Just purchased my first motorhome. It was delivered to my home from camping world in Bath, NY. The unit is a 2005 four winds 5000 , Chevy Chassis. My problem is none of the electrical outlets have power to them. The generator starts and runs, all of the lighting works but no outlet power. How a unit leaves this way is beyond me, it's was very dirty, no metal put rod for the awning etc...pretty poor considering it was delivered five days late because they wanted yo make sure it was perfect for me on delivery...any help would be greatly appreciated...

The lights are probably 12V and run from the battery supply and not shore power/generator. Lots of possible causes including 1) no transfer switch and shore power cord needs to be plugged into generator outlet 2) bad transfer switch 3) tripped breaker at power convertor or generator 4) generator to generating power. Is there an outlet you can plug shore power in to rule out everything related to generator? Assuming a 30amp shore cord, you can get adapters to plug into regular residential outlets but you won't have enough power to run A/C and major appliance. You should get enough to check for power though.

That sounds like a gfi problem reset it bu pushing the red button on the outlets.

Lighting is 12 volt, so the genny has nothing to do with the lights working.Does it have an automatic transfer switch? Ours doesn't. We have to plug our 30amp shore power cord into a receptacle in the storage compartment that is powered by the genny.Do the receps work when plugged in to shore power? If not, check for a GFI recep.Seeing you are from the Endless Mtns of Pa, you should check the link in my signature.

Does the microwave and/or A/C work? If so then it is probably a GFCI problem. If they don't work, you could have a bad transfer switch like myself.

After checking these things out, my very next phone call would be to CW to have them send a technician to fix this thing at no cost to you. This unit should not have been sent to you in this condition in the first place. Very shoddy service on their part.

Electrical help needed | Good Sam Community

Vintmxman
Explorer
Oct 11, 2013
That's exactly what I grabbed, my log poker from my old wood stove...I'm ahead of you on that ..but thanks all the same !
NC-Hawk
Explorer
Oct 11, 2013
no metal put rod for the awning

Rather than buying one which has a limited use. Go buy a cheap fireplace poker. http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120511015806/condemned/images/f/f4/Poker3-1-.gif

When not pulling out the awning, can also be used around the campfire.
:B
mikhen
Explorer
Oct 11, 2013
Knowing you had some fried wires, it may be a good idea to make sure no other components got damaged.

Just because you get power now, there could have been some internal damage on your microwave, etc.
Bordercollie
Explorer
Oct 11, 2013
I would go to CW when they have new switch installed, have them demonstrate starting generator to get power and using external 110vac power with shore cable. Then make sure all the 110vac appliances, including furnace and roof air conditioner are working. (Fridge will need to run overnite for cooling). Note that some apppliances need both 12 volt DC power for automatic controls and 110vac or propane power to operate. This includes your furnace. This means that your house battery(s) must be good and properly charged and that your 110vac powered converter box must keep the house batteries charged when you are plugged into 110vac power or getting power from your generator. Get a simple plug-in AC power monitor and plug it into an outlet. You can tell at a glance if you are getting 110vac power and if line voltage is high enough to run roof AC, microwave, etc. Low line voltage can damage roof AC unit. Buy a simple voltmeter and learn how to use it to check house battery voltage. Learn how to maintain battery electrolyte levels with distilled water and periodically clean battery connections. You have to learn how to do basic checks and maintenance yourself, don't rely on others.
jdog
Explorer
Oct 11, 2013
Just read a similar post from a guy whom also bought from CW and had it delivered. It was dirty with other problems also. They were supposed to do a clean up and inspection but instead did nothing but be late with delivery. I guess this is the standard for Camping World.
Vintmxman
Explorer
Oct 11, 2013
I believe I located the issue...Multiple wires fried on my transfer switch. It is located under the bed. Would have never dreamed to look there to be totally honest. Is there any transfer switch better than another ? CW will be replacing this item on their nickel but I would like to request a good quality unit Disappointed to think they didn't check this standard system out prior to delivery. Makes a guy wonder what else is screwed up...Very poor pre delivery inspection by CW Bath, NY...they didn't seem to make any errors/ issues cashing my check. I love the camper and look forward to traveling with my family And meeting some new people.Thanks to everyone again for the great advise...:)
dennislanier
Explorer
Oct 11, 2013
My transfer switch is located UNDER the bed of all places. Maybe if you locate the breaker panel the switch will be close by. Don't rule out looking ANYWHERE inside and out for the transfer switch. Doesn't seem to be much uniformity in locating components for the different brands of motorhomes.
donn0128
Explorer II
Oct 11, 2013
Look in the shore power compartment for a receptable. Plug the shore power cord in and start the generator.
Vintmxman
Explorer
Oct 10, 2013
Microwave and A C do not work, GFI are rest...not sure where the transfer is located or if it has one. I will check everything you each have mentioned and then call CW to fix. Wanted to use it this coming weekend but that plan may not pan out. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated. I'll report back tomorrow after my search for power.. Great site with some fantastic people. Pleased to know you all are out there and o willing to help...
jhlady
Explorer
Oct 10, 2013
Vintmxman,

Might sound too simple, but being that you said this is your fist motorhome, did you turn on the power at the command center? There will be some type of power switch which energizes the lights and other systems from the house batteries.

Hope this helps.