Master Battery Shut Off ?, And Other Questions.

shadow · Nov 20, 2016

Sense I got my rv I have been working on fixing the water damage, and I really haven`t thoroughly checked out any of the other systems, yet. So, today I ran the generator for a while, and all of the lights and microwave work, I did not try the fridge.

Here is the problem, with the generator running the hot water heater kept trying to light/come on even though the hot water heater switch was in the off position. The previous owner said the hot water was replaced, but I don`t know if they did it, or had it done at a rv shop.
Either way, I`m thinking it is wired wrong ?, thoughts or opinions on this would be helpful. Here is the kicker, even though the hot water heater is new, they forgot to drain the tank, and the tank split open, so I need to replace the hot water heater again.

The other problem is that once I turned the generator off I had no lights or power in the rv. I`m guessing there has to be a master power switch some were, because with the rv keys there is a key for one, but were do they hide them ?, were are the places I should look for one ?. Would it be some were in the rv ?, or under the hood ?.

Any help would be appreciated.

jimindenver · Nov 20, 2016

When the generator was running the converter was providing the 12 volt and 120v to run everything. First make sure there is a house battery. A disconnect or fuse should be right close to it OR the battery could be shot and not hold a charge at all.

Also the converter should have two sets of fuses/ circuit breakers. One for the 12v side, the other for the 120v. You might find a fuse there that might let you shut down the power to the water heater. Otherwise disconnect it physically before it burns down the RV. It will keep trying as soon as there is 12v power again.

shadow · Nov 20, 2016

The house battery is new and fully charged. The converter does have circuit breakers and fuses, so I will look for the fuse for the hot water heater. There still has to be a disconnect some were, and I`m guessing it was turned off because of the hot water heater.

jimindenver · Nov 20, 2016

Even with the converters fuses my trailer has a fuse holder on the positive line at the battery. A main disconnect have to be on that line too. Check the connections and ground for the battery.

Again my rig but it seems the water heater switch is upside down and it only lights up when it's trying to light the water heater or saying to reset it.

shadow · Nov 20, 2016

I think the previous owners turned off the battery disconnect because the hot water heater was trying to turn on by it self, even with the switch in the off position. I just have no idea were the battery disconnect is.

If anyone has any ideas were I should look to let me know.

B and C · Nov 20, 2016

My Roadtrek has a battery disconnect switch on the panel that shows the levels in the tanks and has a test switch for state of battery charge.

The water heater probably works off of propane and 110VAC. The switch for my water heater is right by the tank level monitor along with the gen start/stop switch. Look at all the small switches.

If you can find someone close by that has a RV, you might buy them a cup of coffee to show you how everything works.

If you plan on staying at RV parks, do not leave the valve for the black water tank open. It should only be dumped when 2/3 full or fuller. The gray water should be dumped after the black to help wash out the dump hose.

I strongly recommend reading the manual that came with it. If it doesn't have one, go to the manufacturer's website and download it.

blars · Nov 20, 2016

The "salesman switch" (master cutoff) in my Class A is by the door. It triggers a latching relay under the hood. Another place to look is at the battery.