Electrical (Chassis) - Introduction; Battery Disconnect - Chassis - Holiday Navigator 2003 Owner's Manual

A majority of the lighting and appliances are designed to operate from 12
Volt DC (direct current) power. This is why the batteries play such an
important role in the function of the motorhome. There are exceptions with
appliances such as the microwave or television; however, indirectly they still
operate from 12 Volt DC power, as they can be operated from the inverter. The
chassis functions (engine, transmission, dash air, etc.) are also 12 Volt DC.
With the all technological advancements taking place in the past several
years manufacturers have now incorporated electronics into these systems. It is
important to keep the 12 Volt system(s) in good working order. These systems,
with their incorporated electronics, are voltage sensitive. Some items can be
damaged if the DC voltage is not maintained within the designed specifications.
There are two separate 12 Volt systems. One is the chassis system; the
other is the house system. These two systems, for the most part, are separate
from one another. The house system does not operate engine functions; as the
engine system does not operate house functions. However, within the two
systems there are some inner connections. For example: While the motorhome
is driven the alternator on the engine will charge the house batteries. Likewise,
while the motorhome is plugged into shore power, or the generator is running,
the engine battery(s) are being charged. Each system will supply 12 Volt DC
power to the 12 Volt distribution panels. The 12 Volt panel that services a
majority of the chassis system functions is located outside by the roadside
front wheel. The other panel, located in the bedroom, services the house interior
functions such as the interior lighting and appliances. You should become
familiar with these panels and the items they operate.
The two different systems, engine and house, have their own set(s) of
battery(s). The engine battery supplies 12 Volt DC power to the front distribution
panel located in an outside compartment by the roadside front wheel. This
panel contains mostly engine system fuses and wiring such as headlights,
taillight, dashboard functions, gauges, etc. The house battery(s) supplies 12
Volt DC power to the distribution panel located in the bedroom. This panel
contains fuses for the house, interior lighting and appliances, such as the
furnace and water heater.
The main battery disconnect switch for the chassis batteries is located in
the engine compartment. This switch turns the DC power on or off to the front
electrical bay and most components in the rear distribution panels. Most
chassis and engine functions are interrupted when the battery disconnect is
turned off. Some electronic items require a constant power source for memory
retention such as the dash and CB radios. Some electronic components of the
engine and transmission require a constant power source. Turn the main
battery disconnect switch off when the motorhome is going to be stored, or when
performing electrical maintenance. If possible, leave the motorhome plugged
into an AC source with the battery disconnect switch on.
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N A V I G A T O R 2 0 0 3
Electrical Systems - Chassis
ELECTRICAL
(CHASSIS)
- INTRODUCTION
BATTERY
DISCONNECT
- CHASSIS
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