Results for "ground"

Electrical Medium 2-6 hours 301 👍 4

RV Electrical Problems: 12V & 120V Troubleshooting Guide 2024

Around $500 in parts later — replaced the main breaker, cleaned all connections, checked the transfer switch — my 2007 Holiday Rambler Admiral SE still won't recognize shore power.

I'm pretty sure 110V is making it to the rig since I can measure it, but somewhere between the plug and my appliances, something's not happy. Energy management panel is dark too. What's the logical troubleshooting order here? I keep hearing about transfer switches and breaker panels but honestly don't know where to start without making things worse! …more

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Engine Medium 2-6 hours 289 👍 1

Onan 5500 Generator Problems: Complete Repair Guide 2024

Spent three hours testing my 2014 Hurricane's Onan 5500 gen getting 11.8 volts output when every manual says it should be 12+ volts! Here's the weird part - when I disconnect the remote harness, the generator fires right up and purrs like a kitten. But the second I plug that remote connection back in, boom - both the remote start light AND the generator start light come on, and then... nothing. Won't start at all.

The really bizarre symptom is this chattering from the fuel pump when the remote is connected. I can literally feel the fuel line jumping around when I put my hand on it. It's like the pump is having some kind of seizure or something!

I'm guessing this has to be some kind of electrical issue between the control board and the remote system, but I've never seen anything quite like this before. Anyone dealt with this specific combo of symptoms on an Onan 5500? Really hoping there's a known fix because pulling this thing out of the RV again would be a major pain! …more

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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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Best RV Propane Accessories

4.5 (11,200 reviews)

Electrical Medium 2-6 hours 230 👍 1

ECM Low Battery Warning RV: Complete Diagnosis & Fix Guide

During a family trip, my 2005 Fleetwood Discovery 39S threw code 168-1 for low ECM battery voltage and went into full shutdown mode—is this dangerous with kids onboard? Engine cut out, transmission selector went dark, ABS warnings everywhere - the whole nine yards. Scared the heck out of me when it happened on the interstate!

I'm seeing this seems to be a thing with these diesel pushers, but I'm drowning in conflicting info online. Some say it's the chassis battery, others blame alternator issues, and I've even seen posts about ECM power supply problems on the Caterpillar engines. What's the actual step-by-step process to track this down? And more importantly, how do I fix it so it doesn't leave me stranded again? Really need a complete walkthrough of what causes this code and the proper repair approach. …more

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General Medium 1-2 days for initial setup 220 👍 1

RV Storage on Gravel: Preventing Weed and Moisture Issues

Nobody warned me that buying a house with RV storage meant inheriting the previous owner's 13-year-old weedy, muddy gravel disaster. While considering this location's storage options, I want to mitigate potential issues with weed growth and moisture retention under the RV.

I'm seeking advice on effective strategies for storing on a gravel surface that shows significant weed penetration and moisture retention. Initial ideas include pre-treatment herbicide application and installing a protective barrier, but I want input from experienced RV owners.

My primary concerns are preventing undercarriage damage and managing moisture/vegetation growth. I plan to spray weed killer beforehand and potentially lay down a weed barrier, pending facility approval. What techniques or materials do you recommend to protect my RV during storage? …more

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Engine Easy 45 min 196 👍 0

Femco vs Fumoto Oil Drain Valves for RVs - Which is Better?

Looked at my mechanic's quote for a $300 professional oil change setup and something seems off—wouldn't a basic Femco or Fumoto drain valve work just fine? I've narrowed it down to Femco and Fumoto, but I'm genuinely worried about road debris damage since RVs sit lower and encounter more hazards than regular vehicles.

The thought of a drain valve getting hit by rocks or debris and causing a catastrophic oil leak on the highway keeps me up at night. I need to know which design is actually safer and more protected in RV applications. Does one have better protection features than the other? I'd rather be overly cautious than deal with a roadside emergency. …more

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Engine Hard 4-6 hours 171 👍 0

Ford F53 7.5L RV Won't Start: Fuel Pump Relay Voltage Drop Fix

Woke up to my 1996 Ford F53 7.5L motorhome eating through my patience and wallet with this no-start issue that keeps coming back. It cranks strong but absolutely will not start, and I've been chasing this problem for weeks now. The engine ran fine for about 3-4 minutes one day, then just died and hasn't started since.

I've already done quite a bit of diagnostic work:
- Replaced PCM and distributor
- Fuel pump works when powered directly
- Battery is fully charged
- Checked fuses and relays
- PCM relay voltage drops from 12.2V to 9.3V with key on
- Fuel pump relay only shows 3.3V at pin 86 (should be 12V)
- Inertia switch tested at 1.7V at connector
- ANL 178 fusible link fluctuates between 0.3-0.6V

The engine will only start with starter fluid when the SPOUT is removed. I'm getting only 5.5V at the fuel pump connector.

Has anyone dealt with this specific issue on an F53 chassis? I really need to get this RV back on the road and I'm running out of ideas! …more

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Exterior Medium 30-60 min 155 👍 1

Kwikee RV Steps Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide (2024)

Apparently we're leaving for a three-week cross-country trip next Monday and my Kwikee electric RV steps are still having intermittent retraction issues even after replacing both the gear box and motor. My steps are exhibiting intermittent retraction issues - they extend normally but require manual assistance to retract fully, stopping approximately a quarter inch through the cycle without intervention. I've already installed a new gear box and motor, yet the problem persists.

What systematic diagnostic approach should I follow to identify the root cause? I need to understand the complete troubleshooting sequence for motor functionality, electrical switch operation, and mechanical linkage components. Are there specific voltage measurements, resistance checks, or mechanical adjustments that should be performed to isolate whether this is an electrical or mechanical failure?

Thanks,
Pete …more

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Engine Easy 15 min read 141 👍 0

Remote RV Diesel Fueling: Complete Guide for Campground Fuel Strategies

Last night at 11 PM I'm staring at my diesel RV's fuel gauge showing nearly empty — need to figure out remote campground fuel strategies before we head out this morning. With a 5 gallon Harbor Freight stick transfer pump, I've been able to add fuel when truck stops aren't convenient, but I'm concerned about static electricity risks.

My current setup involves using the pump to transfer diesel with the fuel can on a camping table, since my RV's fuel inlet is located under a slide. I pumped 10 gallons successfully, but I'm wondering about the safety of this method.

I know there are static electricity concerns when transferring fuel, and I'm curious about the specific risks with diesel. How safe is it to transfer fuel when the can isn't directly grounded to concrete? Are there best practices I should follow when manually adding diesel in remote locations? …more

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Electrical Medium 30-90 min 140 👍 0

No 12 Volt Power in RV: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Turned the key and nothing works on 12 volt — no lights, no water pump, no slides. Batteries show 12.6 volts on the multimeter so they're fully charged. House batteries seem fine but zero power is getting to any of the 12V circuits inside the coach. …more

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Electrical Medium 30 min read 131 👍 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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Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 127 👍 0

How to Upgrade Progressive Dynamics Converter for Lithium RV Batteries Safely

Got a 15-year-old Progressive Dynamics converter that's starting to throw fault codes with my new lithium setup — worth upgrading or try making it work? I have a 2006 Lance 915 cabover that I recently upgraded with 2-200 watt Bouge solar panels and 2-100ah SOK lithium batteries.

The problem is I'm still running the original Progressive Dynamics converter charger that came with the RV, and I've learned it's not designed for lithium batteries. I'm worried about damaging my new battery investment.

What are my options for upgrading? I'm not sure if I need to replace the whole converter unit or if there's some kind of upgrade kit available. Any advice would be really appreciated since I don't want to mess this up! …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours for diagnosis, professional repair likely needed 122 👍 0

Coleman Mach AC Fuse Blows With Battery On - Rockwood Fix

Found out the hard way that the previous owner of my 2019 Rockwood Minilite 2509s left me with a Coleman Mach AC that blows fuses instantly when I flip on the battery. The AC fuse blows instantly when I turn on the battery disconnect, before the AC is even activated. The fuse literally blows before it's completely seated in the panel.

This began two weeks ago without warning - the system had been functioning normally prior to this. Initial fuse replacement provided temporary operation, but the problem returned on the next trip with the fuse already blown upon arrival.

Given the immediate fuse failure with just battery power connected, what type of electrical fault would cause this symptom pattern in a Coleman Mach unit, and what's the most likely location of the problem in the AC circuit? …more

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Electrical Easy 30 minutes 120 👍 0

RV 12V Lights Dimming: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

My neighbor insists it's the converter, the RV dealer swears it's bad wiring, and every YouTube video claims it's a dying battery—but my 12V ceiling lights keep dimming! One evening they're blazing bright like a casino, the next morning they're giving off all the enthusiasm of a sleepy firefly.

I've already checked my batteries, and they seem to be charging fine and in good shape. The converter is still humming and its fan is running normally. I'm pretty sure this isn't some fancy mood lighting feature I accidentally activated (though knowing my tech skills, anything's possible). The dimming seems totally random - sometimes they're fine, sometimes they look like they're on their last legs.

I've got a basic multimeter that I pretend to know how to use, but I'm not sure where to even start poking around. As a bonus weirdness, some of my under-cabinet light switches and the wall switch for the ceiling lights are getting really hot. Anyone know what typically causes this whole disco light show situation with 12V lighting systems? …more

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Solar Batteries Medium 45 minutes 118 👍 0

RV MPPT Solar Controller E1 Error Code: Causes & Fixes

Halfway through troubleshooting my MPPT solar charge controller's E1 error — would this be covered under warranty, or am I stuck paying out-of-pocket? The controller was working fine for months, but now it's completely stopped charging my batteries and just displays this E1 fault code on the screen.

From what I've read, this could be related to battery over-voltage conditions or possibly some kind of wiring fault, but I want to make sure I understand all the potential causes before I start troubleshooting. I'm comfortable doing basic electrical work myself, but I also want to know when this might be something that requires professional attention for safety reasons.

Can someone provide a detailed breakdown of what the E1 error specifically indicates, walk me through the proper diagnostic steps to identify the root cause, and explain the repair process? I'd especially appreciate guidance on how to safely approach this troubleshooting and what warning signs would indicate I should call in an expert instead of attempting the fix myself. …more

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