Help with Electrical
Brand new here, brand new to RV's --- HELP Recently acquired a 1989 Southwind, P-30. Was well taken care of its whole live. Owned it for 3 weeks and took it to a local shop to have it gone through,...
Forum Discussion
There's really no need for a schematic of the two electrical systems. They are all connected generically with user safety and usability in mind. Unless you need to replace wiring, a schematic won't help you one bit.
Here's a good site to understand the 12V system: 12 volt side of life
Here's another site with more advanced electrical explanation: RV electrical and solar
As was mentioned, put a meter across the battery terminals after starting the vehicle. Voltage should be above 13V. That is how you test an alternator for function. BTW, alternators don't have a last gasp. They have a major stroke and die instantaneously.[emoticon].
Good luck with the electrical. I think you should maybe get away from your lead mechanic. He may be a "parts changer" instead of having diagnostic skills. .
Good input from all - again, thanks sop much. Will see if I have tome this weekend... getting ready for a trip and may run out of daylight. But I will get back to tell what my findings are.... possibly not for a week or so. To be continued.
Here's a good site to understand the 12V system: 12 volt side of life
Here's another site with more advanced electrical explanation: RV electrical and solar
As was mentioned, put a meter across the battery terminals after starting the vehicle. Voltage should be above 13V. That is how you test an alternator for function. BTW, alternators don't have a last gasp. They have a major stroke and die instantaneously.[emoticon].
Good luck with the electrical. I think you should maybe get away from your lead mechanic. He may be a "parts changer" instead of having diagnostic skills. .
YC 1 wrote:
Head bump. There is one thing we might have missed. Your vintage RV may not be set up to charge on shoreline. Not uncommon. Start your generator or hook to shoreline and see if both banks of batteries are above 12.7 volts. If your engine batteries are not getting charged, then turn off the generator or unhook from shoreline and start the engine. See if both banks of batteries are getting charged. They may. This will tell us a lot about how your rv is set up.
Good input from all - again, thanks sop much. Will see if I have tome this weekend... getting ready for a trip and may run out of daylight. But I will get back to tell what my findings are.... possibly not for a week or so. To be continued.
