Forum Discussion

93_Cobra's avatar
93_Cobra
Explorer
Jun 28, 2017

Wiring Diagrams

Hello everyone, new user here and I'm posting on behalf of my dad who owns a 1993 Cobra, Phoenix. I know it sits on a GM P30 chassis and has a 454 motor. He uses it a lot and just completed a 7,500 mile, coast to coast trip.

Are there resources available to download wiring diagrams? I've searched the internet but have not had any success. Having one would help in troubleshooting different things. I know Cobra is no longer around and I've read its considered an "orphan" brand.
  • Generally, no, there are no diagrams. RV's (coach portion) are typically just wired as needed with bulk rolls. They dont make harnesses for them like cars and trucks.
    Routing can vary even on the same model.
  • That's reassuring ;)

    Would be nice to have when looking at certain areas like the switching system for the house batteries.

    Thanks for the quick reply.
  • Really depends on what wiring diagrams you need.
    If it is for the chassis Chiltons Manual 28642 has drawings. They are pretty basic. Not many strange items in P-30 chassis.
    Your other posting says he is having alternator failure. That coiuld be caused by battery control center and fusing issues.
    The P-30 with the 7.4 engine charging system on our rig has eaten two alternators in about 180,000 miles. Problems were caused by operateor running down batteries and charging using the alternator rather then starting genset to charge through converter.
    Another issue that effected the charging was the battery ground connection. It was attached to the intake manifold under the air conditioner. It did not get serviced so it corroded severily. This got corrected by moving the ground connection to a better location.
    I would start by checking where the battery control center ties into the coach battery system. Look for a bad connection and possible a ground in the positive lead.
    Locate battery control center and post make and model.
  • Bud, thanks.

    This post was meant to be more general in nature (availability of wiring diagrams) He has had alternator problems and I provided more detail for that specific problem in the other post. For the chassis, the Chilton's is a great source.

    Thanks again for the tips.
  • there used to be a GM wiring book for the P30 chassis, specail order item
    about 12" by 24" and roughly $90

    it covered all the chassis wiring for all variations of the RV p30

    nothing in there about the RV house section
    as that is done by the builder during construction

    you might try a Cobra RV users group/forum
    and see if they have any of the info you are looking for

    generically most motorhomes have similar setups, power center, etc..
    most mfg DO NOT document wire routing (where it goes thru the RV), colors or connections and circuits are not usually numbered and listed , in away
    that they can tell an owner exactly where to look for a certain circuit junction or wire route

    there are exceptions, winnebago and safari both have schematics available
    but for safari those only show how the connections are wired, but not where the wires are run thru floor wall or ceiling
    i don't know how much info winnie drawings have

    many of the other mfg have nothing
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    An RV can be divided into basically 3 parts for this disucssion

    Engine-Chassis-Drive train.. Many sources for manuals Chliton's for example. it is basicaly a GM chassis even if it's a workhorse custom chassis.

    "Stuff" (Tv's. water pump, Furnace, Fridge, Doors, Mirrors, Windows, Air comnditioenrs, Fans, most every thign bolted to your RV) Download the owner's manual from the device manufacturer.. Google Make Model Manual (Replace make and model with the make and model number)

    Finally the wiring diagrams.. No joy there at all. you are on your own, Same for plumbinmg but there are a few miles less to figure out.

    HINT. IF at one wall the baseboard is a "Riser" like thing (Single step) That is where the utilities run (Water, Sewer and Electric may all be in that riser)