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Topic: 89 monitor panel and solar system from the 90's (Read 146 times) previous topic - next topic
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89 monitor panel and solar system from the 90's
Hoping that someone who has an older LD or has had one can tell me what the on and off switch above the panel goes to. Does not show in my LD owner's manual 12th edition 1986.  When I turn it on there is a sound like a motor or fan running over the stove behind the microwave.  The microwave is off. I am totally lost to what the switch operates. I have a front lounge.

Second question is regarding solar and the house batteries.  The LD does not have a generator and came with two solar panels from RV Solar Electric in AZ and guessing from the early 90's because the battery meter is not digital.  It's old but works fine for our needs. 

My question is, the solar is wired to the 12v-115v center which I am guessing is some how connected to the wires from the house batteries.  So does that mean that the solar panels are charging the house batteries and then the house batteries power the inside light and misc electrical when not plugged into a land line?  Also does the engine generator also charge the house batteries when I am driving?  Only two wires coming into the house batteries, one coming from the front and another from the back.  Looks all original from the factory nothing added in the house battery compartment.
Thanks for any input every is new to me, first RV.
Hank



1989 22'
Re: 89 monitor panel and solar system from the 90's
Reply #1 –
"When I turn it on there is a sound like a motor or fan running over the stove behind the microwave."

My guess is that switch controls the vent fan over the stove. With it on, go outside, and find a slight protrusion from the side of the RV. Hold you hand under it an you should feel air movement. There is a screen filter over the stove used in association with the fan that should be cleaned periodically.
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: 89 monitor panel and solar system from the 90's
Reply #2 –
Hank,
I have a '88 MB with that switch. That switch above the monitor panel controls an auxiliary vent fan to vent moisture from the microwave oven outside through the " third tank vent" on the roof.  The stove hood vent is separate, venting out the side wall.

I also have that manual. 

As far the solar.  I have been looking at adding Solar to the '88 MB. It has the optional 4kw generator on the right side. The power panel and refer are on the left side.  The battery bank is on the right side. The wires between them appear to pass under the floor through a tunnel formed by the floor and under deck 1-1/2" high.   My solar wire routing choice is down through the refer cabinet under the counter by the under counter water tank to the power panel.  The power panel is the 12 VDC bus bar for everything. A 55 amp converter upgrade from the Magnatek 6336 would give me a few more fuses for solar, propane gas detector, and waste tank heaters. Without having to upsize the battery cable. 

Therefore, this arrangement would allow the battery to be solar charged,  shore power to charge through the converter,  and the 12 VDC items to operate, all at the same time.  If your rig has a battery disconnect switch the battery could be removed from the circuit,  the solar and converter would power the 12 VDC items.

Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: 89 monitor panel and solar system from the 90's
Reply #3 –
Hank,
Continuing,  Look at the current MB plan for reference.  My battery is under the MB rear dinette bench. My generator is under the MB front dinette bench.  The battery wires go from the rear battery compartment wall, under the rear dinette bench, out the under deck in front of the battery box.  The circuit breakers are in front of the battery box buried in under coating.  The wires route from the circuit breaker location.  My coach battery has two negative/ ground wires.  I believe, but need to verify one goes to chassis ground and another appears at the 12 VDC power panel.  I have 4 positive wires to trace out.   I have on 6 gauge wire to the 12VDC power panel,  one to the battery isolator in the chassis engine compartment, 1 wire to the generator starter and one unknown.

As for your two wires my guess is the red wire one going to the rear is the coach power panel.  The red wire going forward is likely going to the battery isolator in the engine compartment.  You are going to have to disconnect the wires and trace them out one at a time using a test light or meter.   The factory does not produce wiring diagrams like us tinkerers would like. Just the one in the owners manual.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath