BAC Forum
General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Sherry Klumpp on February 04, 2019, 10:53:31 PM
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Hi All,
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, but a number of you were extremely helpful when I first purchased a 2005 Beaver Monterey 34 ft diesel. The dealer made unauthorized changes, and were it not For your help, I’d be totally lost, but I am out a lot of money. The coach is too heavy for me to safely drive alone. I will be selling it. I want it “safe”.
A cheap transfer switch was put on the coach and didn’t talk to the Aladdin. Power source displayed as: none or unavailable- not sure of exact wording. I purchased a transfer switch, photo attached below. Is this the correct switch? Supposedly, electrical source still does not display, but I haven’t checked it myself. The shop servicing it (I saw where they weren’t recommended after the fact), said Aladdin is out of business, and I need to upgrade to the Silver Leaf. They claim there is something wrong with the Aladdin. Fact or fiction?
The main reason the coach was taken for repairs is that it is pulling to the right and getting worse. A friend said it became a fight to hold it on the road. He drives off-road vehicles that he’s modified. I trust his concern. The shop said the shocks need to be replaced as do the stabilizer bars. They also ordered a bar used to hold the gear box on the coach. They claim it’s loose and there’s a danger of it literally falling off the coach! Fact or fiction? What questions would an intelligible person ask?
Any suggestions/comments are most welcome. The Aladdin does a number of things, but I thought one function was to transfer power between shore and generator automatically. If it isn’t displaying source, I doubt it’s transferring. But for all I know, it isn’t connected properly or the Aladdin needs to be programmed.
Thank you in advance!
Sherry Klumpp
2005 Beacer Monterey 34 ft diesel
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The Aladdin only reports the info - it does not make the transfer happen. That is done by the Transfer switch as it senses voltage coming from Shore Power or Generator.
This is the transfer switch in my coach (I think yours is the same but the photo is too small for me to read the part number).
There is a communication cable that plugs into the Transfer switch (looks like a telephone cable) check yours to see if it unplugged.
Here is a picture of the inside of the Transfer switch. Those "black doughnut" thinks are the current sensors for the Aladdin monitor (one on Shore Power lead and One on Generator lead).
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On my coach there is a separate junction box next to the transfer switch that holds a few fuses and small coils for current and voltage sensing for the Aladdin. I don't know much about the greasy and dirty stuff so I can't help there. Good luck!
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Sherry,
Like Mike said, the transfer switch has nothing to do with the Aladdin. The Aladdin reads the current flow by the induction coils around the wire. The coils can be external to the transfer switch or located inside the housing, but they do not affect the operation of the transfer switch.
When it comes to the problem of the coach pulling, it is normally caused by a tire, but it is never caused by shock absorbers. Also, since your coach does not have stabilizer bars, I would doubt that you need to change them.
Yes Aladdin is out of business, but there is no reason to spend thousands to change the Aladdin out for a Siliverleaf unless it stops functioning an you want information that requires the instalation of a Siliverleaf, but it does not affect safety regardless.
It sounds like this shop is just interested in transfering a lot of money from your pocket to theirs, and not really concerned in fixing your coach.
Gerald
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I have this Aladdin interface diagram that shows the connections to the Transfer switch and using an Aladdin "AC Interface" module, but this wiring setup is not always the case. My setup has a telephone-like cable (RJ12) coming out of the Transfer switch (not the multi-wire connections shown) and I do not have (have not found) an AC Interface module. I don't know what the other end of that RJ12 cable goes to (Xantrex Inverter?).
I'll need to research into this more.
Regarding your question "is there something wrong with the Aladdin", do you have other systems reporting through the Aladdin (tank capacities, engine data, backup camera, etc.)? Is it just the AC power that is not showing?
If you need parts, I have seen used Aladdin parts for sale at the RV salvage yards, such as https://rvelectronics.visonerv.com/cgi-bin/f/search.pl?
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Hi All,
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, but a number of you were extremely helpful when I first purchased a 2005 Beaver Monterey 34 ft diesel.
Sherry, we have an "05 Beaver Monterey too. That IS the same TS we have in ours and it works like a charm. I'd try to locate a reputable service center and have them look it over. On the west coast Beaver Coach Sales in Bend OR and Alliance Coach in Wildwood FL are two such centers. Henderson Line-Up in Grants Pass OR is a great shop for suspension work. They offer a RPA (Ride Performance Assessment) which would diagnose your handling problems. And here is a good source for used parts: https://rvparts.visonerv.com Good luck.
FYI I have PDF files of virtually all components on our Monterey. If you need any of them let know.
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2006 Beaver Monterey Laguna IV: our joysticks stopped working. Has anyone replaced their Aladdin System. If yes, with what? We have used the reset button but no luck.
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If one joystick is bad, you can still by a replacement. http://www.nwrvsupply.com/139/04A-K01.html
If "all" the joysticks went bad at the same time (my coach has three joysticks) then I would suspect something else is going wrong
If you look at the Aladdin connection diagram, you wll note that all of the Joysticks (and components) connect to each other through the "Bus Tap" modules. Then these connect to the Video Coach Monitor box. It could be that the Bus Tap module (see the one at top of photo) went bad so no data is getting to the VCM, or the VCM could be bad, or maybe the plug is loose. All of the parts are still available (either new or used).
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Elaine,
If it is necessary to replace your Aladdin system, the only logical choice is to replace it with a Sliverleaf. You can get the Sliverleaf PC for about $400 and run it on a notebook computer or tablet, or you can have the Silverleaf system installed in your coach that is designed as an Aladdin replacement that uses the same wiring to cut cost, but it still is not cheap. You can call Silverleaf for details and options.
Gerald
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Mike,
Thank you so much for the photos! That is the model of the transfer switch that I purchased. At first, I was led to believe I had purchased the wrong transfer switch. The dealer had removed this one and replaced it with a cheaper model that didn’t have the Port to plug in the cable you are referring to. I need to check it myself to see what’s going on. Before I purchased this transfer switch, power source could not be determined by the Aladdin. Supposedly, it still can’t. I spoke to the service advisor after doing some reading and posting. He kept saying the Aladdin is no longer being made and I needed to upgrade to the Silver Leaf. I found the manual for the Aladdin and troubleshooting on the Forum- thank you! I said I could print it and give him a copy. He has supposedly tried to repair Aladdins, but never looked at this manual. I need to find a reputable repair facility. Ken Carenter, God rest his soul, used to tell me to go to San Antonio. I’m in Houston.
quote author=Mike Shumack link=topic=8679.msg59670#msg59670 date=1549322627]
The Aladdin only reports the info - it does not make the transfer happen. That is done by the Transfer switch as it senses voltage coming from Shore Power or Generator.
This is the transfer switch in my coach (I think yours is the same but the photo is too small for me to read the part number).
There is a communication cable that plugs into the Transfer switch (looks like a telephone cable) check yours to see if it unplugged.
Here is a picture of the inside of the Transfer switch. Those "black doughnut" thinks are the current sensors for the Aladdin monitor (one on Shore Power lead and One on Generator lead).
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Jerry,
I don’t recall seeing those, but I’ll look. Thanks!
On my coach there is a separate junction box next to the transfer switch that holds a few fuses and small coils for current and voltage sensing for the Aladdin. I don't know much about the greasy and dirty stuff so I can't help there. Good luck!
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This is somewhat horrifying- they are replacing nonexistent stabilizer bars on my coach when none exist. I was told one couldn’t see the bars without removing the tires. So no one saw what the mechanic claims was wrong. Oh boy. I’ll make some phone calls tomorrow.
Thanks
Sherry
Sherry,
Like Mike said, the transfer switch has nothing to do with the Aladdin. The Aladdin reads the current flow by the induction coils around the wire. The coils can be external to the transfer switch or located inside the housing, but they do not affect the operation of the transfer switch.
When it comes to the problem of the coach pulling, it is normally caused by a tire, but it is never caused by shock absorbers. Also, since your coach does not have stabilizer bars, I would doubt that you need to change them.
Yes Aladdin is out of business, but there is no reason to spend thousands to change the Aladdin out for a Siliverleaf unless it stops functioning an you want information that requires the instalation of a Siliverleaf, but it does not affect safety regardless.
It sounds like this shop is just interested in transfering a lot of money from your pocket to theirs, and not really concerned in fixing your coach.
Gerald
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Mike,
Thank you for the diagram.
So other systems were “showing” with a switch that did not have the female plug for the telephone cable. I don’t know if that information was correct or if those systems are using the Xantrex to communicate with the Aladdin. The troubleshooting guide may provide more information.
I have this Aladdin interface diagram that shows the connections to the Transfer switch and using an Aladdin "AC Interface" module, but this wiring setup is not always the case. My setup has a telephone-like cable (RJ12) coming out of the Transfer switch (not the multi-wire connections shown) and I do not have (have not found) an AC Interface module. I don't know what the other end of that RJ12 cable goes to (Xantrex Inverter?).
I'll need to research into this more.
Regarding your question "is there something wrong with the Aladdin", do you have other systems reporting through the Aladdin (tank capacities, engine data, backup camera, etc.)? Is it just the AC power that is not showing?
If you need parts, I have seen used Aladdin parts for sale at the RV salvage yards, such as https://rvelectronics.visonerv.com/cgi-bin/f/search.pl? (https://rvelectronics.visonerv.com/cgi-bin/f/search.pl?)
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Boy, sure wish you were near Oregon’s shops. Between any Bend BAC sponsor and Henderson’s in Grants Pass you’d have had this job done right long ago. Consider calling Henderson’s for advice re. the “stabilizer” situation. https://www.hendersonslineup.com
Joel
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Thanks so much Jeff. Unfortunately I’m not near Oregon or Florida. Trying to find anyone who knows what they are doing in the Texas area is difficult. One of you posted not to use the service center where the vehicle is currently being worked on. I told them that 90% of what they proposed wasn’t going to be done. They are replacing light bulbs and some filypters that I know to need work. I don’t know what people do without consulting with you all. Unfortunately npby the time I found the Forum, the dealer from whom I purchased had already made a mess of things. This service center was recommended, but by someone who knows how to work on the interior of the coach.
I have the owners manual which I could not find online. If there are manuals that you think would pertain to my issues, I’d greatly appreciate them! My personal email is klumppsa@gmail.com
Thanks for the site to get used parts!
Hi All,
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, but a number of you were extremely helpful when I first purchased a 2005 Beaver Monterey 34 ft diesel.
Sherry, we have an "05 Beaver Monterey too. That IS the same TS we have in ours and it works like a charm. I'd try to locate a reputable service center and have them look it over. On the west coast Beaver Coach Sales in Bend OR and Alliance Coach in Wildwood FL are two such centers. Henderson Line-Up in Grants Pass OR is a great shop for suspension work. They offer a RPA (Ride Performance Assessment) which would diagnose your handling problems. And here is a good source for used parts: https://rvparts.visonerv.com (https://rvparts.visonerv.com) Good luck.
FYI I have PDF files of virtually all components on our Monterey. If you need any of them let know.
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Thanks Joel. You don’t think they’d mind if I called for advice? Ken was so much help to me and without him, I’m lost... I really miss him. I’ll try Henderson’s and see what they have to say. The coach is really hard to handle right now, the pulling is extreme and it’s literally a fight to keep it on the road. I found out that the pressure in the tires is what is written on the tire; it’s too high for this coach. But I wouldn’t think too much pressure would cause these issues. It was pulling before that was done, although the problem is worse.
What’s most concerning is replacing nonexistent stabilizer bars... Think I’ll be spending some time at the shop. I’ll make them take the tires off. Not sure I know what a stabilizer bar looks like... Amazing how easy it is to get into trouble! I wish people would admit they don’t know how to fix it.
Boy, sure wish you were near Oregon’s shops. Between any Bend BAC sponsor and Henderson’s in Grants Pass you’d have had this job done right long ago. Consider calling Henderson’s for advice re. the “stabilizer” situation. https://www.hendersonslineup.com (https://www.hendersonslineup.com)
Joel
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I’m going to leave the Aladdin alone. It’s clear the mechanics don’t know how to troubleshoot or repair it.
Elaine,
If it is necessary to replace your Aladdin system, the only logical choice is to replace it with a Sliverleaf. You can get the Sliverleaf PC for about $400 and run it on a notebook computer or tablet, or you can have the Silverleaf system installed in your coach that is designed as an Aladdin replacement that uses the same wiring to cut cost, but it still is not cheap. You can call Silverleaf for details and options.
Gerald
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Me too Joel! Seems a number of you live up in the Northwest.
Boy, sure wish you were near Oregon’s shops. Between any Bend BAC sponsor and Henderson’s in Grants Pass you’d have had this job done right long ago. Consider calling Henderson’s for advice re. the “stabilizer” situation. https://www.hendersonslineup.com (https://www.hendersonslineup.com)
Joel
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Sherry,
There is a possibility that the tech or the service writer does not know the name of the suspension part that he is trying to sell you. A stabilizer bar run from the front suspension on one side to the other side, and it is anchored to the frame on each side. It is designed to reduce body roll when cornering, and it is on virtually all cars, trucks, and RVs with coil or leaf springs. However, a stabilizer bar will not work with your air suspension because of the extreme difference in spring height from one side to the other when leveling.
Your coach does have track rods that keep the suspension centered when the suspension is moving up and down as you drive or level the coach, but the track rods only run from the frame to the suspension cradle and not to the wheel area.
Gerald
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Me too Joel!!
Boy, sure wish you were near Oregon’s shops. Between any Bend BAC sponsor and Henderson’s in Grants Pass you’d have had this job done right long ago. Consider calling Henderson’s for advice re. the “stabilizer” situation. https://www.hendersonslineup.com (https://www.hendersonslineup.com)
Joel
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Gerald,
Thanks so much. I’m going to call them. They made some reference to the gear box, claiming the bar bolting it to the frame of the motorhome was loose and in danger of falling off. Is this even possible? The dealer totally devalued the motorhome when they removed the Hydrohot without my knowledge and only put an LP hot water heater back on the coach. They mounted the hot water heater by cutting a hole in the bay door. They didn’t seal some of the lines going to the Hydrohot, and something is leaking. I think this motorhome was well taken care of by the previous owner. The Hydrohot had stopped working and that’s why he sold it. But there were no suspension problems, etc. The coach only has 50K on it. Other than this group, I don’t know whom to trust or believe.
There’s a website called etrailer. Have you or anyone else heard of it? I found it trying to learn something about stabilizer bars ::) [size=78%]. [/size][/size]They mention putting anti-sway bars on that motorhome. Is this site credible? This is the link: [size=78%]https://www.etrailer.com/Anti-Sway-Bars/Roadmaster/RM-1139-140.html (https://www.etrailer.com/Anti-Sway-Bars/Roadmaster/RM-1139-140.html)[/size][size=78%]
Thanks so much. I learn a little more everyday!!
Sherry
[/size]Sherry,
There is a possibility that the tech or the service writer does not know the name of the suspension part that he is trying to sell you. A stabilizer bar run from the front suspension on one side to the other side, and it is anchored to the frame on each side. It is designed to reduce body roll when cornering, and it is on virtually all cars, trucks, and RVs with coil or leaf springs. However, a stabilizer bar will not work with your air suspension because of the extreme difference in spring height from one side to the other when leveling.
Your coach does have track rods that keep the suspension centered when the suspension is moving up and down as you drive or level the coach, but the track rods only run from the frame to the suspension cradle and not to the wheel area.
Gerald
[size=78%]
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Gerald, Joel and others,
Here’s something else I found on that same website:
Which Steering Stabilizer Will Fit a 2005 Beaver Monterey to Correct Steering Problems
Question:
WE own a 2005 beaver monterey with a terrible steering broblem . I have to drive the R.V every second on the road , and if we hit a railroad crossing or other rough roads it feels as if the coach is falling apart . Do you have a fix for my problem??? I can install same myself. The chassis is a Roadmaster ,but cannot find the serial # of same .serial # of coach is 801423
asked by: Joe L
Expert Reply:
To help with your steering issue you're going to need a Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer. One of two parts is going to fit your 2005 Beaver Monterey depending on the suspension you have. If you have an airbag suspension or if your motorhome is a Monaco chassis you will need # RM-RBK6-RSSA (https://www.etrailer.com/p-RM-RBK6-RSSA.html). If you have leaf springs, then you will need # RM-RBK8-RSSA (https://www.etrailer.com/p-RM-RBK8-RSSA.html).I have included review videos on both for you to take a look at.
expert reply by: Charles S(https://www.etrailer.com/static/images/styles/question.svg) (https://www.etrailer.com/product_askexpert.aspx?Product_Code=&QSource=question-179061)ASK THE EXPERTS A QUESTION >> (https://www.etrailer.com/product_askexpert.aspx?Product_Code=&QSource=question-179061)PRODUCTS REFERENCED IN THIS QUESTION
Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer with Mounting Brackets for Class A Motor Homes (https://www.etrailer.com/Anti-Sway-Bars/Roadmaster/RM-RBK8-RSSA.html)[/color][/size]
(294 reviews)Code: RM-RBK8-RSSA (https://www.etrailer.com/Anti-Sway-Bars/Roadmaster/RM-RBK8-RSSA.html)Our Price: $445.00
[/list]- Includes Mounting Hardware
[/list]more information > (https://www.etrailer.com/Anti-Sway-Bars/Roadmaster/RM-RBK8-RSSA.html)
Beware??? Oh my!
Sherry
Gerald, Thanks so much. I’m going to call them. They made some reference to the gear box, claiming the bar bolting it to the frame of the motorhome was loose and in danger of falling off. Is this even possible? The dealer totally devalued the motorhome when they removed the Hydrohot without my knowledge and only put an LP hot water heater back on the coach. They mounted the hot water heater by cutting a hole in the bay door. They didn’t seal some of the lines going to the Hydrohot, and something is leaking. I think this motorhome was well taken care of by the previous owner. The Hydrohot had stopped working and that’s why he sold it. But there were no suspension problems, etc. The coach only has 50K on it. Other than this group, I don’t know whom to trust or believe. There’s a website called etrailer. Have you or anyone else heard of it? I found it trying to learn something about stabilizer bars ::) [/size][size=78%]. [/size][/font][/size]They mention putting anti-sway bars on that motorhome. Is this site credible? This is the link: [size=78%]https://www.etrailer.com/Anti-Sway-Bars/Roadmaster/RM-1139-140.html (https://www.etrailer.com/Anti-Sway-Bars/Roadmaster/RM-1139-140.html)[/size][size=78%]
Thanks so much. I learn a little more everyday!!
Sherry
[/size][/font][/size]Sherry,
There is a possibility that the tech or the service writer does not know the name of the suspension part that he is trying to sell you. A stabilizer bar run from the front suspension on one side to the other side, and it is anchored to the frame on each side. It is designed to reduce body roll when cornering, and it is on virtually all cars, trucks, and RVs with coil or leaf springs. However, a stabilizer bar will not work with your air suspension because of the extreme difference in spring height from one side to the other when leveling.
Your coach does have track rods that keep the suspension centered when the suspension is moving up and down as you drive or level the coach, but the track rods only run from the frame to the suspension cradle and not to the wheel area.
Gerald
[/size]
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Review the videos here, including the one regarding women driving rv’s, and give Bob Henderson a call. He has been good to us about offering advice over the phone. https://www.hendersonslineup.com/motorhome-rpa
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Sherry,
In the link above, they are installing a stabilizer bar on a gas motorhome with a leaf spring suspension, this application has nothing to do with your coach. In the reference to an air bag suspension, they are installing an aftermarket self centering shock absorber between the steering linkage and the frame as a steering stabilizer. This has nothing to do with a stabilizer bar. Your coach did not come with a steering stabilizer, but if you want to add one, I would recommend a Safe T Plus over the Roadmaster.
If you are going to trade the coach off, there is no reason to spend a lot money on aftermarket parts to make the coach drive better. Just find a reputable shop like Iron Horse in San Antonio, and have your steering problem fixed, assuming that you even have a problem. There are a lot of people who think that a coach has a handling problem if they have never driven a long wheelbase coach when there is really nothing wrong with it. All coaches need steering corrections while driving, some more than others, but they do not drive like a car where you can take your hands off the wheel.
Gerald