. Also discontinue use of any outlets.
• The generator start/stop button is located on the monitor panel by the coach entry door (Image 63.2). To start the generator push and hold the "START" end of the "START/STOP" button for a period of ten seconds. If the generator does not start, wait for approximately thirty seconds and repeat. "See troubleshooting on if the generator does not start".
STOPPING THE GENERATOR
• Before stopping, turn off the air conditioner and any other 120_VOLT appliances in operation. Allow generator to run for two minutes to allow the engine to cool down.
• To stop the generator, press and hold the "STOP" or lower end of the start/ stop button until the generator stops completely.
RESTARTING A STALLED GENERATOR
• Try to determine why the generator shut down. See Troubleshooting the Generator, (page 65) and follow the instructions listed.
• TURN OFF ALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND ATTEMPT TO RESTART THE GENERATOR.
• After the generator starts turn the appliances back on, one at a time until you are fully operational again.
RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKERS
If a breaker on the main power distribution box trips or the breaker on the generator does, you may need to reduce the number of appliances you are attempting to simultaneously operate.
To reset the breaker in the converter, press breaker to the "OFF" position until you hear a click. Then press the breaker back to the "ON" position. Try turning off the roof air conditioner when operating the microwave oven. This will reduce the load on the generator. After you are finished with the microwave, turn the air conditioner back on.
Troubleshooting the Generator
