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Electrical Systems
CHASSIS
ALTERNATOR
GENERATOR
100
Note:
Should you lose 12 Volt power inside your Class A gas motor
home, there is a 50 Amp Reset Button in the Battery Control Center,
located under the hood. Remove cover from the black box to access.
Note: On a Class C gas motorhome there is a 50 amp reset button
located behind the converter.
The automotive chassis 12 volt system alternator supplies power to both the
automotive systems as well as any auxiliary battery if equipped, and directly to the
motorhome living quarters while the vehicle's motor is running.
The alternator compensates for electrical usage in the vehicle, the power drawn by the
appliances, lights, fans and other 12 volt powered items as well as the charging of the
automotive and auxiliary batteries.
If the alternator isn't keeping pace with the draw on the unit's electrical system, while
driving down the road, it means you're working in a negative mode: more power is
being used than the unit is putting out.
This means that you are taking power out of the batteries. If you draw too much
power from the batteries there may not be enough power left in the battery to start the
motorhome or run any of the appliances when you stop for a break or for the night.
The alternator will charge at a higher rate right after the vehicle's been started,
replacing the power used to start the vehicle, but the charging should quickly go back
to "normal" and hold its own even when you turn on lights or appliances.
If the alternator shows a discharge while the motor is running, turn off appliances and
lights to see if a charge comes on or if the alternator indicates "neutral". Then apply
a drain on the system to see if a discharge returns. If a discharge persists, contact
your dealer.
When stopped at a campsite that allows you use of the shoreline, the 120 volt electrical
system will recharge your auxiliary battery.
Under heavy usage in warm weather, check the fluid level of those batteries that
require attention to fluids quite often. Low battery fluid level is very harmful to the
battery's longevity.
Note:
Make sure to read and understand the generator owner's
manual before operating the generator. Observe all operating
instructions and warnings as well as all recommended
maintenance schedules and procedures.
The onboard generator allows the motorhome to be fully self-contained. It provides
access to 120 Volt A/C when shore power is unavailable, but keep in mind that when
in use the generator exhausts deadly carbon monoxide gas! NEVER sleep in the
motorhome with the generator running! Before you start and use the generator inspect
CARBON MONOXIDE IS POISONOUS AND CAN CAUSE
UNCONSCIOUSNESS AND DEATH.
TO AVOID EXHAUST GAS ENTRY INTO THE Motorhome,
KEEP WINDOWS CLOSED WHEN THE CHASSIS OR
GENERATOR ENGINES ARE RUNNING.
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