Community Forums

PyrateSilly · 02-22-2013, 06:40 PM

Ours is separted - alternator and voltage regulator - it was the plug in the VR that was part way out. We thought it might have been the alternator but it was just a plug. Another problem was one purple wire, and there is a picture of the purple wire on the pics page of my blog, in the main bay where the electric panel and inverter are that tried to come apart and we lost power to the front dash and stuff too.
And yes we did have had to run the generator to keep the coach going several times. One time was that and another was the inverter itself was going bad and not allowing enough volts to go to the batteries.
These things are tricky and interconnected in little ways. One interconnected way is the cruise control was leaking air and causing the ABS light to come on and stay on. Fixed the air leak and no more ABS light .... go figure.

Oh and this is Christine, his wife, Thom doesn't post or read the site. I do tell him about things on it thou. I just don't like using a lot of things like DH for Thom or DS or either of our boys.

georgetown350 · 02-22-2013, 07:35 PM

Thom is missing out. Sorry Christine I chose the first name listed ( thats my story and sticking to it)

These coaches do have complicated electrical systems. I'm looking forward to tackling this problem and then it will be for sale...... might move down to a tent....... less head aches

or maybe a fifth wheel

If anyone would like to purchase it now, bring a big tow truck.

PyrateSilly · 02-22-2013, 08:17 PM

While we have had some problems and some headaches we also both realize that we are fine living in it full-time. Some of them have been expensive but it is still less than what the house cost with everything.
I can understand if it is just not for you and hope you don't quit camping all together.

georgetown350 · 02-23-2013, 06:22 AM

Just frustrated with all the repetitive problems.

I am looking forward to getting outside and trying some of these suggestions.. I will follow up on what ever I find but it might not be for a week or two. Still waiting for a warm dry day.

Mike Canter · 02-23-2013, 06:39 AM

LOL, there are two new words for us up here in Maine.......warm and dry weather. Getting ready to be hit by another snow storm. It could be worse, I could be in Kansas City, they are going to get 18" today.

georgetown350 · 02-28-2013, 06:29 PM

Ya we got that storm, at least my snowblower starts .

georgetown350 · 03-06-2013, 03:29 PM

Got out today and started poking with the tester light. The positive cable that runs from the chassis battery to the disconnect seems suspect. I really had to scratch the end that meets the battery to get the light to illuminate, but at the other end where it meets the disconnect there is no power..... bad connections for sure......... this weekend I will remove all the cables and thoroughly clean them. And then hopefully the coach will start which would be great. And then if the alternator starts charging as well, I will be thrilled. So thats the question for now..... did I ruin the alternator with these bad connections or did the poor connections give the illusion of a bad alternator. Cant wait to find out..

Mike Canter · 03-06-2013, 03:36 PM

Hopefully just a illusion of a bad Alt

georgetown350 · 03-09-2013, 11:54 AM

Nice day today got out and removed the battery cables and cleaned them with an electric grinder, tooth brush, baking soda and sos pad.... over kill maybe........

Coach started right up and the alternator is charging as it should. I'm thrilled....... coach starts, alternator is ok and maybe the batteries to.

ps Mike you were right when you said I was making this out to be bigger problem........ what I have learned from this is don't do a half ass job when cleaning your battery connections....... and I think its important to keep the acc small cables on top so that the big important battery cables get a better connection.

pro_coupe 34 · 03-10-2013, 06:42 PM

I would say Mike summed it up. Try new battery, try starting engine. If a click click is there you got ground problems check all grd and positives leading to starter. You be surprised what a little rust would do to DC. good luck

georgetown350 · 03-10-2013, 08:59 PM

Quote:

I would say Mike summed it up. Try new battery, try starting engine. If a click click is there you got ground problems check all grd and positives leading to starter. You be surprised what a little rust would do to DC. good luck

Yes Mike summed it up. Bad battery connections which fooled me into thinking the alternator and batteries were toast. Lesson learned....

Thanks for all the help everyone.

fastcat · 03-11-2013, 05:56 PM

Glad you're up and running again.

I use the corrosion washers on everything I own, even my drag car. I buy them by the can, probably a couple hundred at a time.

http://static.summitracing.com/globa...0898pt_w_m.jpg

Use one to wipe the "goop" all over the terminals and post then throw it away. Then put a new one on the battery post, under the terminal.

It's not a perfect preventive measure but it sure helps. Cheap insurance.

Mike Canter · 03-11-2013, 06:25 PM

All my terminals for house and chassis batteries use bolts on top of the posts so do you think those felt washers at the bottom will works?

georgetown350 · 03-12-2013, 05:30 AM

Quote:

I use the corrosion washers on everything I own, even my drag car. I buy them by the can, probably a couple hundred at a time.

I have baking soda that I mix with water ( a little messy) your idea sounds better.

Quote:

All my terminals for house and chassis batteries use bolts on top of the posts so do you think those felt washers at the bottom will works?

If your question is in reference to my comment about placing the small accessorie cables on top instead of between the battery cables, I also have those bolts on top of the batteries and it just seems that the small loops of the acc cables do not allow the bigger battery cable connectors to lie fat. Not saying this was necessarily the problem ( was most likely the corrosion.