Challenger 1995 - help with tips, manuals, useful videos

[Leda]

Hi, we just bought a Damon Challenger 1996 ( it is 1996 by ownership, 1995 according to stickers inside the vehicle.)
I don't know where to start - we love it, everything is working, it has a safety, etc. but this motorhome is so much different than the one we had back in Europe. We had a Class C I believe according to the US classification... So any tips, links to manuals, useful videos will help and will be highly appreciated... I tried to find some, but did not have lots of luck in finding anything useful.

To start with the most important request we have - we are looking for a proud owner of the same motorhome living in Toronto / area and willing to help - I believe this will spare to me hours of writing questions in the forum... :))) Please, write me a pm - we would like to meet or at least talk over the phone. We will not take too much of your time - we promise.

For now the following questions already came up:

1. The water pump is working but I expected it to have more pressure. It flows really really slow. I have had a motorhome so I know it is not like at a house, but still I believe it shall be flowing stronger... Can it be because 2 of the batteries are really old and I believe they might not be working as good as they should? Any other guesses and tips?
2. Is the generator just charging the batteries or it can give power to the amenities?

This is it for now, but really - any help would be appreciated as for example this evening we lost half an hour to search in the motorhome and on the net how to switch of the lights that are attached to the furniture, near the floor (the small ones, I guess showing your way when getting up in the middle of the night...). By the way - it is from a switch on the dashboard if anyone else is searching for the same thing :)))

Looking forward for answers. Thanks a million!

[Nick-B]

Hi Leda, sorry for the late response.
The water pump should turn on and build pressure (all faucets off and no leaks) and then shut off until pressure drops. It is possible that the one-way check valve is bad in which case it will not hold pressure and keep running. Between that and the low flow, I have to think the pump is bad.

Now for the generator not supplying all the outlets and appliances, there is usually one GFI outlet in the system, probably in the bathroom that also feeds out to many more outlets. If it is tripped all the others will be dead. See if you can find a GFI outlet and reset it. Also, GFI outlets can go bad as well. And yes, yuou can run the generator while travelling.

[Leda]

Regarding water pump I found the pressure adjustment but it didn't change anything. I turned it 3 times with no visible change to be seen. So now I have decided to clean the filters but before I do so shall I drain the whole water tank?

Something else maybe important to mention - when I turn the cold water on it is slow but it still flows, but if I turn the hot water on it barely flows, almost drop by drop...

Also, shall the water pump turn off from time to time? I mean as soon as I turn on the button for the pump it works without stopping till I turn it off. In my old motor home it was working for a while and then stopping by itself as soon as you do not use it. Before you ask - I have checked for leaks in order to find if it is losing pressure because of leaking somewhere but no leaks where seen... it seems that it is losing pressure and that is why it is not flowing as it should as well as it is working all the time to make up for the lost pressure... but how and where?? Any guesses and suggestions what else to check?

Also, the generator works and is charging the batteries but I don't have power in the plugs and the microwave is not working as well... maybe there is a switch that makes it gives power to the plugs and appliances? It does not seem to be automatic... any tips?

Last but not least especially in this weather - I read in the manual that air conditioner can work either with generator or with external power source. So can I use it while driving? And as I can not find how to give power to appliances from the generator I can not use it for now... help please. THANKS SO MUCH!

[Leda]

Thanks everyone! Update by now - I have downloaded a Manual and I have checked the old batteries. One was working well, one not and I replaced it. Still the water is flowing very slow. I have to find the pressure adjustment and I'll report again... :))

Noone in Toronto are with Damon Challenger 1995? The guy at the e-test today told me that just yesterday he e-tested another one, the same as mine...

[Nick-B]

The generator must be started when you need it. It is not automatic. Look for a panel something like this -

You may find it in the kitchen area or even inside a small cabinet. You press it until it starts but if it doesn't start within about 10 seconds, release the button and let the starter cool for a minute, then try again. It may take several tries. If it cranks too slowly, then start the main chassis engine to provide maximum voltage to the battery. When you are finished using the generator, press and hold the switch in the Stop position until it fully stops.

[Teacher_s_Pet]

There is a a pressure adjustment screw on the head of most 12 volt pumps. Find the manufacturer, series and model number on the pump and do a search online for the owner's manual to adjust the water pressure, if all else checks out.

[Leda]

Thank you for the answers! I'll do all you adviced.
Maybe a stupid question but in my old motorhome I didn't have generator... when I turn on the generator, do I have to do anything like pushing a button or something cause at the moment it does not start automatically to give power to the appliances...

[gbopp]

Unscrew the end of your faucets and clean the screen. It may be partly clogged causing the slow flow.
While you're doing that, you may want to sanitize your fresh water system.

If the batteries are old, they may need replaced. But first, make sure the terminals are clean and tight. Then charge and test the batteries.

Don't hesitate to ask questions.

Enjoy your travels.

[Matt_Colie]

Leda,

Many older manuals are available on the web. Start with Google and keep going. Many of the manufactures do post them in the support section, but many owners groups do as well.

I know I have seen a Damon group. It might have been at irv2.com.

Good luck.

Matt

[Ava]

Get a good volt / ohm meter and learn how to use it to track most electrical issues. Good luck

[Mandalay_Parr]

Low battery voltage will make the pump slow.
Generator should give 120volt power to all appliances.