dickandlois

Rabbiz, Welcome to FMCA, You mentioned replacing the coach batteries and the transfer switch. Think you should check all the electrical connections related to the shore power circuits. Make sure that both 110 circuits are present from the shore power riser and the neutral and ground connections are good. Check all the wire terminals at all the connection points, breaker box(s), Inverter and all the ground connection and bounding straps. Do you have the same problem of tripping the circuit breaker(s) on the generator under the same weather conditions or do things work properly when the generator is running ? When the Charger is running are the batteries charging properly? Rich.

From the information you posted in regards to the presents of power / voltage at the motor and that the voltage reverses, one has to think its a motor issue. you might try this link and I will see what other information is out on the web. The information you posted will serve you will while looking for information and parts ! http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-awnings/rv-awning-parts-instr.htm Rich.

Just trying to figure out how one understands illogical / logic. I have been down that road and until something bad happens, I may never know if I have the proper documentation. Just have to wonder how many continuances will be needed from in front of the Honorable _________, will be needed. One of those mysteries in life! Thanks for your time putting the experience into words. Rich.

Dan, I found a picture of the rod that keeps the door from swinging to far by not catching to pin located inside the door. I sure looks like the one in your picture is not bent properly at the bend a few inches from the door frame pivot point. That bend not being the correct angle would keep the rod from catching the pin. Rich.

Dan, The general rule is 1/4 cup of bleach to 1 Gal of water. This mixture is used to get bleach into the tank. one gal of this mix will sanitize 15 gals of water in the tank. So if the tank holds 45 gals of water, add 3 Gals and fill the water tank. pump water through all the plumbing, Hot water tank, kitchen, bathroom, and any other lines. Let it set for 3 or 4 hrs then dump and flush the system with fresh water. Rich.

Roadtrekrunner, Are you talking about the door that you enter the coach area or the passenger door? The hinges on the coach door that extend out from the body just behind the passenger door do not have a spring or a detent bar built into them, like the hinges on the passenger or drivers doors. This door is open all the way or closed from what I have seen. Could you post a picture of you door hinge(s) for the group. Having said that there is a nylon strap the limits the door to 90 deg. that connects between the door frame behind the passenger door and connects to the coach door with a retractable roller mounted inside the door that is spring loaded to retract the strap. Is this the item that is missing? Rich.

Hi Bob, Well, the damage could have been a lot worse. You got my personal message and when you get things patched up let the group know how things went. Rich.

Hi Gwilly, There is a maximum Rim pressure stamped into the Rim, one needs to look for them and the numbers a not that big. With your Vin number and a call to Freightliner Custom Chassis, they can fill in the gaps. They also have the air line drawings on file for Chassis by Vin number, so there might be a convenience one hidden somewhere !!! The Rim pressure is the max. one can go. Steel rims are generally around 110 psi and Aluminum Rims top out around 132 psi. Rich.

CMS, Could you post the Make, Model and Year of your coach. They do not wire them all the same and even the A&W colors can change over time. By chance are there any model or serial numbers on your one step that you could provide. Rich.

Hi John, That is a lot of damage to the air system. I have gone over 4 years on a filter on my coach, but drove fewer miles. When I had it replaced at the shop the mechanic mentioned that it was in good condition and would have lasted longer. There has not been a response to date from any other forum members, that mention a similar problem. Could you expand on your general area of the country that you live and what areas you traveled in and through over the time the failed filer was in the system. The best you can. The troubling issue for me is the the powder inside the filter was able to migrate through the entire system. I would think the powder would have to be dry. Had it absorbed some moisture, this would have limited its ability to migrate through the system to the extent it did. I have to wounder if the cartridge was defective or damaged in some way when it was installed. In that case we all could have a failure of this type. Rich.

Paul, What Coach do you have and model year? Could you also include the make and model of your inverter. When you mentioned loosing light(s) your referring to the 12 volt powered ones. You plug a lamp into the dedicated outlet and no 110 volts present now. Some systems have a fuse mounted on a latching relay (only about 7 amps) and if it failed then to latching relay will not change over to the battery 12 volts. I,m Thinking that when this fuse fails the indicator light on your panel fails to light. Rich.

Hi Paul, I would go along with Clay. There is a transfer relay and control circuit board inside the unit. Think you have an option to change out the current unit for a new sine wave system or replace the defective board.. A call to Xantrex to check on availability and cost might be good, then you know where you stand regarding repair cost; to replacement cost. They will ask a number of questions, this helps them in regards to having the correct parts on hand. The board that controls the inverter portion in my unit failed about 5 years ago and I had it repaired in NC for around $200.. No shipping fees and they can be steep. Make plans ahead of time so you can limit the turn around time. Rich.

Herman, A # 4 stranded cable is rated at 70 amps and a # 2 is rated at 95 amps. Going to a 1/0 wire would raise the current-carrying ability to 125 amps. A current that is way beyond what the the circuits should need. Beamer, could you post the size(s) of all the fuses in the primary 12 volt power panel in you Coach or just post the total current of all the fuses not including the main buss fuses. Then post the main fuse size(s) if by chance there a 2 main fuses. One could find a DC current prob at Lowes. They have them that can read 600 amps AC and 400 amps DC in the 40 to 50 dollar range if I remember. I have an Ideal # 61-768 and its been discontinued. Google it to see what it looks like !! The closest one would be the 61-746 at $ 69.00 from Amazon. Could be $100 to $140 more at some outlets. Man things have gone up since I got mine. Well , That might not be an option for you. Should you fined someone that has this type of meter, they can read the current flowing in the circuit. The total current draw through the Solenoid / Relay could lead you to an issue in a sub 12 volt power panel. Reading the voltage difference across the Solenoid / Relay. Low resistance equals lower heat (low power loose). High resistance equals High Heat ( High power loose) Bad relay contacts. Time to replace the relay, but in your case you have replaced the relay. So that is not the issue unless you got a bad one and that could be determined by just reading the voltage on the input and output. Big difference, go back to the store, the one you got could be bad. By chance could you attach a picture or 2 of the solenoid and the wiring around it ? That much heat means a lot of power going somewhere, and the where is the real issue. The real interesting item is, being plugged into shore power; a charger is generally running at 30 to 40 amps. Question, do you see any unsubstantial drop in the battery voltage level(s) ? Rich.

Dwight, this number falls into your father's timeline and when you where a lot younger. Wounder if the home office would like to get this one for the 75th reunion? Rich

ThrushI, The fact that fan cooling motor ( from your description) was eating itself from the inside out. So replacing one from a salvaged unit with all the effort you put into keeping the hydraulic system clean by flushing the system and replacing the filters and fluid on regular 5000 mi intervals might not be the first choice. Think asking Nova how they rebuild them and if they use different material for the internal parts and the shaft bearings would be in order. Rich. PS----Being in WV for this long, you will soon be considered a resident. One of my best friends is from the state and we do have very similar backgrounds. Probably the reason we are friends, when I think about it.

Smokeater, If you live out our way I would get you into the local starter shop and have JR rebuild it. The fact that you got it to work by hitting it leads to knowing its an issue with the starter. Could you get the OEM part number for the starter and post it for me ? Will do a little book work and see what I can find out about it and see what options and prices I can find. Good to have a few options, regarding replacements and where to get one. I have been down that road and now keep a spare in the coach. Mine died and the dealer we stopped at did not stock it, so I asked if they would install the one I carry. They had no problem with it. Rich.

Well there are people pretending to be from Microsoft calling and saying there is a virus on your computer and they will take care of the problem. Ask for there telephone number, bet its 209-845-7707 and it is a scam It is in California and nothing but trouble. DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY INFORMATION. Rich.

The Solenoid is in a 50 to 70 amp 12 volt circuit. That can generate a lot of heat, think it feeds one of the main 12 volt power panels; plus one of the sub panels that power the slide out circuits and some others. That is a total of 600 to 800 plus watts. That much power will make things get hot. the cables are #2 or 4 Gauge running between the battery and solenoid an between the solenoid and DC power Box. Rich.

Denny, Could you post the Make, Model and Year of your coach? Just posted and see that you lost the Microwave and Refrigerator. That would lead one to check the circuit breaker(s) on the inverter / Charger Rich.

Sounds like you have a good handle on things. I'm thinking that the carbon build up on the on slip ring and the fact that the one brush was stuck limited the voltage on the one side. Resistance between slip rings = 5.2 ohms. (spec 17.2 ohms) Reading a little low for whatever reason, but I think I would install the brush when things are clean. Read the voltage with the coach still up, so you can get to it if you need to do more work. The low reading maybe caused by a short in a winding, this could explain the carbon build up on the slip ring and the brush being stuck to the side of its holder. High current load on the circuit could have caused the issue. You could see if there is a motor rewinding shop in your area that could rewind the coil if needed. That would mean removing the unit from the coach. I can not remember if this model had a Belt driven water pump. If it does you might want to change it, as they recommend replacing at 1000 hrs. on the 7.5 and 8k size units. Getting older has its good and bad side. Glad I'm still around, but must admit I really enjoyed the younger side. LOL Work safe Rich. P.S. When you master this one you will be the official source of information on this style Alternator setup !!!!

Smokeater, With very little voltage drop, that could mean that the relay in the starter circuit is not working. Wat Chassis do you have ? If its a Freightliner Chassis, then look for a large wire running from the starter solenoid to a relay that frequently is located / mounted to the frame rail close to the starter. Check to see if the small wire(s) from the ignition switch are OK, nice clean connection(s) and the wire is not broken if it is protected with shrink tubing. Check to see if you have voltage at the relay when the key to turned to start. If No voltage then its a problem other then the starter. With the key on very carefully jump across the large terminals on the relay if the starter engages, you have a bad relay ..... Just be very careful when jumping these terminals !!! Very High Current Area . If you are not sure just get some help !!!!! Just be aware that being under a coach engine when its cranking and starts can be a little hair raising !! Should it crank you have found the problem and can get it started so no tow is needed to get where you need to get it replaced... EDIT 4-8-2013----A little slow yesterday. If you have a Monaco the starter relay in often in the rear engine compartment electrical box. Work Safe Rich..

Hi Don, I think you passed on the fix while I was out pruning some apple trees. Thanks Rich.... !!!!!

Smokeater, If you have a soft blow hammer laying around give the starter a couple of hits and see if it turns over. A piece of wood works also. Metal hammer not quite as hard of a hit !!! Have the DW or someone try to start it while giving it a hit or two --- just do not jump to far if it starts, can be a little startling !! pun intended !!! If it starts it is the starter !!!!! Rich

Chuck, Could you post the make and model number of your water heater for the group along with the pump make and model request from DD. Do you have the same flow rate problem when you turn on the hot water first ? and is the flow problem at all the taps ? Rich.

Hi Leo, What a Bummer !!!!! With the coach being out of service for this long I hope you are in a nice part of the country out of the Cold. Sure hope Nova has what you need and that this trail of tears ends. One would think that ESP would look at the entire system as an issue when its obvious the metal had contaminated every part of the system. How many miles are on the coach now ? Keep us informed regarding your progress. Rich.