Generator and engine battery died all at one?

[skimaniac6]

Hello,
I have an 86 Bounder on a Chevy frame/454. I have been using it with no problems other than sometimes I have to turn the key may times before the starter will engage (it has been doing this for years). Saturday I loaded the family to go to a football game, the genny was going and both roof airs were on. It tried to start the motorhome, it coughed and the genny shut off, now the starter just clicks (I tried to jump it) and the genny won't start (seems like house batteries are dead). The house batteries apear to be dead and aren't taking a charge. The engine battery is fine but won't start the engine. Any idea where to start to look, voltage regulator, battery isolator? I would love anyone's input.
Thanks for your time,

[LVJ58]

I would take the engine (chassis) battery out and have it load tested at an auto parts store. If battery checks out OK, then I would suspect your problem may be a bad ignition switch, (check for loose connections on back of the switch) or, a bad starter solenoid on the starter, or in some cases there was an extra starter relay between the power source and the solenoid on the starter. If those check OK then you may have a bad starter. The 454's are known for exhaust manifold heat cooking the starter and/or starter solenoid. This I know as we had a 454 in our first motor home.

Good luck and keep us posted on your problem.

P.S. make sure your battery water level is proper.

[skimaniac6]

Thanks,
The batteries are all new, I tested the output on one of the isolators (blue box with cooling fins) the highest output was about 10v. I am thinking that might be my problem but there is also a bi directional relay isolating device (BIRD) installed. Anyone know how or where I can find a way to test these so I don't waste alot of time and money?
If it is the starter or solinode is the starter just held on with 2 bolts? I have only pulled them on small cars, that thing is a monster. Also do they tend to just die or do they wear out slowly?
Thanks again.