Forum Discussion

OregonizedDave's avatar
Aug 06, 2017

Hello, new to the group and can't get RV to start.

Hello, my name is Dave and I am new to rving. I love it so far but I have a lot to learn about my motorhome. I have a 1993 Fleetwood Pace Arrow with a Chevy 454.

I am at the end of a week of dry camping and can't get my rv to start, any advice I can get will be greatly appreciated.

I am not connected to power and have not been running the generator. A few days ago the lights starting getting dim so I started the engine and let it run for about 45 minutes and then the lights were fine. This happened several times over the last couple of days and I let the engine run for a while each time.

The last time it started was Friday morning. When I came back friday afternoon everything was dead and it would not start. No interior lights, no dash lights, no cell phone charger, nothing.

I tried to jumpstart it with no luck. I have two six volt batteries and one 12 volt battery that were brand new three weeks ago. I pulled the 12 volt battery and had it charged at a shop. Reinstalled and still nothing.

I checked the fuses under the fridge and in the battery control center under the hood and everything is fine. Maybe I am missing a fuse box somewhere? Seems like an ignition fuse is bad.

Any ideas? I'm humbly hoping I missed something stupid and easy...

Thanks in advance for the help,

Dave
  • Batteries could be bad.
    If you have a toad or a neighbor, use jumper cables to the 12 volt chassis battery to get it going. After 10-15 minutes try to start the genset. It should have enough charge. The charge relay under the hood should energize after chassis battery has some charge. It (charge relay) will if it is good charge the system.
    If you have a meter, check the charge relay for voltage after main engine has run. The voltage on each side of the relay should be what the alternator is putting out.
    If you push the "aux" start button on the dash you should hear a click from the charge relay. The charge relay and the aux start uses the same relay.
  • I have to ask why you didn't use your genny? 45 minutes on your engine alternator isn't enough to charge your house batteries, not even close.

    Sounds to me like your batteries are toast, all 3.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,193 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 28, 2025