Community Forums

reubenray · 07-26-2017, 08:53 AM

While looking for a power outlet for my Directv power inserter I found one in the top of the electrical bay. It is only a single outlet and the cord disappears into the back (though the wall) of the bay. I remember reading before about an outlet for the engine pre-heat when the weather is cold. So this may be what it is. I have a few questions about this.

1) What is it for and does it need to be plugged up at all times?

2) Will it be 110 or 12v and can I use it for my Directv power inserter?

FatChance · 07-26-2017, 09:05 AM

Probably engine block heater. 110v. It would work for your power inserter.

Mr_D · 07-26-2017, 09:14 AM

Yep, plug in for the block heater. Both our DSDP's had them.

mikelm48 · 07-26-2017, 09:21 AM

I have two outlets in my bay. One of next to the phone/ antenna box, the other, marked engine block heater is at the middle of the bay. I found the one marked for the heater did not work.

Qwert66 · 07-26-2017, 09:28 AM

Our block heater in the el bay is switched and circuit breakered from inside the coach.

ptw · 07-26-2017, 09:40 AM

I don't have an outlet in my electrical bay but is it possible only works when the block heater switch is on?

mikelm48 · 07-26-2017, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qwert66

Our block heater in the el bay is switched and circuit breakered from inside the coach.

Duh! That would be obvious to anyone but me. Thanks.

bobsharon · 07-26-2017, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikelm48

Duh! That would be obvious to anyone but me. Thanks.

Where would the engine block heater switch be located on ventana 4037? Too lazy to go look 😆

reubenray · 07-26-2017, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikelm48

I have two outlets in my bay. One of next to the phone/ antenna box, the other, marked engine block heater is at the middle of the bay. I found the one marked for the heater did not work.

This one has power to it.

CoachC · 07-26-2017, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikelm48

I have two outlets in my bay. One of next to the phone/ antenna box, the other, marked engine block heater is at the middle of the bay. I found the one marked for the heater did not work.

Hi Mike,
If the outlet doesn't work after switching on at your control panel check wiring at the circuit breaker.
Mine didn't work and found a bad connection at the circuit breaker. Appears the terminal screw was so tight it crushed/cut the wire.

Cheers

Skip426 · 07-26-2017, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

I remember reading before about an outlet for the engine pre-heat when the weather is cold. So this may be what it is. I have a few questions about this.

1) What is it for and does it need to be plugged up at all times?

2) Will it be 110 or 12v and can I use it for my Directv power inserter?

The wiring is standard 110 volts , but the outlet is switched inside the coach . That switch can be above the entry door , labeled " Block Heater " as mine is ; or later models moved the switch to the bedroom , side of the bed pedestal is common there. So you don't need to run the length of the coach to turn it on, but I guess in earlier coaches they figured you were out of bed, to turn the furnace up anyway.

HavingABlast · 07-26-2017, 12:05 PM

Like has been said, our engine block heater outlet is in the electrical bay. If you opted for an engine block heater, as did we, there is also a male plug that you will need to insert into the outlet in order to energize the block heater. There is one final step, you need to look into your circuit breaker panel and check to see that the breaker is not in the off position. In our '15 VTDP, this panel s located in the mid coach bathroom.

When we are traveling, I leave this circuit breaker in the on position. Apparently some coaches use this circuit to also measure voltages...been discussed in another thread. I do not plug the block heater cord unless I need to use the block heater.

I have used this outlet to occasionally run other 110v devices.

mikelm48 · 07-26-2017, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

This one has power to it.

My outlet marked as Engine Block Heater was at the very bottom of the back, barley sticking out behind the board that covers the fuses, etc.

mikelm48 · 07-26-2017, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoachC

Hi Mike,
If the outlet doesn't work after switching on at your control panel check wiring at the circuit breaker.
Mine didn't work and found a bad connection at the circuit breaker. Appears the terminal screw was so tight it crushed/cut the wire.

Cheers

Thanks, I will check it out.