Not accepting shore power

[tedward1555]

Hi Everyone;
Haven't posted in a while because things have been going very well with my Providence from Fleetwood. But... just when all was going so well the motor home stopped accepting shore power. Checked and replace the plug. Still not working. It's at the shop now and the tech says they think they've narrowed it down to the "transfer switch" which doesn't have any identification marks on it anywhere so they are waiting for a call back from Fleetwood (for 2 days now) to help identify it and test it.
Just posting here in the mean time to see if anyone here is familiar with such a problem and can offer any advice/direction.
Thanks so much.
Ed

[Clay L]

Yes it does sound like the transfer switch. It doesn't really have to be a Fleetwood spec'ed unit. It might be cheaper to buy a replacement from one of the many people that supply them. I see them 50 amp units which is probably what you have out there for anywhere from $150 to $200.

I just bought a Parallax 30 amp unit for $70.

[GaryKD]

Hi tedward1555,
First is that the shop does not need Fleetwood to test a transfer switch. Anyone with a meter can check it out. For me this is a red flag about this shop. Unless you are a past customer and had good service I'd be very careful about this shop.

The transfer switch is a generic part that can be acquired from many sources. Any good shop could have turned the coach around and back out the door in 1/2 day, including waiting for the part to be delivered.

Google "RV transfer switch" and see the choices you get.

[Tallyrver]

I had the same problem a few months ago ,transfer switch had a loose neutral wire and burned up. I ordered one from Tweety's for 148.00 .CW world has them also but could not come close to the price. I installed it myself .

Progressive Dynamics RV Auto Transfer Relay System, 50 Amp

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi tedward1555, First is that the shop does not need Fleetwood to test a transfer switch. Anyone with a meter can check it out. For me this is a red flag about this shop. Unless you are a past customer and had good service I'd be very careful about this shop. The transfer switch is a generic part that can be acquired from many sources. Any good shop could have turned the coach around and back out the door in 1/2 day, including waiting for the part to be delivered. Google "RV transfer switch" and see the choices you get.

Ditto
Ditto

[mahon1993]

I have seen my share of loose 120volt connections on transfer switches. Sometimes loose connections cause odd problems and sometimes they will burn up the switch. I would encourage everyone to check the connections on their transfer switch. Of course make sure the land line in UNPLUGGED and the generator if NOT running.
Greg

[nbounder]

I'd suggest you take the rig away under some phony pretense and find another shop - one where the service writer echos what you've read here. Like the man said, you should have been in & out in a day or so, max. What they're probably doing now is to build up the invoice with lots of hours spent. (allegedly)

[Barbaraok]

Also, while it may sound strange, often a thump from a rubber mallet is all that the transfer switch needs. Agree that that shop sounds very unethical. They can't figure out where the transfer switch is and identify which it is - really? If so, get your rig out of there as quickly as you can!

Barb

[heybc]

If you are at all handy, the transfer switch is easy to replace yourself. My IOTA 50 Amp was clearly labeled and only tool you need is a screw driver. If you have an inverter, turn it off before doing the job.

[tedward1555]

arrggghhh... I guess I'm gonna have to yank it from them today. He called and said the factory switch is $1,800 but he can get a non original switch for about $600... How the hell can someone be this dishonest.. this is the largest diesel truck repair company in Austin. I'm not handy, mechanical, or any of that at all. Before I yank this thing from them are you guys sure we're talking about the same thing? The man says "transfer switch". And he asked me to fax my good sam warranty info. Wouldn't Good Sam tell him he's crazy if he's trying such a scam?
Thanks for the help everyone

[Theberrys]

Ted

Run like the wind from this guy. He's just trying to rip off your ESP provider, and we all pay for that.

I found this switch in my first search.
IOTA 50 Amp RV automatic transfer switch:Accessories:RV Transfer Switches
Look above the picture for links to the Owners Manual and wiring diag.

You can do this yourself in a couple hours for about $250. This guy is nuts asking almost $700 for a Xfer. switch.

If you want you can buy the switch and hire a guy to install it for you. Just check with your ESP for the process to submit the bills yourself. I'm sure for the cost delta they would agree to paying you direct for the part.

Dick

[GaryKD]

Hi tedward1555,
You are correct, Good Sam should deter him from this price. However, if you have a Good Sam service contract, your cost will be the contract deductible. Not knowing what that is, it may still be okay for this shop to do the work. Good Sam will pick up the bulk of the cost, no matter what the guy charges. If you pull the coach now, the shop will charge you a diagnostic fee. You'll be responsible for this fee.

At this point, we are now talking about skill not money. The bottom line now is are you comfortable with the skill doing the work? As far as the money goes, that is why you have a service contract. Let him fight it out with Good Sam for the $s.

A word of caution, make sure Good Sam and the shop have agreed on the $s in writing. You don't want him doing the work and then holding your coach hostage because of a "misunderstanding".

[Midniteoyl]

Go to the shop and ask the guy to physically show you what he is calling the 'transfer switch'.. take a pic and post it.

[GaryKD]

Hi Midniteoyl,
Good idea.