New Used Class A - Need Help

[tedgard01]

On the dash, my button for starting the gas generator has two ends. You push the top of the button for starting the generator. You push the bottom of the button, and hold it for a few seconds to pump gas back to the generator in order to prime it before starting. I am just wondering if you may have not primed the generator and that is why it is not starting.

Good luck.

Ted

[wildtoad]

Sounds like the chassis (starter) battery is weak and either needs a good charge or may need to be replaced. Since you just bought a used unit it may be worth removing both (all ) batteries and have them tested.

[tedgard01]

FYI - My jacks will not work if my batteries are lower than 12.3v (or something like that). I have to charge the battery first if that is the case.

[janiemort]

Originally Posted by tedgard01

FYI - My jacks will not work if my batteries are lower than 12.3v (or something like that). I have to charge the battery first if that is the case.

YAY! It was the batteries. I found another post that suggested starting the generator and then using the Boost button to start the engine. IT WORKED!

Now the leveling system works too.

Thanks EVERYONE for all of your wonderful advice.

[GregOk80]

Yes the genny uses the house batteries to start. House batteries run everything in the coach as in lights, power vents, electric slides, porch lights and inverter. Chassis batteries start main engine, outside lights (as in headlights, turn signals, clearance lights) and leveling (power gear). With a working BIRD, all batteries are charged will on shore power, genny, and chassis alternator .

[janiemort]

Thanks again for your help. I wrote a blog post about my little troubleshooting session and thought you might get a kick out of it

Zen and the Art of RV Maintenance…, er Troubleshooting | We3InAnRV

[dsbike]

Just read your blog, fun read. Nice looking motor home & the grass will turn green again!!!
Another suggestion if I may. When plugging in your motor home to shore power, you must remember that when everything comes on in your motor home such as the air conditioner, refrigerator, a few lights, the hot water heater, ect, ect, you are most likely pulling more than 30 amps with the motor home alone. Then add in a few items in your house on the same circuit you pop the circuit breaker. It is advisable to have the shore power on its own 30 amp circuit. I realize this is not easy to do & may require an electrician to wire in a dedicated circuit for the shore power. So my advise to you is to use the shore power circuit wisely. Only turn on what is absolutely needed in the motor home & the house at the same time. The air conditioner uses a higher amount of electricity amperage when it turns itself on.

Best of luck to you. Very glad you figured out your genny & leveling problems.

[janiemort]

Originally Posted by dsbike

Another suggestion if I may. When plugging in your motor home to shore power, you must remember that when everything comes on in your motor home such as the air conditioner, refrigerator, a few lights, the hot water heater, ect, ect, you are most likely pulling more than 30 amps with the motor home alone. Then add in a few items in your house on the same circuit you pop the circuit breaker. It is advisable to have the shore power on its own 30 amp circuit. I realize this is not easy to do & may require an electrician to wire in a dedicated circuit for the shore power. So my advise to you is to use the shore power circuit wisely. Only turn on what is absolutely needed in the motor home & the house at the same time. The air conditioner uses a higher amount of electricity amperage when it turns itself on.

Now that is some good information. I am just renting this house, so I should probably only plug it in to recharge the batteries. Thanks very much for that tip.

[calhyatt]

Great story. This is the beginning of your love affair with your RV. Some times you just want to " _itch Slap" her but most of the time your will love her. Nice looking coach. Good luck and welcome aboard. You will find information here about everything RV related and lots more. Keep up us to date with your new love...

[dsbike]

Originally Posted by janiemort

Now that is some good information. I am just renting this house, so I should probably only plug it in to recharge the batteries. Thanks very much for that tip.

You should be safe leaving it plugged in to charge the batteries & to go inside & turn on a few lights at a time with out needing to turn off everything in the house. You may also be able to keep the frig turned on. The best I can say is experiment and keep an eye on the breaker. If it pops you know you may need to reduce the appliances being used. One thing we always did was keep the hot water turned off. Not all hot water heaters are electric & gas. If you aren't staying in the rv you don't need to use the gas or electric for the hot water heater at that time. Saves money for more camping trips!!!

[rvjimmy]

It sure does sound like it is a battery issue, if they won't hold charge you might have to bite the big one and replace them. Hope they take charge and don't leave you stranded somewhere, good luck. Jim

[rvjimmy]

Oh by the way just plug in the coach to shore ( house ) power and leave it plugged in overnite, that should charge the batteries. Don't run anything just plug it in to charge the batteries. You probably did this but just a thought. Jim