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Old 03-23-2019, 06:49 PM   #1
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Newbie with a power question

Sorryvi am a newbie and these are probably stupid questions. I picked up the new rig today, and had a question. I plugged into shore power, but not sure how to tell if I am on shore power or running off the batteries when I turned off the batteries everything shuts off.

Also this unit has auto retractable steps. I was told to turn the power off to the chassis and the coach. But once I do the steps don't retract when the door is closed. How do I get them to retract?
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Old 03-23-2019, 06:53 PM   #2
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Your system should automatically turn over to shore power once you plug in. You don’t need to turn anything off.
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Old 03-23-2019, 07:01 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by foundwaldo View Post
Sorryvi am a newbie and these are probably stupid questions. I picked up the new rig today, and had a question. I plugged into shore power, but not sure how to tell if I am on shore power or running off the batteries when I turned off the batteries everything shuts off.

Also this unit has auto retractable steps. I was told to turn the power off to the chassis and the coach. But once I do the steps don't retract when the door is closed. How do I get them to retract?
As posted, you should automatically be switched to shore power. Turning off the batteries will disconnect all DC power in your coach, regardless if you are on shore power. Leave it on as shore power will keep the batteries topped off and you need DC for lights and controls for appliances. Shore power will give you 120v AC throughout the coach with the inverter OFF.

On my coach, the steps are powered by the chassis batteries. I turn off the house batteries, exit the coach, close the door, steps retract, then turn off chassis power. Yours may be different,but once you know what powers your steps, retract them before turning off that source.
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Old 03-23-2019, 07:05 PM   #4
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You relay box automatically changes your unit to shore power when you plug into a good elect power source.
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Old 03-23-2019, 07:09 PM   #5
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The only things that run directly off shore power are your 120v AC appliances like your microwave, A/C and anything plugged into your 120v AC outlets. Everything else, lights, steps, water pump, etc. runs off 12v DC.

Even though your converter/charger converts 120v AC to DC voltage to run your 12v equipment and charge your batteries, your batteries need to be "on" in order for this to work. Think of the batteries as a buffer to level out the supply and demand.

Here's a link that may be helpful:

MultiBrief: Battery issues: Understanding your RV’s electrical systems

Don't feel this is a stupid question, I know that I was confused about this when I started RV'g.
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Old 03-23-2019, 07:32 PM   #6
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Most systems all work the same but it would be good to know what coach you have.

I have mine when the motor is of and I open the door the steps go out and stay. When we are ready to leave and I turn the key on and close the door the steps come in. You should have an EMS somewhere that shows you your power system.

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Old 03-23-2019, 07:38 PM   #7
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Basic info on RV electric on youtube.

Example:


https://youtu.be/yMeNcRGVcUE
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Old 03-24-2019, 09:22 AM   #8
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Some electrical systems only shut off the path to the batteries, while others shut off the entire 12v system (I've owned both types). It seems Waldo's is the "everything off" type.


As for the steps, they run off the chassis battery (unless the coach is quite old). Either leave the chassis switch on, leave the step out, or reach in an manually retract the steps before turning off the chassis switch and closing the door. Some coaches don't have the chassis switch close enough to do that, though.
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Old 03-24-2019, 09:39 AM   #9
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Check your wall switches. I have a 99 model that has a switch on the wall next to the entry door that will allow the step to stay out when in one position and the step will operate with the door opening and closing if the switch is thrown.
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Old 03-24-2019, 09:42 AM   #10
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Check your wall switches. I have a 99 model that has a switch on the wall next to the entry door that will allow the step to stay out when in one position and the step will operate with the door opening and closing if the switch is thrown.
Most of the Tuscany's and many others do as well, good point
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Old 03-24-2019, 11:39 AM   #11
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Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! I can't add to what others have said but noticed that you are kinda new on IRV2 and wanted to say hello! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!
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Old 04-05-2019, 01:34 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by foundwaldo View Post
Sorryvi am a newbie and these are probably stupid questions. I picked up the new rig today, and had a question. I plugged into shore power, but not sure how to tell if I am on shore power or running off the batteries when I turned off the batteries everything shuts off.

Also this unit has auto retractable steps. I was told to turn the power off to the chassis and the coach. But once I do the steps don't retract when the door is closed. How do I get them to retract?
I always looked at the microwave to see if I was on shore power, or turn on the ac thermostat to fan to see if it is on.

To turn off or disconnect the chassis/house batteries leave the switch in the on position, then walk outside & close the screen door only.
When the screen door closes, it will signal the steps to retract.

Next , slide the plastic panel at the center of the screen door and you can reach your arm through the opening and turn off the switch. Then you can lock the outside door.

Do yourself a favor and be sure that you always have 2 sets of keys to the rv before you travel.(or hide a key somewhere on the rv easy to get to)
No fun being locked out. Once I had to pick the lock with 2 very small allen wrenches, takes a while, but it can be done.
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Old 04-05-2019, 10:46 PM   #13
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If you have an invertor \ charger it's also your 12v converter through and with your batteries unlike most trailers that have a convertor you can use without a battery.
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Old 04-05-2019, 11:18 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by foundwaldo View Post
Sorryvi am a newbie and these are probably stupid questions. I picked up the new rig today, and had a question. I plugged into shore power, but not sure how to tell if I am on shore power or running off the batteries when I turned off the batteries everything shuts off.

Also this unit has auto retractable steps. I was told to turn the power off to the chassis and the coach. But once I do the steps don't retract when the door is closed. How do I get them to retract?
No such thing as a stupid question when referring to mechanical items. Each Motorhome can have their own unique design for operation. It really helps other to help you, when you provide us with the year, make and model of your motorhome.
Others are right, most the newer models have a converter box to convert 120 AC voltage to 12 DC Voltage. This may be received from shore power or on board generator. All this will happen automatically, really no need to turn off the battery disconnect. That switch is usually only used when the motorhome will be stored for a long period of time without shore power.
My Motorhome has a switch right next to the door to control the steps, but others may not. Depends on model. The object of the door to open and close automatically by the ignition switch is by design. It saves operation time by allowing the steps to remain out once the ignition switch is turned off. It save the owner from having to open and close the steps every time they want to enter the coach. By design, it will auto close so the steps will not be extended once the engine is started. It does not hurt anything to leave the steps out, nor does it draw any power while extended. In closing, it is a safety measure.
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