05 Pace Arrow questions

[FrankO]

A friend just purchased an 05 PA 37C. He had me over to check it out so after he showed me the cosmetic shape of the MH which was very good, I started to ask him about the various systems in the coach. He immediately started it up (WH W22) and all was good. He showed me how the batteries were in good shape based on the voltage readings. I asked him to shut the engine off. The coach batteries immediately dropped to 10.5 and kept falling. So he took the step cover off and we visually looked at the batteries -- not good. We pulled the batteries (2 GC 6 volts) and found one cracked (probably froze). I told him his coach batteries are shot so he is going to try to get the dealer to replace them -- lots of luck. I asked him whether he turns the battery disconnect switches off/on and he did not know what I was talking about. I did a quick look around and we could not find them. Mine is at the steps (Itasca).
So my questions are 1) where might we find the battery disconnect switches (chassis and coach) 2) what converter comes with a PA? I replaced my single stage with a PD 9145 with Charge Wizard which I think he should have. Does anyone know where the converter might be located on a 37C?
He is not very handy and does not understand electrical/mechanical systems so I will be asking questions on his behalf (also helping him along the way).
Thanks in advance for any help -- Frank O.

[exrench]

Your friend is lucky to have your help!A friend took me under his wing when I got my first motorhome and showed me how to do neat stuff like dumping the tanks etc!
To address your question;my 37C(Southwind) has the battery switches at eye level on the end of a small cabinet to the right as you look out the door.The converter is located under the washer/dryer where it does not receive enough cooling air.If your friend goes for a new converter he should cut-in a grille of some sort to allow some additional cooling as the one below the curio cabinet is not enough.I cooked my original converter after three years.The Pace might have a better unit than the SW but I doubt it IMHO.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Yeap, under the washer is the location in a 37C. A friend of mine has one and I helped him replace his defunct WFCO (World Freindship) converter. It's an OK converter while it works, but they generally fail completely in 3-4 years. I'd guess your friend's is dead and needs to be replaced with a better quality brand. And yes, it needs some better ventilation to live a long and productive life.

[FrankO]

Thanks for the help. We went to the storage yard today and found the switches in the cabinet (right side) above the entrance door as suggested. Keeping in mind that the coach batteries are pulled, I hit the "Main" switch and could hear a solenoid engage/disengage. However I could see no difference in engine battery state/functionality. What functions are disabled when the main battery is disengaged? The engine would start and the headlights worked. I did notice that the engine battery before starting was ~11.8 so it was low on charge and the radio light was dim.
I would think that the "Main" battery disconnect would disconnect all power to the engine eliminating parasitic drain. What am I missunderstanding?
Thanks -- Frank O.

[rag_ftw]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankO ... Keeping in mind that the coach batteries are pulled, I hit the "Main" switch and could hear a solenoid engage/disengage. However I could see no difference in engine battery state/functionality. What functions are disabled when the main battery is disengaged? ...I would think that the "Main" battery disconnect would disconnect all power to the engine eliminating parasitic drain. What am I missunderstanding? Thanks -- Frank O.

I am glad to see your post Frank. I have wondered what the "Main" disconnect switch does also. I too can hear the solenoid click somewhere under the hood when I activate the "main" switch but can not determine what it controls.
When I have disconnected both the "main" and the "Aux" I have to turn the ignition switch to the ON position to re-energize the circuits. Just toggling the switches has no affect.
Hopefully someone will be able to give us a definition of just what is controlled by the disconnect switches.
bob g

[rag_ftw]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer Yeap, under the washer is the location in a 37C. A friend of mine has one and I helped him replace his defunct WFCO (World Freindship) converter. It's an OK converter while it works, but they generally fail completely in 3-4 years. I'd guess your friend's is dead and needs to be replaced with a better quality brand. And yes, it needs some better ventilation to live a long and productive life.

My 2005 37C appears to have a cooling fan associated with the converter in addition to a grate that vents into the hall. I have not verified which converter is installed. Does anyone know if the WFCO has a fan?