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Newbie , '89 Dodge Xplorer, no manual, help!

DoraXplorer
Explorer
Explorer
Hi, i just purchased a 1989 Dodge 228 Xplorer , I have ordered a replacement manual but in the meantime I need advice about electrical hookups. I am not getting any inside power for lights, fridge etc. I am currently parked in my home driveway and have Van plugged into110 extension In order to test system. Nothing works, even off of battery power? Is there a switch or box somewhere that needs resetting? Thanks in advance for suggestions.
12 REPLIES 12

goreds2
Explorer
Explorer
OK - thanks,
See Picture In My Profile
I have a 1989 Dodge XPLORER RV Class B - Purchased 10/15/10 IN CASH
Fiance' purchased a Class C 2002 Dynamax Carri-go on 5/1/15 IN CASH
We've got the best of both worlds

karlstream
Explorer
Explorer
I had a Fantastic fan in my Xplorer. I replaced the doomed lid with a lid with a flat top and gained an inch or more of clearance. I bought it from the Fantastic people.

I think I read that Fantastic has been sold or has gone out of business, so at this point, don't know the availability of parts.

Good luck.

karl

goreds2
Explorer
Explorer
Posting here and wondering if any 89 Dodge Xplorer owners have replaced the RV roof vent lid and have a link to the model number. I Want to replace with a flatter vent as it is currently tight pulling into garage. It fits but makes my future Mrs. goreds2 nervous.
See Picture In My Profile
I have a 1989 Dodge XPLORER RV Class B - Purchased 10/15/10 IN CASH
Fiance' purchased a Class C 2002 Dynamax Carri-go on 5/1/15 IN CASH
We've got the best of both worlds

goreds2
Explorer
Explorer
I have an 89 Xplorer also. Post a picture please. 🙂

Here is mine.
See Picture In My Profile
I have a 1989 Dodge XPLORER RV Class B - Purchased 10/15/10 IN CASH
Fiance' purchased a Class C 2002 Dynamax Carri-go on 5/1/15 IN CASH
We've got the best of both worlds

DoraXplorer
Explorer
Explorer
Very helpful, bless you! I'm already enjoying my new MH. I'm sleeping in it rather then in my house! So cozy. Can't wait for first big trip planned in June.

toedtoes
Explorer III
Explorer III
The converter is a standard item in an RV. It is often part of the battery charger. It CONVERTS 120v AC power into 12v DC power. This means when you are plugged into shore power (AC), your 12v systems (lights, fridge, etc.), will run from the shore power rather than from the battery.

The inverter is an optional device. It INVERTS 12v DC power into 120v AC power. This allows the 120v systems in your RV (outlets, air conditioner, etc.) to operate when not connected directly to shore power (AC).

You will have a converter/charger. Some RVs may have an inverter IN addition to the converter. That's a good way to remember what you have - the INverter will be IN addition to the CONverter.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)

DoraXplorer
Explorer
Explorer
Thank you all! I located the home battery and fuse box ( this model the battery is under the passenger seat, fuse box is under the AC near back ). I had two bad fuses, now fixed. I have lights, refrigerator and flush power. All good things! Still trying to understand converter or inverter? I've been told I may have one or the other, but they do the same thing?
Now I need to tackle the propane system, water system and clean out. I am checking manual link now. This forum is a gem!

karlstream
Explorer
Explorer
On some of the other Xplorer van campers, the 12 volt converter is mounted in the rear compartment on the drivers side. Some are also mounted under the bed next to that rear compartment. The converter is plugged into a 120 volt power outlet flush mounted nearby. When plugged into shore power, that converter box will be humming. If not, probably the first place to check is the AC breaker panel located in the cabinet directly above the closet. Might be a good idea to first check to see if you're getting any power to any of the 120 volt outlets. If I remember correctly, there is only one 120 volt circuit with the first outlet in the string being GFI protected.

karl

karlstream
Explorer
Explorer
I think the battery in the Xplorer is mounted in the floor under the entry step. There should be a big cable going from there to the 12 volt distribution box under the closet. You should see if you're getting 12 volts at the distribution panel. It's easily checked with a VOM.

I don't think the Xplorer has a 12 volt house disconnect switch

karl

toedtoes
Explorer III
Explorer III
First, test your battery to make sure it has a full charge and can hold it. When you plug into shore power, does the battery charge?

Then, check to see if you have lights when not plugged into shore power. If so, then it could be your converter is shot.

If you don't have power to lights when not plugged into shore power, then you might have a shut off switch (usually located near the house battery).

When you're plugged into shore power, are your outlets live? If so, then there's probably a cutoff switch. If not, then you might need a new charger/converter - especially if the battery won't charge when plugged into shore power.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)

firemedic08
Explorer
Explorer
Click me for the Manual
Donnie
1994 Chevy 2500 Extended cab
1987 28 ft travel villa 5th wheel.

Heapie
Explorer
Explorer
There is a EXPLORER MANUAL on the internet. I put in DODGE EXPLORER MANUAL and it came up. You can then copy it.

Heapie