Community Forums

wolf_7669 · 10-27-2014, 09:07 PM

Hello all,

Sorry if this is a complete noob question. I want to hookup outside power to the RV so I can start testing the electrical sockets and such, but I'm not sure how to switch between outside power and internal battery power. Does it switch automaticlly when outside power is connected, or should there be a switch on the dash or somewhere else? I do have 2 unidentified switches on the dash - one is a 2 position switch (up or down), and the other is a 3 position switch (with the up and down positions only being momentary).

And speaking of outside power, when I looked in the compartment where you hook up to power, I have a power cord (for hooking up to power I assume) and I also have a power socket in there as well. Is the socket so I can supply power to something else? Or is it a power input as well?

Once again, thank you guys for helping out this 1st time RV'er.

hammer55 · 10-28-2014, 02:52 AM

mine has a receptacle for the generator power, when using the generator the cord is plugged into the receptacle and when using shore power or home power, the cord is plugged in there, no switching just the cord is plugged in either power source,,,,

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolf_7669

Hello all,

Sorry if this is a complete noob question. I want to hookup outside power to the RV so I can start testing the electrical sockets and such, but I'm not sure how to switch between outside power and internal battery power. Does it switch automaticlly when outside power is connected, or should there be a switch on the dash or somewhere else? I do have 2 unidentified switches on the dash - one is a 2 position switch (up or down), and the other is a 3 position switch (with the up and down positions only being momentary).

And speaking of outside power, when I looked in the compartment where you hook up to power, I have a power cord (for hooking up to power I assume) and I also have a power socket in there as well. Is the socket so I can supply power to something else? Or is it a power input as well?

Once again, thank you guys for helping out this 1st time RV'er.

Harley1994 · 10-28-2014, 04:32 AM

Best thing is to post what kind of RV your in so people here can give you the best answer.

ronspradley · 10-28-2014, 04:44 AM

Usually, the generator supplies power to the power plug in the shore power cord compartment. Plug shore power into that receptacle when generator is running to get 120v power to coach. The 12v system does not supply your 120v receptacles in coach, unless you have an inverter. An inverter is what changes 12v battery power to 120v. I would guess that was not standard on a 1985 coach. Of course in the years since, any and all kind of modifications could have been made to your coach. And the momentary switch on your dash could be your generator start switch, unless you have found that switch elsewhere. Welcome to the group. Much good info here.

ronspradley

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wolf_7669 · 10-28-2014, 02:16 PM

Ok, the receptacle in the shore power compartment makes sense now. I didn't see an inverter in the front compartment, just the battery isolator, so I don't think I have one (unless it's hidden somewhere else).

I do have a remote start for the generator, but It's not one of my 2 unknown switches. I do have what look like an added on set of fog lights, so I'm guessing on of the switches is for them, but the lights don't work so no way to be sure for now. I'll probably end up having to trace the wires from the 2 switches to see where they go.

Thanks for the good info guys, I'll get this stuff figured out one of these days......