Newbie with a couple of questions

[Dean0]

Good day everyone,
I recently purchased a 1996 Newmar Mountain Aire 4059 DP. I have never owned a motorhome before so it is all new to me. I have most of the manuals which came with the coach outlining the various specifics, functions, etc... of the onboard systems. One of the issues with the coach is that the PO did not maintain the house batteries so they ended up freezing. Of coarse when I charged them they bulged and leaked. I bought a new set and will be installing them soon.

Three questions:
1) I have the Magnum ME2012 inverter / charger with the optional control module. There is a rocker switch located to the right of the module. For the life of me I cannot figure out what it is for. (photo attached)

2) There is an on / off switch on the front control panel above the passenger area. Have no idea what this is for. (photo attached)

3) There is an on / off switch located inside the corner cabinet of the toilet area in the coach.The wires run from the switch, across the inside top, run down the inside right side and pass through the floor. Again, I cannot figure out what this is for. (photo attached)

As I stated before this is all new to me and I cannot find these in any manuals included with the coach or an internet search.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dean

["007"]

Welcome to the forum and irv2, Dean
Here is a Brochure and 1997 Owners Guide for you oldest we have.

The switch with the red led is for the electric element of your Water heater and you may have a small switch on face of WH also for the electric element if its a Suburban WH.

All the information you need for you Magnum inverter/converter you will find in the QT's # 3 link.
About 1/2 way down.

That switch in bathroom maybe for heating pads under your water and holding tanks below in compartments.

You may have a winter option, being from B.C., for coach when built and would include added insulation for coach and there maybe a 12V fan in a foil tube in water tank bay that will operate when furnace operates and there would be a switch for fan on the water bay panel marked fan.

In my signature below are three links that will relate to your Newmar and one link in them you will need if your going to change your batteries.--12V battery system

If your batteries froze or if you can not get them up to full charge with a stand alone battery charge, which would be faster for recharge than you will need the new batteries which are your house batteries. Check water levels of batteries and fill with distilled water to the bottom of vent hole.
Your two chassis engine batteries maybe OK if you are starting your engine.

When you change batteries make sure you take pictures tag all cables, draw a diagram as to the position of all battery posts related to + & - posts so you will have a easy change out of your batteries.

Make a special note of any small wiring terminations on your battery post and where they will be put back.

If you can give me the build number of your coach or the Vin# we can find out possibly what was built into coach if not than you can contact Newmar and they will supply that information for you.
You have allot to digest I and others will be here to answer any further questions enjoy the forums and congratulation with your new to you MADP and safe travels.

[Dean0]

Thanks 007,
The links are a great resource. The 97 manual is much better than the one I received with the coach. I figured out the rocker switch beside the module. It controls a small external fan inside the bay where the inverter / charger is located. I put 4 new house batteries in the coach which made a huge difference. The charging amps only fluctuate slightly. With the old batteries the charging amps would be all over the place. I traced the wires from the switch in the bathroom closet. They run down into the bay which houses the water tanks, pump, etc... I didn't see any pads under the tanks and it appears the wires run toward the pump. I will have to get in there with a small mirror to know for sure.

Thanks again for your help. I can't wait to get out and do some camping in the coach.

Dean