5th Wheel Owner & Repair Manuals

[NomadYooper]

Just bought a 1984 Prowler Lite (18') 5th wheel and am trying to figure out systems. Previous owner not much help. Anyone know where manuals might be available for purchase?

[rscraig]

I agree that the generic manuals are pretty much worthless. You'll learn lots more by surfing the web and asking questions on this list! The location of items like the converter vary from year to year and model to model. It is usually located at your breaker box, however you'll probably never need to access it unless you replace the whole unit.

I would not bother trying to replace the sending units in your tanks. They are notoriously inaccurate anyway--especially the black tank. Your tanks may just need a really good cleaning and flush. If they are not working at all, it may be the wires that run from them. On some trailers these are very exposed and can get corroded or broken easily.

[bikendan]

i seriously doubt that such a manual exists.
most manufacturers only provide a generic owner's manual that cover basic RV systems.
no such thing anymore, as a model-specific owner's manual, except for a handful of companies. maybe they did back in 1984.

you could contact Fleetwood, but i doubt if they have anything that far back.

plus you don't need a manual to answer your questions.

- which appliances run strictly off battery and which run on both AC and DC.a/c and microwave only run on AC. fridge and water heater will run on AC and propane, but uses DC for the board. furnace runs on propane but uses DC for lighting and fan.
- is there a battery charger when plugged into to AC?your trailer has a converter that will recharge the battery when plugged into shore power or generator.
- where is it?it's usually under or near the fridge. should have a plastic door that pulls down, showing the breakers and fuses. the converter is behind those.
- is there an inverter? where is it.unless a previous owner installed one, your trailer probably doesn't have an inverter.
- does pump for water pressure cycle off/on to maintain pressure?if the pump is cycling on/off, you probably have a leak somewhere.
- how do I get at tank level sending units to replace?look on the outside of the holding tanks. should be 3 wires going into the side of each tank.

[NomadYooper]

Thank you for that but I really want to know how systems are connected, e.g.:
- which appliances run strictly off battery and which run on both AC and DC.
- is there a battery charger when plugged into to AC?
- where is it?
- is there an inverter? where is it.
- does pump for water pressure cycle off/on to maintain pressure?
- how do I get at tank level sending units to replace?
and so on

[korbe]

Most of the separate appliances have owners manuals online. Search the model numbers.