Community Forums

LakeKerrGuy · 05-25-2013, 10:30 AM

Just returned from picking up new to us 1999 Tradewinds. Generator was used several times on return trip while Wal Docking and Casino Docking. Also ran for a couple of hours while rolling.

The day after we got home I tried to start it from the switch on the unit and the remote switch on the dash. Nothing. No click.

Checked F1, F2, and F3 fuses. They are all good. There is no 12VDC to any of the fuses. Where are next up stream fuses/breakers located.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give a newbie.

olly72 · 05-25-2013, 10:53 AM

Make sure it has enough oil. Make sure the motor home has enough gas in it's tank.

rdownward · 05-25-2013, 11:07 AM

You should have a master battery disconnect switch (sometimes referred to as the "salesman's switch) for the coach batteries. Although I'm not familiar with your particular coach, that switch is usually at or near the entry steps. Most generators use the coach batteries for the 12 volt source. Make sure the disconnect switch is not turned off. Most coaches also have one for the chassis batteries so if your generator is connected to the chassis batteries and not the coach batteries, you need to make sure that one is in the "on" position also. If that doesn't work, check the connections on the main cables from the batteries to make sure they are OK - especially the ground connections. If none of these things work, start checking with a voltage tester at the generator and follow the positive cable all the way back to the batteries until you find where there is 12 volts. Best of luck with your problem.

YC1 · 05-25-2013, 11:13 AM

Start your engine and let it idle a couple of minutes, then try to start the gen. Just thinking of some possibilities and that feedback would help.

YC1 · 05-25-2013, 11:16 AM

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/gener...arts-2537.html

Here is an old post with some great information that might help.

LakeKerrGuy · 05-25-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olly72

Make sure it has enough oil. Make sure the motor home has enough gas in it's tank.

Actually, the reason I opened the door was to get the last of the million or so bugs cleaned from around the edges AND check oil. Nearly full tank of diesel. Forget to mention it is a diesel generator.

clyon51 · 05-25-2013, 12:00 PM

Sounds like salesman switch is off (no 12v going to genny). Could also be the genny neg ground cable at the coach frame has a bad connection.....very common.

LakeKerrGuy · 05-25-2013, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdownward

You should have a master battery disconnect switch (sometimes referred to as the "salesman's switch) for the coach batteries.

That was it.

I probably turned it off, thinking I was saving the batteries from parasitic load. Guess not because clocks and such were still working.

Why is it called salesman switch?

At least I got a chance to crawl around under the generator. Found cable connections above a rock shield so I'm glad I did not have to check them. Found oil drain plug and access to filter. Is it normal to have genny exhaust pipe impede full opening of filter access door?

clyon51 · 05-25-2013, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeKerrGuy

Why is it called salesman switch?

Because when an RV is on a lot, the salesman can enter the coach and turn on all systems to display the coach with one switch. Then flip the switch when done to save the batteries for the next sucker

LakeKerrGuy · 05-25-2013, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyon51

Because when an RV is on a lot, the salesman can enter the coach and turn on all systems to display the coach with one switch. Then flip the switch when done to save the batteries for the next sucker

So what does the salesman switch NOT turn off. I now know positively it shuts off 12VDC to the genny on my rig.

clyon51 · 05-25-2013, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeKerrGuy

So what does the salesman switch NOT turn off. I now know positively it shuts off 12VDC to the genny on my rig.

On most coaches, it totally shuts off all 12v power from the coach batteries to the coach. This also disconnects the 12v charging system to the batteries while on shore power.

Other coaches, it shuts off all 12v control systems lights, pumps, ect. However, still allows battery charging and still maintains power to safety systems, such as propane, C02 and smoke detector.

All this depends on the mfg and how they decided to wire the coach.

rdownward · 05-26-2013, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeKerrGuy

Is it normal to have genny exhaust pipe impede full opening of filter access door?

Yes, in all their wisdom, most manufacturers route the generator exhaust pipe directly across the filter access door which makes it necessary to partially remove the exhaust pipe in order to get full access. It's a royal PIA to change the filter because of this. Welcome to all the joys of maintaining a DP motor coach!