Electrical Troubleshooting Tips For Newbies

[Aggie79]

Good stuff. Appreciate you taking time to put this information out.

[GaryNK]

Well JimD your not going to run out of things to keep you active anytime soon LOL.
Great stuff and goal. I think some very basic stuff would also be of interest. Difference in inverter and converter, Does the Coach battery(s) get charged when the coach motor is running, Does the coach shore power charge the coach motor battery, should you be disconnected from shore power if you run the genset etc etc etc

[Gene]

I got er fixed Jim, thanks for the ideas. There was a 30amp fuse that was blown, it was close to the battery and outside a junction box on the frame. They sure like hiding things. Have a good one!

[John91320]

Don't overlook reaching out to Jayco Customer Service for a copy of your units electrical schematics (12 and 110). It can be a help when you are chasing trouble...

cheers.

[GABob]

Thanks for sharing this, Jim!

[hartlenb]

Thank you sir! Downloaded and subscribed to the thread for any updates.

[usmc71]

Originally Posted by JimD

I have put together a couple of documents to help newbies troubleshoot common electrical problems in their RV. One of the documents will quickly show you how to use a test meter in case you never have used one.

The main document will give tips for most electrical items in your rig - furnace, fridge, transfer switch, inverter, converter, etc. Simple voltage tests to help narrow the problem down.

On many of the items I attempt to explain how they work because if you know what it is suppose to do, I believe it helps in the diagnostic process.

I have included a screen shot of one section to show you how it is put together.

This is version 1 of the document as I will probably be refining it after I get feedback from other electrical specialists out there.

The main reason I assembled these documents was because I missed doing this sort of thing. Before retirement I was an electronic tech in the field for 45 years with a heck of a lot of troubleshooting experience. I also created technical documents for others. I have been an RV owner for 30+ years (not counting when my RV was a Ford van) and have done near 100% of my own repairs. Since I am bored right now, it just all fell into place. Besides, I enjoy helping others when I can.

Thanks Jim this could come in real handy Appreciate it

[mprosser]

Thanks Jim! Already downloaded the trouble shooting guide. Nice write up.

[hamerjk]

Originally Posted by JimD

I have put together a couple of documents to help newbies troubleshoot common electrical problems in their RV. One of the documents will quickly show you how to use a test meter in case you never have used one.

The main document will give tips for most electrical items in your rig - furnace, fridge, transfer switch, inverter, converter, etc. Simple voltage tests to help narrow the problem down.

On many of the items I attempt to explain how they work because if you know what it is suppose to do, I believe it helps in the diagnostic process.

I have included a screen shot of one section to show you how it is put together.

This is version 1 of the document as I will probably be refining it after I get feedback from other electrical specialists out there.

The main reason I assembled these documents was because I missed doing this sort of thing. Before retirement I was an electronic tech in the field for 45 years with a heck of a lot of troubleshooting experience. I also created technical documents for others. I have been an RV owner for 30+ years (not counting when my RV was a Ford van) and have done near 100% of my own repairs. Since I am bored right now, it just all fell into place. Besides, I enjoy helping others when I can.

THANK YOU very much this is information most of us can keep and use when we need them now or later in life. I really appreciate this information. I hope you do not mind if I share with othe campers also. Happy camping....

[JimD]

First off I want to thank all of you for the very nice comments. I very much appreciate them.

Version 2 of the document is nearing release. I get close to release and then think of something else to stuff in there when I am trying to sleep at night. I have gone a little overboard and put in anything I can think of except the kitchen sink (it is not electrical, duh).

I have modified the layout to include a Table of Contents (attached) to make finding info a whole bunch easier. I have attached the current TOC to give you an idea of what is included, at least at this minute. If you have a minute, take a look and offer any suggestions you might have.

I have searched the net for other troubleshooting tips to add for items I haven't had the pleasure (?) of having to diagnose. Added more pictures and a bit of humor now and then.

[ctb013]

Thanks for all the work!! A small suggestion, our trailer has a 30 amp system and a gas/electric water heater. May want to mention that the water heater in electric heating turns off (kills power ) the microwave to keep from overloading the trailer.

Keep up the good work!!

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by ctb013

A small suggestion, our trailer has a 30 amp system and a gas/electric water heater. May want to mention that the water heater in electric heating turns off (kills power ) the microwave to keep from overloading the trailer.

My camper is 30 amp and I have no issue running the electric side of the water heater and using the microwave at the same time. Water heater on electric~12amps, microwave~11amps =23amps.

[JimD]

I just added a full page describing how the Energy Management System works by turning things off automatically. Also put in the recommendation to turn the water heater to propane mode to allow the water to stay hot instead of being turned off automatically if required.

[InMyImage]

Holding off for Rev 2 to read the full doc, but tracing down the trailer break wiring from breakaway switch to last break would be great... and timely... have to track down an issue with my North Point right now.

[hartlenb]

Originally Posted by John91320

Don't overlook reaching out to Jayco Customer Service for a copy of your units electrical schematics (12 and 110). It can be a help when you are chasing trouble...

cheers.

Did you contact them through the jayco.com web-form or do you have a direct email and phone?

[JimD]

RV Electrical Troubleshooting Version 2 is finally available and is attached.
I also attached the original version 1 document of the Quick Multimeter Instructions.

The new doc has twice the number of pages. I kind of went crazy here. New items include:

1. New title page.
2. Add Table of Contents.
3. Add ground connection info to 12 volt power section.
4. Add owner/service manual links.
5. Add heat pump troubleshooting.
6. Add tank sensor info.
7. Add battery disconnect info.
8. Add battery display info.
9. Add Sequence of Operation section.
10. Add Onan tips.
11. Add water heater troubleshooting.
12. Add propane problems.
13. Add energy management system operation.

Hopefully this information will help someone out there at some point in time.

[DrSmart]

Thanks again JimD for all your work on this. Knowledge is power! Oh, and so is electricity, ar ar...

[JimD]

Originally Posted by DrSmart

Thanks again JimD for all your work on this. Knowledge is power! Oh, and so is electricity, ar ar...

[Jerry W]

Thanks Jim

[norty1]

Forum note: The Quick Multimeter Instructions, Version 1 and the RV Electrical Troubleshooting guide, version 2 are now both listed in the JOF Manuals section under Category 3, Systems.

Please visit and use them often. Thanks to JimD for the many hours and efforts to put these together and allow us to benefit from his experience and knowledge.