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07caddy's avatar
07caddy
Explorer
Jul 25, 2017

Electrical issues with Class C ... help!

We're experiencing sudden electrical issues with our 2011 Fleetwood Jamboree Sport 25G (E450 chassis). The camper sat for 2 months and prior to parking everything but the stairs worked fine.

Here's a synopsis of the challenges:

1. Interior camper lights only work if the vehicle is running or plugged into shore power.
2. The auxiliary battery switch only works when plugged into shore power or when the vehicle is running. Lights are very dim on the panel where I check status of batteries, tanks, etc).
3. Can only start the generator (from the panel)if the vehicle is running or plugged into shore power. I used to be able to start the generator with the vehicle off and not plugged into short power.
4. Electric stairs stopped working.

What we've done:
1. Replaced truck battery
2. Replaced one of the 2 6v house batteries (one tested good and the other tested bad).
3. Checked the fuses in the battery compartment under the stairs.
4. Checked the fuses in the converter.

We have the Intellitec Bi-Directional GAS Relay Delay, which I believe actuates a solenoid. When I turn on the aux battery switch I heard an audible click or thud.

I've read it may be a bad solenoid, the Relay/Delay switch, or converter. I have limited tools but willing to test/replace components. The soonest I can get it in for service is end of August.

Any suggestions on what to check at this point is appreciated!

11 Replies

  • 07caddy's avatar
    07caddy
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2017
    wa8yxm wrote:
    First you screwed up when you replaced just one six volt battery. The reason is there are no six volt batteries in an RV.. Absolutely none.. What you have is a 12 volt battery that was split into two halves so as to make them easier to handle (And for a few other reasons that do not apply here .. Like cost)

    YOu can't replace just half a 12 volt battery.. but you did.

    Now. did you put it in the same way the old one came out (In series) That is the other mistake folks. INCLUDING SOME RV DEALERS, make with six volt batteries.


    I understand now. thank you. I just replaced the old 6V with a new one so now i have 2 new 6V batteries. I put it back the way i found it, but that doesn't mean the consignment lot where we had the camper for the past two months didn't screw it up and i just repeated their mistake.


    Nothing works without shore power or the camper running. So maybe I screwed up the in series wiring.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jul 26, 2017
    First you screwed up when you replaced just one six volt battery. The reason is there are no six volt batteries in an RV.. Absolutely none.. What you have is a 12 volt battery that was split into two halves so as to make them easier to handle (And for a few other reasons that do not apply here .. Like cost)

    YOu can't replace just half a 12 volt battery.. but you did.

    Now. did you put it in the same way the old one came out (In series) That is the other mistake folks. INCLUDING SOME RV DEALERS, make with six volt batteries.
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2017
    I use AutoZone a lot, and they will check the battery for free. Your local parts store may do the same.

    If a battery has a bad cell, it ruins the whole battery but a test will show that.

    If it will take a charge, then perhaps your charging system is faulty.
  • Harvey51's avatar
    Harvey51
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2017
    If the above don't yield a quick fix, you might use a voltmeter to track down the problem. Turn some lights on, start at the battery - must be over 12 volts between the load wire connectors. Advance to the next place you can easily access the DC supply, probably the fuse box (attached to the converter?). If not over 12 volts there, you have to investigate the wires leading from battery to fuses. A long wire connected to battery negative allows you to measure between that and fuse positive - good voltage that way proves a bad negative connection, perhaps through chassis ground.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Jul 25, 2017
    do all the battery stuff the guys have told you about,if everything worked before ,its most likely a battery or connection problem.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jul 25, 2017
    Sorry but you goofed
    The RV started, the engine battery was good
    You should have replaced both 6v batteries
    They are electrical one battery in two pieces for easy carry
    The other one is also bad our very weak, you will just kill the new one because it won't charge properly connected in series with the old one

    Replace that battery and check all your power cables
    The battery grounds, both ends check it where it bolts to the frame
    Also check the interconnect cable that goes between the 2 6v batteries
    Clean the inside of the cable clamps, check for corrosion rust and breakage where the cable meets the clamp
  • Matt_Colie's avatar
    Matt_Colie
    Explorer II
    Jul 25, 2017
    Only a little more than Newman.

    You have a problem with the connection from the house bank.

    If you don't have the wiring diagrams, Try to get them from Fleetwood.
    Find a friend that understand electrics and feed him while he trouble shoots the system.

    Matt
  • sch911's avatar
    sch911
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2017
    IMHO: All of those symptoms would suggest that the house batteries are bad.
  • BluegrassBill's avatar
    BluegrassBill
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2017
    I would check every ground wire I could find and clean/ Tighten. Check all connections, Possible loose wires. Good Luck.

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