Refrigerator, some lights, and water pump not working

[Ralph Bohn]

Hi, 1999 Beaver Contessa 40' Diesel pusher, CAT engine

Our refrigerator/freezer, water pump, and all on 12v line is not working. We've tried turning on the Salesman switch located inside the entry stairway and nothing happens. We were told that perhaps a solenoid is out? The only solenoid we can find is outside and located in the wire panel under the driver's side window; are there more? Any ideas as to what we should try? Everything was working well for the first two days of our trip from CO to AZ and now, no flushing toilet unless we are hooked to water, which we can't do in Williams, AZ were it is now 25degrees. We called a RV mobile repair, but the gentleman is sick. We sent him a picture of the only solenoid we could find and he said that's not the one that operates the "salesman switch", refrigerator, water pump...

Also, while crawling around and looking for our 12volt problems, we've discovered we have a leak in our hydraulic system that operates our levelers and slide. Good Grief. Is this something we can repair ourselves? What does a RV center typically charge for replacing hydraulic lines?

We come from a medical background and know nothing electrical or hydraulic, but we are fast learners and don't mind getting dirty. Please, if you have advice, break it down like you are teaching a scout how to look for and fix a problem; we won't be offended.

Thanks so much for your time!

Barb and Ralph Bohn (Happy Veteran's Day to our fellow Vets!)

[Edward Buker]

The salesman switch solenoid is usually in the battery compartment along with a battery boost solenoid that ties the battery banks together. If you listen in the battery compartment and have someone hit the battery boost switch one solenoid should click. That is not the one you want. Same is true if you listen for the salesman switch solenoid to activate with the switch. You should verify with a meter that voltage is coming in and out of the salesman switch solenoid when it is latched on. If voltage will not pass through it (measuring the larger leads) go to an automotive store and buy a short battery cable with suitable lugs on it and permanently jumper it. If the solenoid cycles and voltage on the output side toggles on and off then this is not your issue.

Later Ed

[Dale Soule]

Ed; We purchased are coach in Aug. We got it home, same thing, we had to replace the solinoid in the battery compartment, careful there is live 110 volts ac. we jumped the two posts with jumper cables and we goy 12 volts dc inside.  Monico has them in stock, we were stuck in a small town, had it in two days.  Amazon has them as well as a good parts house.

[LaMonte Monnell]

If you have a hydraulic line leaking hydraulic fluid these can be cut and a new piece spliced in by a good hydraulic shop. There are fittings made to do this instead of complete replacement of the whole line.

[Keith Moffett Co-Admin]

Ralph
Beavers sit lower to the ground than most other rigs.  If you have hydraulic problems 'do not' crawl under the coach while on the jacks.  Even if the air system is fully inflated it can be risky without extreemly heavy duty jacks under the frame.

Unless you see alot of fluid from the hydraulic lines it might do well to just keep an eye on the fluid for a short time.  That said, when one is bad I have both replaced just to avoid duplicating the work.  Labor is expensive but so is a break down.

Any new to us coach is going to have problems.  working the bugs out can be frustrating for sure but it will get better.

[john brunson]

Congratulations on your new patient!  If you are willing to get your hands dirty, you can maintain your coach much much cheaper (like 80% cheaper).  If you do not have access to it, purchase or print hard copies of all documentation for your coach;  you will continue to constantly need it and it will actually add value to your coach when you sell.  Also, keep a "chart" of everything you do... It will help too... 5 years from now, you will be able to look up what part number brake pad you needed for the rear wheels etc..

Lastly,  YouTube is your best buddy.... Search for videos on all problems... Often someone has made a video.

Good luck

[john brunson]

Oh yea, you can use one jumper cable (like you start a car)  to confirm a bad solenoid.  New one should cost about $15 from your local NAPA store.

[Ralph Bohn]

I'm trying to post a reply with photos, but the "reply" button isn't working