RV Generator Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Complete Guide
Keep your RV generator running reliably with this comprehensive maintenance and troubleshooting guide for Onan, Generac, and Cummins units.
Keep your RV generator running reliably with this comprehensive maintenance and troubleshooting guide for Onan, Generac, and Cummins units.
Fix your RV refrigerator with this guide covering Dometic, Norcold, and residential fridge issues.
Consistent 2-minute shutdown under load indicates fuel delivery cannot keep up with demand. Check fuel pump, bleed system, verify no restrictions. Also check if generator is undersized for AC load - may need soft start on AC unit.
Best bypass filter location for F53 V10 is sandwich adapter at OEM filter location. Provides clean installation with proper flow. Remote block mount is second option. Avoid tapping directly into engine.
Furnace running 5-10 minutes then quitting usually indicates overheating from restricted airflow, weak flame, or failing control board. Check combustion air intake, propane pressure, and burner flame quality. Control board becomes suspect if other tests pass.
HWH levelers needing battery reset to work indicates low voltage, loose connections, or controller memory issues. Check battery voltage under load (need 12.4V+), clean and tighten all connections, and verify grounds. Call HWH support if issue persists.
Apply penetrating oil and let soak 24-48 hours. Work adjustment gently. Electric cables disconnect at plug connector behind mounting surface. Replacement mirrors available if needed.
Your Coleman 9420-381 thermostat has failing solid-state switching components causing voltage drop during heating calls. This is a known issue with this model - replace it with a more reliable thermostat or return to a mechanical relay-based unit.
When your RV A/C won't start after a capacitor change, check for blown fuses, thermal switch reset, proper wiring connections, and overheated compressor lockout. The compressor may need time to cool down before restarting.
When a Braun lift stops halfway down and loses power, it's typically caused by a faulty position sensor, loose electrical connections, or hydraulic pressure issues. The fix usually involves checking connections, cleaning sensors, and testing the control module.
When your RV awning only moves a short distance before retracting, it's typically caused by motor overheating, dirty tracks, low voltage, or limit switch issues. Start by checking connections and cleaning the awning rails before moving to more complex diagnostics.
AquaHot cycling every 15 minutes at idle is not normal. Possible causes include heat loss through stuck zone valves, thermostat issues, or circulation pump running when it shouldnt. Check that all zone valves are closed and pumps are off when no heat is called for.
Switching from Motorcraft synthetic blend to Costco full synthetic is an upgrade, not a downgrade. Full synthetic provides better protection for RV engines. Use 5W-20 viscosity and you are fine. Kirkland oil meets all Ford specifications.
Norcold fire hazard comes from boiler tube overheating. Verify recall thermal switch is installed, consider ARP control kit for added protection, and never run off-level.
You're absolutely right to be concerned - most RV water heaters don't have built-in dry-fire protection, and running them empty can cause serious damage. You need to install an aftermarket safety device or develop better operational habits to prevent this dangerous situation.