Big electrical problems in a 345

[silverdream2]

My '86 345 quit getting AC power. The reset switch in the breaker box in the rear driver's side cabinet would not function. Tests revealed there was power at the inlet outside in the cabinet, but not at the wires going into the breaker box.

Today, since I have been without power for awhile, the DC lights and fan started to wane.

I started the generator. Then it ocurred to me that the best way to charge the batteries was to start the motor. I let it run for about twenty minutes. When I turned the motor off it sounded as if the generator was turning off too, even though I had turned it off previously. Then there was a loud pop. When I retried the engine the "hot" light came on.

The generator does not supply any AC power either (don't know if it did before or not).

Have tested and reset the breaker under the dinette seat.

Is there a Univolt somewhere or something I have overlooked above?

It appears that some of the wiring was gerry rigged from the pole input as two wires come up from under the rig and up to the cabinets.

Where to start? Any help appreiated.

[jdalrymple]

Sounds like the transfer switch that transfers power between the shoreline and generator is not closing in either position. In the few motorhomes I have been in, this switch is under the bed.

Good Luck,

[dadstoy]

Originally Posted by jdalrymple

Sounds like the transfer switch that transfers power between the shoreline and generator is not closing in either position. In the few motorhomes I have been in, this switch is under the bed.

Good Luck,

Also sounds like the shore/generator transfer switch to me. This switch automatically switches the power between shore power and the generator...will switch to generator if generator is producing voltage. The two wires you mention might be the Romeo wire from your shore cable and the other feeding from the generator. They should both go into the switch and then one Romeo wire to you 110 volt circuit panel. Your Univolt (converter) should have nothing to do with your problem.

If your switch is old then it could like like mine did before I replaced it recently. It was corroded and had burnt wires! Very dangerous indeed!

[dadstoy]

Oops, wrong photo. Here is my old switch and my new electric I put in...

[garry]

Did you reset the circuit breakers on the side of the generator? Should be 2 breakers.

The best way to charge the batteries when the converter is not working (no AC power) is to use a battery charger.

I'm not sure where you tested for power but if you have power coming into the RV but not making it to the breaker box it goes to the transfer switch before the breaker box.

[DaveFL]

My generator also has 10 amp fuse near the breaker.

[silverdream2]

The electrical problems started after two new Fantastic fans were installed. Today after taking off the inside cover it is clear the wires in the ceiling were pierced by screws holding the covers. They test good for continuity though.

I do have the old style transfer switch picturedf (thanks!) but there is no power coming to it anywhere.

Would like to know where the shore power goes after coming into the rig?

Where is the Univolt; it says there is a GFI on it in the manual.

Any further places to look?

Thank you so much!

[silverdream2]

Some progress... the generator powers the outlets, but not the AC or microwave, etc.

The shore line still does not work at all.

How does one go about replacing the transfer box with an electric switch?

Thanks.

[crazeevw]

The Univolt in my 89 345LE is under the kitchen area. The main breaker box for the moho is along the floor, and I'm guessing the Univolt is behind the breaker box. I'll look today and take some photos if you need some.
Thanks, Derek

[Kota]

Originally Posted by dadstoy

Oops, wrong photo. Here is my old switch and my new electric I put in...

What is the brand of your power transfer switch. Mine works but sometimes I have to go to the bedroom and stomp my foot to get the generator to come online. I've hit it with some contact cleaner and lube but still having issues.

[3 Dog Nite]

The "Univolt" is located in my galley area like in crazeevw's MH. It's a EnerGeniuos though. A small pop, then sparks is how mine died. Click here for photos of location. Yes crazeevw, the Univolt is behind the power distribution center.

Ricky

[dadstoy]

Originally Posted by Dakota

What is the brand of your power transfer switch. Mine works but sometimes I have to go to the bedroom and stomp my foot to get the generator to come online. I've hit it with some contact cleaner and lube but still having issues.

I installed a ATS 301 Line/Generator Switch from Parallax Power Supply. I got it online but will have to find the receipt to find out where.

[Keyair]

Dont forget, unless I am wrong, the feed from the genset or shore is directed by the switch over the galley...

[dadstoy]

Originally Posted by dadstoy

I installed a ATS 301 Line/Generator Switch from Parallax Power Supply. I got it online but will have to find the receipt to find out where.

Probably got it from Dyersonline

http://www.dyersonline.com/parallax-...er-switch.html

[raveson]

Haven't had the plesure of your problem. Hope to hear an easy fix in the event mine does the same. Good Luck!

[crazeevw]

Steve, I thought that the switch above the stove only dealt when you were on Shore Power, the transfer box under the dinette seat automatically switches from Shore Power to genset, when genset is started. Unless I'm wrong. Any opinions?
Thanks, Derek