Popular New Guides Product Guides Tools Checklists My Rig

Results for "wiring diagram"

783+ Q&A Updated Weekly Free
Generac 7.5kW Diesel Generator Repair Guide - RV Troubleshooting
Engine Medium 2-4 hours 216 👍

Generac 7.5kW Diesel Generator Repair Guide - RV Troubleshooting

Planning to ignore the weird noises from our Generac 7.5kW diesel generator backfired when my wife pointed out I definitely made things worse during my repair attempt. I have a 2007 Monaco with a Generac 7.5kW diesel generator, and yesterday when I tried starting it, the battery was really weak. I probably held the starter button too long - maybe 15 seconds or so - because it was cranking so slowly and I kept hoping it would catch.

Now when I try to start it, I just get a single click and nothing happens. I'm worried I damaged something by cranking it so long with that weak battery. Should I be looking at the starter solenoid or starter motor? Is there anything I can check myself before I have to take it to a repair shop? I'd really appreciate any guidance on troubleshooting this. …more
RC7-GS Inverter AGM Battery Settings: Complete Setup Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 201 👍

RC7-GS Inverter AGM Battery Settings: Complete Setup Guide

Replaced my 105Ah AGM battery and now my RC7-GS inverter charger is completely rejecting it like this capacity doesn't exist in its programming.

The charging settings only go from 125Ah up to 1000Ah, with an 'auto' option that supposedly 'learns' my battery but resets every time the low voltage cutoff trips (which feels like cheating, honestly). I'm worried about undercharging or cooking my expensive new AGMs if I pick the wrong setting.

Oh, and while we're talking about things that don't work as advertised - the generator auto-start feature might as well be a myth. Can't even manually start the generator from the RC7 panel. At this point I'm wondering if I should have just stuck with my old setup that actually worked! Anyone know what I'm doing wrong here? …more
RV DC Electrical System: Expert Guide to 12 Volt Systems
Electrical Medium 30 min read 131 👍

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
Dometic RV AC Not Cooling? 5 Common Fixes for Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Guide
Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 128 👍

Dometic RV AC Not Cooling? 5 Common Fixes for Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Guide

Walked out to my RV this morning trying to decide between calling a repair tech or troubleshooting my Dometic Brisk Air rooftop AC myself since it's showing weird operational issues. The compressor engages and fan motor operates normally, but the unit fails to produce cold air output. Temperature differential across the evaporator coil is minimal.

Unit functioned properly through previous cooling season with no apparent issues. Current symptoms include normal airflow volume but inadequate cooling capacity. What systematic diagnostic procedure should I follow to identify the root cause? Looking for a methodical troubleshooting sequence that addresses the most probable failure points in order of likelihood. …more
Coleman Mach AC Fuse Blows With Battery On - Rockwood Fix
Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours for diagnosis, professional repair likely needed 122 👍

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
How to Upgrade Your RV Converter Charger for Lithium Batteries with Gentle Care
Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 113 👍

How to Upgrade Your RV Converter Charger for Lithium Batteries with Gentle Care

Halfway through planning our three-week cross-country trip next month, I realized my PD4560 60-amp converter/charger won't properly handle the lithium batteries I'm installing. My existing Progressive Dynamics unit obviously isn't designed for LiFePO4 batteries - I can use boost mode to charge them up, but I know that's not ideal for battery longevity.

I just purchased a 30 amp generator and I'm wondering if it will have enough capacity to handle not just my current charger, but potentially a larger lithium-compatible unit. I'm considering upgrading to a 75 or even 90 amp charger to reduce charging times, but I need to make sure my generator can handle the load. I'm trying to figure out the actual AC amp draw of these higher-capacity chargers and whether my 30 amp generator will be sufficient.

What are the best lithium-compatible converter/charger options that would work with my generator setup, and how do I properly size the charger capacity to match my lithium battery bank? …more

Still stuck on this repair?

Get a personalized answer from a verified RV mechanic. Describe your issue and get step-by-step help.

Chat with an RV Mechanic
27708 RV owners helped · Avg response under 5 min
Sony VCB-62MH RV Camera Monitor Replacement: Complete Installation Guide for RV Coaches
Electrical Medium 3-4 hours 105 👍

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
Ford E450 Inertia Switch Location Guide - Find Your RV's Fuel Cutoff Reset Point
Engine Medium 2-3 hours 101 👍

Ford E450 Inertia Switch Location Guide - Find Your RV's Fuel Cutoff Reset Point

Every Ford E450 I've worked on had the inertia switch behind the driver's panel — but my 2011 Freedom Elite 32r has it hidden somewhere completely different. The engine is experiencing what appears to be fuel delivery issues after a minor fender bender, and I suspect the inertia switch may have been triggered and needs to be reset.

I've already done extensive searching in the typical locations - removed both driver and passenger side kick panels completely, pulled out the glove box, and even partially disassembled sections of the dashboard. Despite checking all these common spots where Ford usually places these switches, I'm coming up empty-handed.

Could the switch be integrated into another component on this particular year and model? Are there any alternative locations specific to the E450 chassis or Freedom Elite configuration that I should be checking? I'm also wondering if some models of this year might not have a traditional standalone inertia switch at all. …more
RV Dash AC Blower Motor Not Working? Check These Hidden Fuses First
Electrical Medium 2-4 hours 101 👍

RV Dash AC Blower Motor Not Working? Check These Hidden Fuses First

Last week I'm trying to decide between shelling out hundreds for an RV tech or tackling this myself after my F53 chassis motorhome's dash A/C blower motor completely died. I've checked all the obvious fuses in the main fuse panels, but nothing seems blown.

I discovered something crucial that might help others: Fleetwood added a hidden 25 amp fuse wire-tied above the emergency brake, not shown in standard Ford chassis diagrams. In my case, this was the culprit. As a temporary fix, I even ran a wire directly from my lighter plug with a switch to get some air movement.

I'm wondering if other RV owners might have similar hidden electrical components that aren't in standard chassis wiring documentation? Before taking it to a shop, I recommend carefully checking behind panels and tracing wires, especially looking near the dashboard area above the emergency brake for manufacturer-specific fuses. …more
Ford F53 No Spark: Complete Ignition Troubleshooting Guide
Engine Medium 2-4 hours 96 👍

Ford F53 No Spark: Complete Ignition Troubleshooting Guide

Halfway through a cross-country trip, my Ford F53 Class A motorhome with the 7.5L V8 cranks but won't fire, has zero spark, AND left me completely stranded. The issue began intermittently with starting problems, then progressed to a complete no-start condition with zero spark at both the coil and distributor.

I've systematically replaced the distributor, ignition control module (ICM), and coil, but the no-spark condition persists. This is an EFI system without a crank position sensor - my research indicates it relies on the pickup coil within the distributor for ignition timing.

What are the most likely causes for this complete ignition failure, and what diagnostic steps should I follow to isolate the root cause? I need a methodical troubleshooting approach since parts replacement hasn't resolved the issue. …more
HWH 625S Slide Out Not Working: Step-by-Step Control Box Bypass & Repair Guide
Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 94 👍

HWH 625S Slide Out Not Working: Step-by-Step Control Box Bypass & Repair Guide

Wondering why my 2008 Winnebago Adventurer 38J's HWH 625S slide out won't budge after replacing the solenoid, cleaning connections, and checking fluid levels? The passenger slide won't extend or retract from the wall switch, but when I manually operate the solenoid valves, the slide moves perfectly in both directions.

I've already replaced the solenoid valves, so I know they're good. The problem seems to be that power isn't reaching the solenoids from the switch - everything routes through the control box first.

Can I safely bypass the HWH control box by connecting the switch wires directly to the solenoid wires? What should I check before attempting this bypass? …more
How to Fix RV Rear Brake Lights and Hazards Not Working - Common Grounds & Connections
Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 93 👍

How to Fix RV Rear Brake Lights and Hazards Not Working - Common Grounds & Connections

Spent months planning our cross-country trip leaving next week and my RV's rear brake lights and hazards just completely stopped working. My 1998 National Tropical (on a '97 Ford F53 chassis with the trusty 460 V8) has decided to get creative with its lighting situation. The rear brake lights and 4-way hazards have completely given up the ghost - nothing, nada, zero response from the back end. But plot twist: the turn signals work just fine back there, and everything up front (brake lights, hazards, turns) is working perfectly.

I'm scratching my head because if it was a fuse issue, wouldn't ALL the lights be affected? The fact that some work and others don't has me thinking it's something more specific. Any ideas where I should start poking around to solve this electrical mystery? …more
Dead House Batteries on 50 Amp Shore Power: Troubleshooting Guide
Electrical Medium 30-60 min 92 👍

Dead House Batteries on 50 Amp Shore Power: Troubleshooting Guide

Turned on my 2024 Entegra Reatta XL this morning to find the house batteries completely dead again despite being plugged into 50 amp shore power—third time this season and I'm done guessing. New batteries, good connections, power was working fine for days then died completely. Voltmeter shows 12.69V on chassis, 4.7V on house batteries at the BIM.

What's the proper troubleshooting sequence for house batteries not charging on shore power? Need to check converter, breakers, and connections but want to do this systematically. …more

Need a second opinion?

Not sure if this applies to your rig? An RV technician can confirm the fix for your specific make and model.

Ask an RV Expert
27708 RV owners helped · Avg response under 5 min
Lead Acid vs Lithium RV Batteries: Complete Upgrade Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 4-8 hours 91 👍

Lead Acid vs Lithium RV Batteries: Complete Upgrade Guide

Pulled into my favorite boondocking spot with batteries that used to last three days, but now these lead acid units are completely dead after just one night! I've been running two 12V lead acid batteries in my travel trailer and I'm SO tired of dealing with their limitations - slow charging, constant maintenance, and they seem to die at the worst possible times.

I found these Dyness 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 lithium batteries and I'm really hoping they might be the solution I've been looking for. But I'm completely lost when it comes to lithium technology. Will my current converter/charger work with lithium batteries, or am I looking at more upgrades? I keep seeing mentions of something called a BMS - what exactly does that do and why is it important?

I just want a system that actually works reliably and charges properly both when plugged into shore power and while driving. Can someone please tell me if making the switch to these Dyness LiFePO4 batteries is worth it, and what I need to know about compatibility with my existing charging system? …more
Complete Newmar RV Lithium Battery Upgrade: DC-DC Charger and BIM Wiring Guide
Solar Batteries Hard 6-8 hours 91 👍

Complete Newmar RV Lithium Battery Upgrade: DC-DC Charger and BIM Wiring Guide

Staring at my 2019 Newmar's freshly wired lithium upgrade with Victron BVM-712, Orion XS DC-DC charger, and Cerbo GX — finished yesterday but the system still isn't charging properly.

The main issue is I can't figure out how to properly integrate my existing boost switch with the new DC-DC charger setup while maintaining the ability to trickle charge chassis batteries. Currently, my Orion XS DC-DC charger flows only one way from engine alternator to lithium batteries. Should I replace the existing BIM with a LI-BIM, which would be in series with the 2/0 cable? Is there a control wire on the Orion XS that will allow flow from lithium to chassis batteries while on shore/inverter power?

I'm considering adding a 120V battery tender for chassis batteries, but want to confirm what modifications might be needed to my existing BIM. Can someone provide guidance on the correct wiring approach? …more
Robert, RV Mechanic
Ask an RV Mechanic Avg reply < 5 min

My Rig Settings

Hi, I'm Hank!
Need help setting up? I can walk you through it
Rig Info
Give it a name you'll recognize
Power & Electrical
Climate Control
Water System
Refrigerator Type
Leveling System
Convenience & Features
Sync across devices