Results for "electronics"

Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours for inverter replacement 249 👍 1

RV Inverter Guide: Modified vs Pure Sine Wave - Safe Power

My multimeter's out and I'm ready to tackle this RV electrical mess myself — pretty sure the inverter's the culprit but need to know where to start. I have a 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Advantage with four deep cycle house batteries and recently installed a Xantrex 758 inverter to replace my old Freedom 15 unit. The first time I tried using the inverter power while unplugged from shore power, something very strange happened - a hair dryer in the bathroom started running by itself and wouldn't shut off when I tried the switch. I had to unplug it, and the handle was warm. The hair dryer appears to be ruined now.

When I bought the Xantrex 758, I paid around $725 for what I thought was a good unit, but I'm now learning there's a difference between modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters. I wasn't aware of this distinction when I made the purchase, and it turns out the 758 is a modified sine wave unit. I've since heard that modern electronics, especially things like residential refrigerators, computers, and sensitive electronic components, can be damaged by modified sine wave power.

I'm really concerned about potentially damaging my new residential refrigerator, stereo system, and computer equipment. Should I be worried about using this modified sine wave inverter with modern RV electronics? Is the hair dryer incident a sign that I need to upgrade to a pure sine wave unit, or are there other factors that could have caused this problem? I'm trying to understand if my current setup is putting my expensive electronics at risk. …more

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Electrical Medium 45 minutes 154 👍 0

RV Backup Camera Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Spent all winter enjoying a perfectly working RV backup camera, but the second temperatures hit 85 degrees outside, my screen goes completely black. My wireless backup camera decided to give me the silent treatment right when I need it most. The monitor is just sitting there mocking me with a "no signal" message, and honestly, my spatial awareness isn't what it used to be.

The camera worked fine on our last camping trip (when I only needed to back up twice), but now that I'm trying to navigate tight campground spots, it's gone completely dark. I'm dealing with a wireless system, so I know there are more things that can go wrong than with a wired setup.

Before I resort to using my spouse as a very expensive parking sensor, what's the best way to troubleshoot this? I'm hoping it's something simple like a loose connection rather than having to explain to my insurance company why there's a picnic table embedded in my bumper. …more

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Electrical Medium 30 min read 129 👍 0

RV DC Electrical System: Expert Guide to 12 Volt Systems

Opened my RV this morning to find the 12V system going haywire — lights dimming randomly, fans slowing down, and the inverter shutting off despite full batteries.

Specifically, I need to understand the fundamentals of RV batteries - different types, proper sizing, charging requirements, and maintenance. I'm also confused about DC wiring best practices, what gauge wire to use for different applications, how to properly route and protect circuits, and where fuses and breakers should go. Voltage monitoring is another area where I'm lost - I see all these battery monitors and don't know what I actually need or how to interpret the readings.

I'm also planning some system upgrades down the road like adding solar or upgrading to lithium batteries, so I'd love to understand how all these components work together and what I need to consider for future modifications. Is there a comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of RV DC electrical systems from batteries and wiring through monitoring and upgrades? …more

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4.6 (31,500 reviews)

General Hard 45-60 min 129 👍 0

How to Remove Firefly RV Control Panel: Complete DIY Guide (2024)

Our 2019 Fleetwood Discovery LXE has a malfunctioning Firefly multiplex control panel that needs to be completely removed. I've been putting this off for months because I keep hearing horror stories about people cracking their panels or damaging the surrounding woodwork during removal.

I need to access the back of the unit for some electrical work, but I'm honestly terrified of breaking something expensive. The panel seems to be mounted flush with no obvious screws or clips visible from the front. I've searched everywhere but can't find a complete walkthrough that covers the preparation, actual removal process, and how to get everything back together properly.

Can someone please provide a detailed DIY guide that covers all the steps? I'm willing to take my time and do this right - I just need to know the proper technique so I don't end up with a broken control panel or damaged wall. …more

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General Medium Research and decision process: 2-4 weeks 111 👍 0

Prevost vs Newell vs Foretravel vs King Aire: Which to Buy?

My wife and I are drowning in luxury coach research with our $500k-$1M budget and honestly have zero clue what separates Prevost, Newell, Foretravel, and King Aire for full-time living. Primary evaluation criteria include depreciation mitigation over 2-3 year ownership cycle and maintenance reliability metrics.

Specific units under consideration: 2017 Prevost Emerald at $850k with 60k miles, and 2016 Foretravel Realm K3 with low miles at approximately $400k. Also exploring 2021 King Aire and Newell models.

Seeking technical assessment comparing driving performance, interior quality, and reliability across Prevost, Foretravel K3/K4, Newell, and King Aire models. Concerned about potential maintenance requirements on older coaches, preferring newer models with resolved initial manufacturing issues.

Require detailed insights into value retention projections, drivetrain performance, and long-term operational dependability for these luxury coach manufacturers and specific model years. …more

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Electrical Medium 2-4 hours 104 👍 0

How to Protect Your RV Alternator When Charging Lithium Batteries: DC-

Tried everything my neighbor did to charge his LiFePO4 batteries but mine keeps frying the alternator while his works flawlessly — what's different? I want to install a temperature sensing device that can interrupt charging by opening the solenoid between chassis and house charging systems if the alternator gets too hot. I'm looking to spec out components and understand the installation process, and I'm open to hearing why this might not be a good approach. My goal is preventing alternator overheating when these lithium batteries draw high current compared to my old flooded or AGM batteries. I'm looking for technical feedback and am totally open to critique. …more

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Electrical Medium 3-4 hours 103 👍 0

Sony VCB-62MH RV Camera Monitor Replacement: Complete Installation Guide for RV Coaches

Already cleared my Saturday schedule to swap out this Sony VCB-62MH RV camera monitor — what tools and prep work should I have ready beforehand? The Sony VCB-62MH rear view camera monitor in my 2008 Phaeton finally died, and of course Sony doesn't make them anymore. I've been searching everywhere for a replacement but everything I find is either way too big for the existing dash opening or doesn't work with the Sony cameras that are still perfectly fine.

I really don't want to replace the entire camera system - that would cost a fortune and the cameras work great. I just need the monitor replaced. Has anyone successfully found a workaround that reuses the existing Sony cameras and wiring? I'd love to keep the automatic switching feature for the side cameras when using turn signals if possible, but at this point I just need something that works and fits in the dash opening. …more

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Engine Easy 15 minutes 103 👍 0

5 Star Tuner X4 for Ford V10 RV: Complete Performance & Upgrade Guide

Planning to tune my 2018 Ford 6.8L V10 RV but got quoted $800 for professional tuning and wondering if the 5 Star X4 is DIY-friendly. Specifically want to know about real-world performance improvements - does it actually improve throttle response and shift points? What about fuel economy gains?

Which of the 3 programs works best for RV towing? Is the investment worth it for better drivability or just hype? …more

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Slideouts Medium 4-6 hours 102 👍 0

How to Replace Atwood Levelegs Control System with GAMA Electronics RF340-4PR Controller

Noticed my Tiffin Allegro Bay's Atwood Levelegs control pad has a completely blank display, won't respond to any commands, AND all the leveling jacks are totally dead. I'm looking at expensive repair options - around $400 for repair service or $3000+ for a complete Bigfoot replacement system.

I researched alternatives and found the GAMA Electronics RF340-4PR-ASL controller with HP4PR-ASL handheld pendant, which cost around $235 shipped. I customized the solution by 3D printing a switch panel with 4 DPST on/off switches and a momentary DPDT switch for jack control.

Is this type of aftermarket replacement reliable and compatible with existing Atwood jacks and wiring? I want something I can easily troubleshoot and maintain. …more

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Electrical Medium 45 minutes 102 👍 0

RV Converter Not Charging Battery: Fix Guide & Solutions

Despite my multimeter showing 12.6 volts at the battery, everything I've read says my converter should be pushing 13.6 volts during charging. When I plug into shore power, my converter fan kicks on and runs like normal, and all my 120V stuff works fine - lights, outlets, everything. But my batteries just aren't charging at all.

I'm not really sure where to start troubleshooting this. Could it be a fuse somewhere? Bad connections? Or is my converter partially failing somehow? I'd really appreciate some guidance on what to check first and how to test if the converter is actually putting out the right voltage to charge the batteries. …more

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Engine Medium 30-45 minutes for installation 93 👍 0

Balance Beads with Internal TPMS Sensors - Real Experience

Since it's 2 AM and I need to hit the road at dawn, I'm desperately trying to figure out if balance beads will interfere with my RV's internal TPMS sensors. I keep reading about how great balance beads are for eliminating wheel vibration, but I'm terrified of damaging those expensive TPMS sensors inside the wheels.

What if the beads hit the sensors and break them? Or interfere with the signal? I can't afford to replace TPMS sensors if something goes wrong. Has anyone actually done this successfully, and are there special precautions I need to take with bead size or how they're installed? I need to know this is safe before I risk it. …more

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4.5 (12,700 reviews)

Electrical Medium 2-4 hours 91 👍 0

RV Chassis Battery Draining & Dead Outlets - Troubleshooting

Finally followed the manual's advice to check the converter first when my outlets died, but my RV chassis battery keeps draining even though the converter tests perfectly. here and I'm at my wit's end with my 2018 Winnebago Vista. The chassis battery keeps going completely dead every few days, even when we're plugged into shore power at the campground. I've already replaced the battery twice thinking it was just old, checked all the obvious stuff like dome lights and radio, and even had the alternator tested - everything checks out fine.

What's really driving me crazy is that this just started happening about a month ago out of nowhere. We've been full-timing for three years without any major electrical issues. I'm wondering if there's some parasitic draw I'm missing or if the battery isolator could be acting up? Has anyone else dealt with this nightmare? I'm getting tired of jump-starting this thing every other day and my wife is about ready to sell the rig and get a travel trailer instead! …more

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Engine Hard Several days to locate parts 89 👍 0

Ford F53 V-10 ECU 7C3A-12A650-DSC Replacement Sources

ECU died on my Ford V10 and the replacement part number 7C3A-12A650-DSC is discontinued from Ford. Salvage yards want $800 for a used one with no guarantee it'll work. Need to find a reliable source for this specific ECU or figure out what alternatives exist. …more

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Propane Medium 2-3 hours 87 👍 0

Suburban RV Furnace Won't Work on Shore Power - Complete Fix Guide

Around midnight in the RV parts aisle staring at furnace components with no clue why my 2016 Heartland Bighorn's Suburban furnace acts totally different on shore power versus battery. When I'm running off battery power, the thing works like a champ - fires up, heats great, cycles on and off perfectly.

But the second I plug into shore power? It's like the furnace forgets how to do its job. It'll run for about 4 minutes, never actually produce heat, then shut off and lock out until I reset everything. The only way to get it working again is to disconnect shore power and cycle the battery.

I'm wondering if this is some kind of converter problem? Like maybe it's sending the wrong voltage to the furnace control board when on shore power? Has anyone run into this before and know what voltage levels I should be checking? …more

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Solar Batteries Medium 2-3 hours 86 👍 0

Magnum MS2012 Inverter Not Charging Battery: Complete Fix Guide

Finally got a second opinion after my RV tech insisted I need an $800 replacement for my entire Magnum MS2012 inverter just because it won't charge my 2011 Fleetwood Providence's battery. I've got dual Magnum MS2012 inverter chargers that seem to charge the batteries fine through all the stages, but once they reach float mode, the voltage just keeps dropping and the chargers won't kick back in to maintain them.

I've already replaced all the batteries (both coach and chassis), cleaned and tested every solenoid I can find, and I'm still having the same issue. The coach is plugged into shore power, so that's not the problem. I've been digging through the control panel menus looking for float settings but I'm not finding what I need.

Could this be a settings issue with the Magnum units, or am I dealing with some kind of power drain that's too much for the float charge to handle? I've been chasing this problem for months and I'm really hoping someone has run into this before and can help me figure out what I'm missing! …more

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