Community Forums

Jackm · 11-09-2010, 02:56 AM

We always start the engine in our motorhome before using the HWH jacks and the slides (suggested by HWH). However, lately, the engine has to run for a few minutes before there is enough juice to operate the HWH system. In other words, if we start the engine and immediately try to pull in a slide, nothing happens. In the past, we never had to wait. Any insight? The batteries are in good shape and the chassis battery is brand new. I believe that the chassis battery is the one that operates the jacks and slides but I'm not sure. However, I did notice that the lights dim a little in the coach when the slides are coming in. Thank you in advance.

Jack

RV Wizard · 11-09-2010, 05:53 AM

Be sure the battery and ground connections to the frame and HWH pump are clean and tight. Even though your battery is new does not mean it is good. I have bought batteries in the past to find that it was deffective (bad cell); so you might want to double check the batteries too.

Jackm · 11-09-2010, 08:27 PM

I checked the battery and it's fine. The thing that puzzles me the most is the fact that it takes a few minutes before the battery is capable of operating the jacks and slides. The engine starts up instantly which tends to support the integrity of the chassis battery. If there was a bad ground, it seems like it would impact the operation of the jacks and slides all the time.

Jack

Jackm · 11-10-2010, 11:54 AM

After assessing the situation a little more, I believe that the problem may be related to an unknown drain on the chassis battery. As it turns out, the problem only occurs when pulling the slides in (after the RV has been sitting for a day). When we arrive at a campground, the chassis battery is fully charged from the alternator. As a result, the jacks and slides work fine. However, after the RV has been sitting for a night (or more), we have to run the engine foe three or four minutes before we can pull in the slides and store the jacks. This suggests that the chassis battery is losing its charge overnight. The chassis battery is new and I've checked to make sure that its putting out the right charge.

Does anyone have any ideas on what might be happening? How can a chassis battery lose its charge in one night when there isn't anything running. By the way, the RV always starts up right away so the chassis battery isn't drained, its just not charged enough (at first) to handle the significant load of HWH's system. Thanks again.

Jack

Vegasdan · 11-10-2010, 12:26 PM

I pull the slides in while connected to A/C and before I start the engine. After they are in I disconnect the A/C, start the engine and then raise the jacks. Never had any problem doing it this way.

GaryKD · 11-10-2010, 05:58 PM

Hi Jack,
Different coach manufacturers wire their coaches differently. This uniqueness drive owners bonkers. Consider posting your problem in the Winnebago owners section of iRV2. Look for the Owners Corner. Inside the Owners Corner there is a forum specific to Winnebago coaches.

Jackm · 11-10-2010, 07:56 PM

Gary, I'll take your advice. Thank you.

Jack

RV Wizard · 11-11-2010, 04:37 AM

Make sure the chassis cables are the only cables attached to the battery. If this is correct then you could have a bad battery isolator circuit. If it start the drive engine, I still think there is a wiring connection issue for the jacks and slides. The current to start the engine is higher than the hydraulic pump would normally be needed to operate.

Jackm · 11-13-2010, 04:03 AM

Mike,

Visually, everything looks good but it looks like I'll be poking around with my trusty VO meter. Its too bad the manufacturers didn't implement an integrated, system-wide electrical diagnostic capability that analyzed both AC and DC circuits. Would I have paid extra for this feature? You bet. At any rate, I appreciate the advice.

Jack