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RV 12V Auto Reset Breaker Size Guide: 30A, 40A, 50A Selection
Electrical Easy 30 minutes 201 👍

RV 12V Auto Reset Breaker Size Guide: 30A, 40A, 50A Selection

Opened up my RV this morning to prep for our two-week cross-country trip tomorrow and the electrical system keeps tripping the breaker every time I run basic appliances! My RV's entire 12V system just died completely - no lights, no water pump, nothing. I've checked everything I can think of and I'm pretty sure it's the auto reset breaker that's failed.

I have a WFCO converter/charger setup with dual 6V batteries, but I can't get underneath right now to read what's stamped on the current breaker. I need to order a replacement but I'm not sure what amperage to get. I keep seeing 30A, 40A, and 50A options online but I don't want to guess wrong and either undersize it or waste money.

What's the typical auto reset breaker size for this type of setup? Is there a standard that WFCO usually pairs with dual 6V battery systems? …more
Dometic RV Furnace Runs 10 Seconds Then Shuts Off - Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Propane Medium 1-2 hours 166 👍

Dometic RV Furnace Runs 10 Seconds Then Shuts Off - Complete Troubleshooting Guide

The YouTube tutorials I followed to fix my Dometic DFMD35111 furnace that runs 10 seconds then dies actually made it worse—now it won't even start! Every time I try to run it, the same thing happens - it fires up, runs for exactly 10 seconds, then just shuts off completely. This has been going on for weeks now and I'm getting desperate since the weather is getting colder.

I've been trying to troubleshoot this myself but honestly don't know where to start. I can hear the blower running and the unit seems to ignite initially, but then it just dies. Is this a common problem with these Dometic units? I'm really hoping this is something I can fix myself rather than having to call out an expensive repair tech.

What are the most likely culprits when a furnace runs for just 10 seconds then shuts down? I need to know what components to check first before I start taking things apart. …more
RV Furnace Blowing Cold Air? Fix Ignition Issues Fast
Propane Medium 45 minutes 166 👍

RV Furnace Blowing Cold Air? Fix Ignition Issues Fast

Staring at my RV furnace blowing cold air at 2 AM with the fan running — desperately need this fixed before morning hits.
I can hear it trying to ignite but it never actually lights. What are the most common causes when a furnace won't ignite? Need to know what components to check and how to diagnose ignition problems myself. …more
Complete RV Solar System Guide 2024: Sizing, Installation & Wiring
Solar Batteries Medium 4-8 hours 165 👍

Complete RV Solar System Guide 2024: Sizing, Installation & Wiring

Turned to YouTube for RV solar advice and now I'm more confused than ever - probably a dumb question, but how do I actually size this thing? Could fellow RV owners share details about their current solar setups?

Please provide insights on:
- Total system watts
- Fixed or portable panels
- Rigid or flexible panel types
- Series or parallel wiring configuration
- Total system amps
- System voltage
- Wire gauge used
- Controller type
- Personal pros and cons of your current setup
- What you might change in a future installation

These details will help establish baseline specifications for a fleet installation project. …more
RV Alternator to Lithium Battery Charging: Complete DC-DC Wiring Guide for Safe Installation
Electrical Hard 4-6 hours 163 👍

RV Alternator to Lithium Battery Charging: Complete DC-DC Wiring Guide for Safe Installation

Last week I picked up my 2007 Holiday Rambler and discovered the previous owner left the alternator-to-battery charging system a dangerous wiring disaster that could destroy my new lithium batteries.

I'm upgrading from four 6V lead-acid house batteries to lithium, and I keep reading conflicting advice about alternator charging. Some people say "just connect it directly," others are warning about alternator damage and proper current limiting. I'm planning to add a DC-to-DC charger eventually, but I'm confused about whether I can safely use the alternator to charge lithium batteries in the meantime.

What's the right way to handle alternator charging with lithium batteries? Should I disconnect the alternator feed completely until I get a proper charging system, or is there a safe way to make this work without turning my alternator into an expensive paperweight? …more
How to Add Coleman Mach Heat Strips to RV AC Unit - Heat-Ready Control Box Installation Guide
Ac Refrigeration Hard 2-4 hours 162 👍

How to Add Coleman Mach Heat Strips to RV AC Unit - Heat-Ready Control Box Installation Guide

Tried running my RV's electric heating this winter but it's eating through power way faster than it should, so I'm looking at adding Coleman Mach heat strips. I have a SportTrek Touring 272VRK with two AC units (Coleman-Mach 13.5k BTU and 15k BTU, models 48203-069 and 48204-069) with Cool-Only Control Boxes (model 8330-752) and I'm considering adding Coleman Mach electric heat strips, but I'm worried about a few things.

First, I'm concerned about whether my current AC units are compatible with heat strips - specifically the Coleman Mach 37203-4551 Electric Heat Kit/Strip. I want to confirm this will work with my existing 8330-752 control boxes. Second, I'm worried about the electrical load - I keep reading about heat strips drawing a lot of power and I'm scared of overloading my system or tripping breakers.

Most importantly, I absolutely do NOT want to lose the ability to use my existing Suburban SF-30FQ 30,000 BTU propane furnace - it's my primary heat source and I need that independence. I currently have 9420a381 digital thermostats controlling these systems, and I want to ensure I can maintain my current setup.

Is there a way to safely add Coleman Mach heat strips using some kind of Heat-Ready Control Box without compromising my furnace operation? I just want some reassurance that this can be done properly without creating problems. …more

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Thor ACE F53 Chassis Wheel Bearing Service & Propane Detector Replacement Guide
Electrical Medium 2 hours 147 👍

Thor ACE F53 Chassis Wheel Bearing Service & Propane Detector Replacement Guide

During my pre-trip inspection on my Thor ACE F53 chassis, discovered grinding wheel bearings and a dead propane detector that needs immediate replacement.

First, I desperately need to get my wheel bearings serviced/greased, but I'm having trouble finding someone who will work on them. Camping World told me they only service trailers, not motorhome chassis. I'm worried about driving much further without proper maintenance - where should I be looking for this type of service?

Second issue has me even more concerned: my propane detector started beeping constantly and wouldn't stop, so I had to pull the fuse. Now I discovered that with the fuse pulled, my slides won't operate at all! This seems like a safety feature, but I'm not sure if the detector just needs replacement or if there's a bigger problem. Are these systems really connected, and is it safe to replace the detector myself? …more
Can You Remove an RV Inverter Charger Without Replacing It?
Solar Batteries Medium 3-4 hours 144 👍

Can You Remove an RV Inverter Charger Without Replacing It?

Called three RV supply shops about replacing my failed Xantrex inverter/charger in my 2001 Fleetwood Expedition — but do I even need one or just wasting money? Since I never utilize the inverter function and rely exclusively on generator or shore power for 120V loads, I'm evaluating whether complete removal is feasible rather than expensive replacement.

My primary concern is maintaining proper 12V DC charging capabilities for house batteries that power lighting, water pump, and ventilation systems. Would installing a standalone battery charger provide adequate charging and maintenance functionality? Are there any critical system integration issues I need to address, particularly regarding power transfer switching between shore power and generator sources? …more
RV Heat Pump Electric Heat Not Working: Complete Troubleshooting Guide for RV Owners
Ac Refrigeration Medium 1-2 hours 140 👍

RV Heat Pump Electric Heat Not Working: Complete Troubleshooting Guide for RV Owners

I'm planning a two-week cross-country trip that starts this Friday and my RV heat pump's electric side just completely died while the propane still works fine. What are the most likely causes when only the electric side fails? I need to know what components to check and test - things like heating elements, relays, or thermostat issues. What's the proper troubleshooting sequence for this problem? …more
Suburban SF-30 Furnace Replacement: Complete Unit vs Core Guide for RV Owners
Propane Medium 4 hours 140 👍

Suburban SF-30 Furnace Replacement: Complete Unit vs Core Guide for RV Owners

Somewhere between our freezing mountain trip last month and now, my 2002 Born Free's SF-30 furnace died completely and I'm torn between replacing the core versus the whole unit. I believe it's a Suburban SF-30 model. I've been doing some research and see there are two options - I can buy a complete furnace replacement or just get a replacement core that supposedly slides into the existing SF-30 housing for about half the price.

I'm honestly not sure which route to go. The cost savings on the core is tempting, but I don't want to make the wrong choice and end up with more problems. As someone who's still learning about RV maintenance, would you recommend getting the complete unit or would the core replacement work just as well? Any guidance would be really appreciated! …more
Suburban RV Furnace Won't Work on Shore Power - Complete Fix Guide
Propane Medium 2-3 hours 136 👍

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
RV Furnace Won't Ignite But Blower Runs: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Propane Medium 1-2 hours 133 👍

RV Furnace Won't Ignite But Blower Runs: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Staring at my 2022 Thor Quantum SE28 furnace after following three YouTube tutorials that somehow made it worse — now it won't ignite despite the blower running perfectly. The unit is getting power and the blower motor kicks on when I call for heat, but I'm not getting any ignition at all - no flame, no heat output. I can hear the blower running strong, so it's definitely getting electrical power, but something in the ignition sequence isn't working.

I've got plenty of propane (3/4 tank) and my stove works fine, so I know gas is flowing to the RV. This is actually the first time I've tried to fire up the furnace this season after it sat unused all summer. The outside vents look clean and I don't see any obvious obstructions, but I'm wondering if there are specific components in the ignition system I should be checking.

What are the most common failure points when you have blower operation but no ignition? I'd like to work through the troubleshooting systematically rather than just throwing parts at it. Are there particular components like switches or igniters that typically cause this symptom? …more
2018 Chaparral Thermostat No Power: Complete RV Furnace Wiring Fix Guide
Propane Medium 2-3 hours 131 👍

2018 Chaparral Thermostat No Power: Complete RV Furnace Wiring Fix Guide

Thermostat screen is completely dead — no display, no backlight, nothing. Furnace won't kick on and it's getting down to freezing tonight. Checked the fuse panel and everything looks good. Starting to think the thermostat wiring itself has a break somewhere in the wall. …more

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Suburban SH-42 Heater Wiring Diagram: Complete Thermostat Connection Guide
Electrical Medium 30-60 minutes 131 👍

Suburban SH-42 Heater Wiring Diagram: Complete Thermostat Connection Guide

Around two days before our two-week camping trip, I discovered my Suburban SH-42 propane heater's new thermostat wiring might be completely wrong. The unit was experiencing starting issues prior to the thermostat replacement, and I want to ensure proper circuit continuity.

What is the correct thermostat wiring configuration for the SH-42, and what is the proper procedure to test the thermostat circuit to confirm the connections are functioning correctly? I need to determine if the issue is with the wiring connections or potentially the new thermostat itself. …more
Oasis Tankless Water Heater Won't Stay On After Sitting - Control Board Troubleshooting Guide
Propane Medium 2-3 hours 131 👍

Oasis Tankless Water Heater Won't Stay On After Sitting - Control Board Troubleshooting Guide

Every manual says check gas supply first when my Oasis tankless won't stay on after sitting, but I'm getting full flow and it still shuts off immediately. Every morning after the unit has been sitting overnight, there's no hot water available. The system appears completely unresponsive until I manually cycle the power switch - flip it on, then immediately back off, which seems to activate the AC heaters. Once I perform this power cycle, the unit operates normally for approximately 24 hours before requiring the same intervention.

This daily reset requirement suggests an internal control issue rather than a mechanical summer loop pump failure, since the unit functions perfectly once reset. The pattern is consistent - works all day after the power cycle, fails to initialize the next morning. What would cause this type of control behavior, and are there any permanent solutions beyond the daily manual reset routine? …more
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