Community Forums

jluke · 02-10-2012, 08:22 PM

I just picked up my new (to me) 1997 DamonUltrasport 35' motorhome. I've discovered that I only have 12v in the coach when the generator is running. the chassis is fine. I've checked the 3 batteries and they all show 12 volts. the cables running to the front of the convertor have no power. I haven't been able to try plugging the cable in because it is a 50 amp cable and I don't have an adapter. Is there a switch somewhere I haven't found? in my old Champion there were on/off switches inside the door for the coach and chassis, but I haven't found anything like that. Does anyone have any idea what I am missing?

Wanabee FTer · 02-10-2012, 09:13 PM

Have you checked the circuit breaker switch on the genset yet?

jluke · 02-10-2012, 09:31 PM

Both breaker switches on the genset are on, but the gen works fine. the only time I have 12v in the coach is when it is running, nothing in the coach when it is off.

rjdelapp · 02-10-2012, 09:42 PM

There is a switch on the left side dash that turns off the coach batteries. My 98 has a emblem of a battery with a circle slash over the switch. Also under the hood in the 12v load center there are 3 relays that control the batteries. You can do a search for the load center pdf file which has wiring schematic. Hope this helps

Gary RVRoamer · 02-11-2012, 07:22 AM

You are getting power when the converter runs, but not from the batteries. First thing to check is the house battery disconnect switch - is it on? If, so you determine if the relay is operates is working? Also, there may be a large cartridge fuse between the house 12v distribution system and the house batteries. My coach has a 300 amp fuse inline there.

jluke · 02-11-2012, 11:28 AM

I found an adapter and plugged into shore power and everything works, Pulled the dash switch and checked it for continuity and found none. suspecting a bad switch now, will be looking for a replacement. Wasn't sure what the switch was for before, since it didn't see to do anything. Thankss to everyone for their help, will post again when I find out for sure. the switch has a purple and and black on one side and a purple and white on the other, tempted to try jumping them, but I'm afraid I'll make things worse. the good news is that I have 12v in the coach without having to run the generator.

rjdelapp · 02-11-2012, 12:40 PM

On my 98 the switch operates the battery solenoids which disconnects the house batteries and for emergency start. The battery load center is located under the hood on the drivers side, black box mounted on fire wall. This is where the solenoids are that the switch controls. Send me a PM with your email address and I will send you a copy of load center pdf file.

Jim