Troubleshooting guide
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Under normal circumstances, the generator will start from the switch inside the
motorhome. If it does not, you can try to start the generator from the switch on
the generator itself. Some generators have a switch for winter and summer. This
switch should already be set for the time of year in which you are traveling.
However, if you are still having trouble starting the generator, make sure this is in
the correct position.
Once the generator is started, let it run 2 to 3 minutes before turning on or
operating any electrical appliances. In most motorhomes, the generator has an
output of 4.0 kw. In Class A vehicles, the output is 6.8 kw.
If, while running the roof A/C using the generator, you turn the knob on the A/C
from COOL to FAN, wait 2 to 3 minutes before turning this knob back to the
COOL position. Otherwise, by not waiting, the generator may become
overloaded.
C. THE AUXILIARY BATTERY
All our vehicles have two batteries. One that is used to run the chassis-related
electrical system and one called the auxiliary battery that is used in the function of
the systems in the living space of the RV (cabin). This auxiliary battery can also
be used to start the engine in the event that there is a problem with the engine
battery.
The cabin lights, fans, water pump, etc. are examples of things that can be
powered with the auxiliary battery. (Note: the radio is powered by the engine
battery rather than the auxiliary battery.) The engine battery and the auxiliary
battery are isolated from each other, which is to say that if one battery runs down,
the other one remains charged. In most of our motorhomes, the auxiliary battery
is under the hood. In some models it is under the step inside the side entrance.
All Class A units have two auxiliary batteries.
Check the auxiliary battery charge regularly! Never let it get completely
discharged. Inside the motorhome is an indicator that shows the condition of the
auxiliary battery. Both batteries are charged up automatically when the engine is
running. The auxiliary battery is also charged by the converter when the
generator is running, or when you are hooked up to an external source of power.
However, charging with either of these two methods is very slow – the engine
alternator produces 90 amps, whereas the converter in most models charges the
battery at only 3 amps in Class C models and 15 amps in Class A models. To
maintain an adequate charge on the battery(ies), you should start the engine
twice a day and let it run for 30 minutes. In cold weather, you may have to run
the engine more than this. If you are using the heater, please run the engine
every 3 to 4 hours for approximately 30 minutes. In general, the more you use
systems in the motorhome, the more you should recharge the batteries.