No 12 VDC Cabin Power

[dangerruss]

I have 115VAC whether using ground power or the generator inside the motor home. I have checked the 115VAC to 12VDC converter and it is putting out the proper voltage. Batteries are staying charged. However, there is no 12VDC at the input of the power center.
I have checked the circuit breaker that is inside Onan generator and it is good. I noticed there is a relay inside the Onan. It has 12VDC on one side and no voltage on the other. So, this relay is open. Not sure if that's the problem or not...or what controls this relay but, without a wiring diagram I am kind of in a pickle. any ideas on what the problem could be?

[Bordercollie]

Try to learn as much as you can about the 12 volt DC power system in your rig. It consists of a converter/charger that is powered by 110 volt AC "shore/camp" power and that keeps your "house batteries" charged . When you are running the rv generator , it charges the house batteries. When you are driving, the truck alternator charges the house batteries. You need to replenish battery electrolytes with distilled water to keep plates covered. Buy a rubber bulb-type battery filler. Buy a simple digital multimeter, read instructions, and learn to use it to check battery voltage and whether charging system is working properly. Also useful in basic troubleshooting. Find the 12 volt fuse panels and learn how to check for blown fuses. Learn about switching from shore power to RV generator for your particular rig. Learn proper procedure for starting, shutting down and re-starting RV generator and roof AC system. There are books etc. to explain all of the above and more.

[CharlesinGA]

dangerruss wrote:
Sorry for the confusion... The generator only puts out 115VAC, 60 Hz. However there is a relay located in the same cabinet and the relay is open. It has 12VDC on one side and zero volts on the other. Not sure how this relay is controlled or even if that's the problem. In my camper I believe the salesman switch only turns off and on the lights in the motor home as long as the switches on the individual lights are on. I have access to the power distribution center and there is no 12VDC going to the power distribution center. So, where ever this red wire comes from that is an 12 VDC input to the distribution center, upstream is where the issue is. I will try to post some links to pictures, but currently have a poor internet connection.

That would be the starter relay for the generator.

Charles

[enblethen]

Easy fix!
Thanks for the update!
Have a good trip!

[dangerruss]

I feel so stupid. There is a series of switches on a panel just as you enter the living area of the camper on the left. Outside light, step, etc. and then a rotary switch that somehow got turned off. Everything was working when my wife left Gunnison. When she got to Ouray nothing was working. Good grief... Everything is working now and we are happy campers. Thanks everyone for your advice and support. CASE CLOSED! 🙂

[dangerruss]

All 12VDC appliances and lights, etc. do not work on battery or from the converter. There is no 12vdc power getting to the distribution panel.

[kerrlakeRoo]

So when you have 120 VAC available do your 12 Volt DC appliances (lights, water pump etc) work, but they dont when you are trying to run on battery only? Is that the gist of the problem?
You said the converter is putting out power, but did you check at the batteries with the shore power both connected and disconnected?
Just wondering about a dropped ground.

[enblethen]

That sounds like a battery disconnect. Switches are commonly over the entrance door.
If you can not find switch, jumper between the two large posts, this should provide power to rig.
Then you need to find the switch, maybe on dash. Owner's manual should have this information.

[dangerruss]

I have the owner's manual. Unfortunately it is not much help with issue I am having. Plus, no electrical diagram in the manual. I have contacted Gulf Stream about a wiring diagram, but they said its proprietary information and could not release it. 😞

[kerrlakeRoo]

Gulfstream does have all their owners manuals avaiable on their website back to about 2000, have you checked there for any info?

[dangerruss]

Sorry for the confusion... The generator only puts out 115VAC, 60 Hz. However there is a relay located in the same cabinet and the relay is open. It has 12VDC on one side and zero volts on the other. Not sure how this relay is controlled or even if that's the problem. In my camper I believe the salesman switch only turns off and on the lights in the motor home as long as the switches on the individual lights are on. I have access to the power distribution center and there is no 12VDC going to the power distribution center. So, where ever this red wire comes from that is an 12 VDC input to the distribution center, upstream is where the issue is. I will try to post some links to pictures, but currently have a poor internet connection.

[enblethen]

Look for a main fuse in the 12 volt power distribution center.
Normally located behind metal plate next to the 120 volt breakers.

[donn0128]

I have never heard of 12VDC going thru the generator. Do you have a battery cut off switch? In motor homes they call them salesman switches. That is most likely your problem.