I'm a newbie at the forum stuff after lurking around reading others' posts. So, here goes: 4th RV, brand new 2014 ACE 29.2. During walk thru the tech says, "here's the macerator button: turn it on, pull the black then pull the grey, that's it." Sounds easy.Very first camping trip: almost full grey tank, I pull the grey and turn on the macerator. pump hums and never changes pitch. i can see that some water is coming out (not gushing out) and then the pump stops and the switch doesn't work. I wait 10 minutes and pump will work again. next time, it works 3 minutes and cuts off. now, it won't cut on at all. No blown fuses in the box. I've opened up the macerator and confirmed the blades will turn. I bypassed the macerator and confirmed (don't ask) that both the black and grey tanks are flowing freely. I can't see anything stuck in it. Is my macerator dead? Is there another fuse someplace to check. Help.

You might try contacting the manufacturer and if that doesn't work it's time to pay a visit to your sales rep.Bob

if it is spinning, don't think it is electrical. is it going around backwards?bumpy

Sounds more like the connection at the switch, or a dropped ground.

Call your dealer, warranty item.

my macerator stopped working | Good Sam Community

22 Replies

Effy
Explorer II
Aug 15, 2013
Never mind I found the fuse. The confusion was that on the panel box Macerator is labeled as a 20A but they installed a 15. I know in my job that sort of "mistake" would never fly. I mean it's a small mistake but man! These guys just slap these things together don't they?
Effy
Explorer II
Aug 15, 2013
Did you ever get this fixed? I am having the same issue now. I am familiar with macerators as I have a portable one too but it has the fuse in the handle. Where is the fuse on the installed one?
Executive45
Explorer III
Aug 09, 2013
Good for you...FYI, during my annual maintenance on my rig, I remove the motor, disassemble it, remove any hair and "stuff" from the blades, inspect the impeller and put it all back together. It takes all of about 30 minutes to complete the task. I've never had an issue with either of the units in my last two coaches....Dennis
treb_niktols
Explorer
Aug 08, 2013
I am going to do a little digging (pun intended) around to check on relays and other fuses. I have an appt. to take it in soon for a diag but, honestly, I'd rather figure it out and fix it myself. How else am I going to learn?
JimM68
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
your first description "it ran for a few minutes then quit, after a time it would run again" sounds like the heat sensor in the motor was opening, which would indicate it was jammed.

Now it sounds like the fuse blew.

Ours, a san-i-con brand, has an inline fuse in the wiring, tucked up behind the panel in the wet bay.

And no, I'd never ever go back. Our san-i-con makes an ugly task much cleaner and easier.
Executive45
Explorer III
Aug 07, 2013
I wouldn't have another coach without a macerator. The wiring needs a good solid 12V supply. It runs from the battery to the switch to a relay and then to the pump. You might have a bad relay if you ran the pump dry. When activated, it should pump a good solid flow. These pumps will pump 200' out and 6-8' up. The way you described your issue, it sounds like you were running it dry, which will ruin the pump and void your warranty. Check your relay...should be a small silver box about 1/2"X1" near the pump itself. Follow the wiring..there is a fuse also. Mine is in the engine compartment, but check also near your coach batteries....Dennis
Playtime_II
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
Wait til someone puts a "flushable" sani-wipe down there. Another repair item. If that is all of your troubles with a new unit, you are in the minority and be thankful.
RayChez
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
Just throw it away. I never have liked those macerators. Too small of a hose to pump all that out.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
I've always heard not to run the macerator on the first or second dump as any particles that fell into the tank can be passed through and do exactly what you are describing. Dump the tanks the normal way (by slinky) several times.

To the OP, make sure nothing goes in the grey or black tank other than toilet paper and body fluids. A friend's son put a piece of gum in ours and it stopped. I didn't realize until later, I took the unit apart and pulled the gum off of the blades. Be careful with dental floss accidentally slipping down the drain. I found a piece wrapped around our impaler too.

You will have a small list before you head back to the dealer..... I think every unit does.

MM.
Effy
Explorer II
Aug 06, 2013
treb niktols wrote:
I have explored the "old fashion" method and I'd be fine with that but it kind of ticks me off that my brand new RV, with a grand total of one trip under the hood, has a broken component. I know the warranty will cover but I'm still waiting on a call back from CW and it's annoying to take the rig up there when this might be a DIY job.

I otherwise really like the ACE 29.2 but I read all the complaints about the macerator situation and "hoped" it wouldn't happen to me.

At least your genset didn't******out on the way to Fla. Less than 40 hrs on it and it threw a rod. Cummins is fixing, but man what a hot ride down. Can someone say quality control?