interior lights


Buffalo777

New Member
Help. We jsut urcahsed a calss A RV. Aren't the interior coach lights supposed to come on when the battery switch is on. Ours only come on when the gen set is running or when we are connected to shore power. The electric steps work but the lights don't come on.

JW :cool:
 

Grandview Trailer Sa

Senior Member
interior lights

If you are talking about 120 volt lights, they can't work unless the generator is on of if plugged in to power. You don't get 120 volts from batteries. Your steps are powered by a 12 volt motor, and that is why they work. If you are talking about 12 volt lights, yes, they should work off batteries.
 

Buffalo777

New Member
interior lights

I thought all of the inside lights were 12v. these are the interior lights that use the 1141 bulb. Just shows you how lost we newbies are.
thanks for the help Grandview.
 

ARCHER

Senior Member
interior lights

Make sure your aux batteries are on for running 12 volt stuff inside your motorhome. (sounds like it is on, if your steps are working, but the steps just might bypass the aux when coach is started with main battery)
Most of the outlets inside coach are 120 volts and you must have either the generator on or hooked up to shorepower to run them. The lights inside are normally 12 volt and run off the aux batteries. Don't forget that your aux batteries must be charged if used. If you can find/obtain an owner's manual, get one and study it real closely. And keep asking questions on this forum.
By the way, WELCOME..... ;)
 

ARCHER

Senior Member
interior lights

Sorry, forgot to say about the fuse breakers for 12 volt.....check them....might be why your not getting power to some of the lights.
 

Krazeehorse

New Member
interior lights

I would guess Archer is right about the steps. They may be running off the main battery. Are you sure there are aux batteries installed? If so, get your volt meter out and start checking them. If you can't, go to your local automotive dealer where you buy the batteries for your car and have them check your aux batteries. My guess is they are junk.
 

Kirk

Senior Member
interior lights

JW,

It would sound like the coach batteries are bad, or at least not charged. The reason that you steps work is that the automatic steps get power from the chassis battery. That is done because they need to have power to retract them if you start the engine, even when the coach battery is isolated, or removed. Some steps are wired to get power from either battery, but they will always get power from the chassis battery, if properly installed.

It is true that the steps and the lights are both powered by 12V-DC but they get power from different batteries.
 
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