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DKM_Fam
Explorer
Oct 24, 2014

NewBie with a 12 VDC hose power question

We just purchased our first class A. It is a 2004 Gergie Boy Pursuit (35’) with the Ford V-10 chassis. When we left our dealership, the house batteries would work the DC lights when the coach was not hooked up to shore power. When I got the coach home, none of my DC things work when the coach is turned not running, or the genny is not running, or the coach is not plugged in. I had the two house batteries replaced, so I know they are good. I found the DC disconnect switch by the front door for turning off the house bank when stowing it. When I push the switch to “use”, I can here the solenoid switch click, but still nothing. No lights, no steps, natta. Am I missing a switch somewhere? Sorry for the long winded question, just scratching my head on this one and could use a little help.

Thanks in advance for the info.
  • Thank you all for the quick response.

    Unfortunatley, we did not get much of a walk through. the coach was a used "as is" unit, and the dealership was not that helpfull with the delivery stuff. I did get all the batteries replaced on the coach from the dealer, and they are going to fix the Big Foot levelers. They will not go down,and the delaeship had to order a new controller board for the unit.

    Thank you Dennis for the list of ideas. I will dig out my meetier and check the things you mentioned this weekend. The coach is clian, clean ,clean with only 31K miles on it.

    I checked out everything from the many pre purchase lists from the forum before I purchased it. We love the layout, and part of the fun for me is learning all the systems. I am a previous minni Class C owner so am somewhat familure with RV systems, this Class A is just bigger than my previous. I am suspecting a fuse or perhaps the sylenoid for the DC disconect.

    Wish me luck and thanks again.

    Dennis
  • I think the solenoid contacts have failed even though you can hear it change state with the disconnect switch. Power from the AC to DC convertor is after the disconnect which is why everything works when you have AC power is available.

    If the selling dealer is close and they have a service department give them a call and see if they will help you on this. It's not a difficult or time consuming repair. A solenoid is usually are less than $50 (it looks like a firewall mounted car starter solenoid) and labor should be less than an hour. As a newbie and not knowing your electro-mechanical skill level I am hesitant to call if a DYI Saturday afternoon project tearing into you Battery Control Center (aka BCC).
  • A couple thoughts...there should be only one switch for the batteries. So, the next step should be with a 12VDC meter. You replaced the batteries, so start there.

    1. Are the batteries hooked up right? Are they fully charged?
    2. Is there an inline fuse running from the battery bank? Is it good?
    3. Do you have power at the disconnect switch?
    4. Do you have power at the front side of the solenoid? Back side?
    5. Does your unit have one of the Big Boy solenoids?

    Let us know what you discover after these tests...often it's easier just to go back to the dealer and have them redo the walk thru. I recommend videotaping the walk thru so you can review it for things you missed....Dennis
  • donn0128 wrote:
    Tripped relay or blown fuse would be my first guess. Either get out or buy a VOM, and start tracing power.


    Read all the manuals that came with your MH. Assume nothing.
  • Tripped relay or blown fuse would be my first guess. Either get out or buy a VOM, and start tracing power.