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Topic: Chassis Ground (Read 349 times) previous topic - next topic
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Chassis Ground
Someone mentioned the chassis ground in a recent thread.  Where might I find this ground on a newer MB?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #1
No takers on this?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #2
Hey Greg,

On the RB, the chassis ground was on the main chassis frame near the battery bay/box and generator. This is where all the action is.

Just look for a wire loom coming away from the battery/electrical/generator set up (fuses, breakers...etc). That should get you on your back and in the shade.

Follow along toward the rear of the frame. The grounds are in the open and terminate on the frame. The wires are not painted or covered where they connect.

Here are shots of what the RB looks like down below.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #3
Hi Greg; Technically the chassis ground is just that. Anywhere on the chassis is ground by definition. Steel isn't a great conductor, but since there is so much of it, it can be used to advantage. On my motorhome the engine is connected to the chassis near the battery, from near the alternator, and provides the return for the alternator, starter and fuse panel.
    The house battery box usually has a cable to chassis near it, and grounds the power distribution box. (fuses, branch circuits, converter and circuit breakers).  The connection underneath to the chassis would look something like this threads pictures: Where’s is ground wire for battery in TK model?
     So my question is 'why do you care'  I haven't touched mine in 21 years; looks the same as it did originally. (well a lot dirtier)      RonB

Ah, Kent answered before I finished my post, with great pictures......
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #4
"Anywhere on the chassis is ground..."  Quote, RONB

The term 'ground' can be confusing to basic electronic level students. I know, I used to teach that stuff!  ::)

Perhaps the Wikipedia link below will help clear the fog!

Ground - Wikipedia(electricity)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #5
Thanks all! I think I found the ground where it comes out of the bottom of the battery box. One wire goes directly to the frame and the other goes forward towards the engine. Not sure what that one is, perhaps a charging wire?

I also found a drain hose that looks to be coming from the battery box. What is that for?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #6
Hi Steve; yeah, sorry about that.  Ground as in 'common electrical return point'.  Just a convention used for electrical speak. Way 'back when', some cars had positive grounds, and the negative side of the battery was the 'hot' lead. And batteries were usually 6 volts.  Of course it's not a negative ground, just ground.  Computers and other electronic systems have signal grounds, some have many isolated 'grounds' only slightly referenced to each other.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #7
Hi Greg, That hose comes from the drip tray under the fins in your refrigerator. It allows condensate to drip on the ground (real dirt) under the motorhome.  Mine has a plug with just a tiny hole, so that warm air can't easily penetrate back up into your 'fridge. RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #8
"Way 'back when', some cars had positive grounds..."

Wow, you are really dating yourself!

I learned to drive in my Dad's '31 Model 'A' Roadster, rumble seat, rag top, and the choke under the dash board on the passenger side. It used to be thought funny to pull out that rod and bend it 90°.   :'(  >:(  Ah, the good old days!
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #9
Way 'back when', some cars had positive grounds, and the negative side of the battery was the 'hot' lead.

The 1st car I bought by myself was a ‘59 MGA that had positive ground and dual 6 volt batteries.  I paid a whole $150 for it and converted it to negative ground and a single 12 volt battery.  It was a fun car to drive but took some work to keep it running.  British cars are like that 😉

- John
Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶

 
Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #10
"Mine has a plug with just a tiny hole, so that warm air can't easily penetrate back up into your 'fridge."

Or insects. :-)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #11
John R.... all you need for a 1952 MG TD is a screwdriver and a nail file.  And HOW do you start a 1952 MG??  I asked that question on our local car club FB and NO ONE answered!!!  HAHAHAHA.  This one particular car was converted to 12 v before we bought over 50 years ago.
2005 RB

Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #12
"Mine has a plug with just a tiny hole, so that warm air can't easily penetrate back up into your 'fridge."

Or insects. :-)

I’ll have to see if there is something in my misc. junk in the garage I can use to plug up the hose. I would have never thought of that, thanks!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Chassis Ground
Reply #13
I’ll have to see if there is something in my misc. junk in the garage I can use to plug up the hose. I would have never thought of that, thanks!

Well, I found something to plug the hole. The nice thing is, it already had a hole in it!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264