Rebuilding a Fire Damage RV Motor Home

We start working on the motor home and first by learning how everything works. The next part would be use taking apart the dash to fire the wire damage and there was less than we thought. We also are replacing the floor.
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[@davidp2888]

Great video, guys! That smoke detector chirp is annoying. LOL

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

Could be the CO detector. They only last a few years and need replacement.

[@tossedsalad5532]

My carbon monoxide detector made same noise What did you pay for the RV from auction ?

[@JoseHerrera-ck5qk]

I thought that was my fire alarm.

[@wantsanewvehicle]

@@tossedsalad5532 it's at the end of the other video how much they won it for

[@JoelHaasnoot]

Please, please replace the battery!

[@kenrinck4916]

The chirp sound you are hearing once a minute is a FIRE detector needing a battery. That is the first battery you need to worry about. I love the energy you guys have to keep going on these projects. I just had to tease you about the batteries.

[@eric.vice.01]

Usually there is an isolator between the house batteries and the coach battery. As someone else said, the radio test in the power outlet is not an indicator that the inverter is working. The generator can do this without the inverter. The purpose of the inverter is to create “house current” when the generator is not running. This is why you have so many house batteries. This is also why people put solar panels on the roof of their RV’s to passively charge the house batteries without needing to impact your diesel supply. You’ve committed yourself to a lot of work. But you will get it straight eventually.

[@mrosenblatt]

The inverter doesn't run the outlets when the generator is running. There's going to be a transfer switch somewhere that switches between battery/inverter, generator, and shore power. The RV is supplied by a 50A, 240V mains power cord -- The inverter isn't rated to anywhere near that. If you have the generator on, the generator is powering everything and the inverter isn't doing anything at all. It's just sitting there passively.

[@jacquelineoldhaver2672]

Actually the inverter will be in charging mode.

[@sarmce]

@@jacquelineoldhaver2672 Charging mode it a inverter

[@fillowtree5505]

One more thing, a battery for the smoke alarm. Thanks for sharing.

[@davemcso]

^^This

[@moore4807]

I notice you keep asking viewers for information/assistance. If you contact Fleetwood themselves, they would likely send you all the schematics you need for your RV, (some may be downloadable off the internet) It really is worth the time to make the phone call. Working on RV's is a different breed than auto mechanics, most are willing to share info, tips, and tricks (and occasionally tools) to other RV'ers having a problem.

[@dukeman7595]

Right on some very nice people in the RV World and great advice..

[@XLTJeff]

you would think that would have been the first thing , and you're right about a different breed most defiantly

[@Biffo1262]

Check the copper of each wire for discolouration (blue-ish) and that will tell you which wire was heated by shorting. You can then find if it was the wire shorting or the component it served. Copper wire does not normally melt due to external heat from the normal house or vehicle fire but if a short has occurred the wire becomes discoloured and even may even melt and reset. All part of my fire service experience in arson investigation LOL!

[@don4364]

The chassis batteries (used for engine start) normally do not charge from generator. They are charged from the alternator when engine is running. Generator controls inverter for AC. The converter will charge the house batteries when connected to shore power. If possible get a complete owners manual with electrical schematics. I have a class A and the wiring can drive you crazy. Good luck guys

[@Elizabeth-rq1vi]

I was thinking the same, many manuals are online, including the schematics. I wouldn’t want to attempt touching an RV wiring without one. Ok, I shouldn’t touch it even with one but still... I would want to have everything new related to the fire, unless you are positive where & what started it.

[@jacquelineoldhaver2672]

In my 07 Excursion, the generator inverter will power both. I had an alternator fail and I drove home with the generator running and the inverter charging both sets of batteries.

[@bradblanchard6921]

When your generator is running it provides the AC power, not the inverter. It also charges your house batteries.The inverter only provides AC power when not connected to shore power and the generator is off. There are automatic transfer switches that route power from all three sources, so that they are not all working at the same time.

[@Kaspurr84]

The generator delay is because its diesel, they pre warm the glow plug before firing. Kubota is the actual manufacture of those Onan diesel generators, you'll find the name plate near the oil filter.

[@johnparker3065]

NB First thing: Call Fleetwood Tech group with the coach Serial No. They will get you pdf's of the factory invoice with options listing, AND the Instructions/Owners Manuals for all of the significant equipment installed on the coach. They will even send pdf's of the schematics for that coach.

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

John Parker Best idea here. Flying blind without schematics.

[@allanmoulton3745]

Guys if I’m not mistaken the Inverter is not operational while the generator is running. It’s only for while you are running on house batteries. The generation it is powering the receptacles while it is running.

[@jojo1308716]

A battery for that smoke detector would be amazing. The chirping is a bit annoying

[@16B9]

Coach batteries are usually separate from the engine batteries. That way you won't run down all your battery power and not be able to start your engine. That chirping noise is a low battery signal in your smoke/carbon monoxide detector. A lot of those motor homes are built in Elkhart Indiana. They come with a bunch of owner's and operator manuals when new. I suspect they are still available from the manufacturer or the subcontractors that have their elements in your coach. I use to have a 30 foot Holiday Rambler. I found it was fairly common that failures could be traced to the little things that caused failures (fuse, connections, frayed wiring, mice chews, etc). Good luck :)

[@k1mgy]

Please. Please! Replace the battery in your fire detector. :)

[@erichackney7301]

The smoke detector is just aft of the slid out to the left. I’ll send the money for the battery if needed. Can we do this before the next episode? Please and thank you 🙏🏽😊

[@1020mj]

Like the new flooring and can't wait to see the finished product.

[@treasureseekerintheway3515]

This should be obvious, however it looks like you are confused about it. The generator produces 120v AC The invertor takes the 12v power from the battery bank and converts it to 120v AC When the generator is not running. If you have 120v when the generator is running that means your generator is working. If you don't have 120v when the generator is not working then your inverter is not on or broken. An inverters job is to....(get ready for it)....invert power.

[@alecamal]

I checked a little before I made a similar comment, well said.

[@cfernando289]

We have a Motorhome that had a similar issue with the inverter. We had an overheat/melting situation in the engine area which melted some wiring. Between the inverter and the inverter control board in the front there is a telephone style wire with rj11 plugs on either end. One end plugs into the inverter one end into the control board. In our situation that wire had melted and when we replaced/reran the wire it solved the inverter issues. And good luck with the generator, when it’s fixed/not on a slide tray access can be very tight for some of these maintenance projects.

[@rustyyoungblood2349]

We are all concerned about your health and well being. Miss your video always entertaining and informative. Hope to hear from you soon. As always you both are in our Prayers and Blessings. Please stay safe and return soon.

[@John_Be]

The Zantrex inverter display inside gets its signal from the thick grey phone cables plugged into the front of the inverter. It could be corroded if that try vinegar toothbrush and dielectric grease. It could be damaged as well. I think it is just a flat RJ-12 (telephone) plug that uses all 6 conductors. Good news cheap to fix or replace. I'm bored stuck for the summer because of Covid. I would come help you but you are quite far from North Carolina.

[@drinternatg6391]

Like I said on the last video reach out to the RV manufacturer. They can supply you parts like covers etc. Some also have great parts and maintenance books. Save you a ton of time figuring out stuff. Good job though.

[@fw1421]

You guys actually STOLE that RV. Even with the things you have had to replace it’s value is higher than what you’ve spent.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@user-zs8ek8yq2o]

Привет вам из России, смотрю вас с удовольствием. А теперь когда вы ещё купили автодом это просто улёт. Это моя мечтаааа. Супер, успехов вам во всех ваших делах👍👍👍👍, в России такой стоит порядка 100000 долларов

[@EC4400]

What a Blessing! Many happy memories in the Remington.

[@MrXcrt]

I worked on my 06 RV , I did most of the upgrades myself, there’s a lot of pride in working n upgrading your RV ! There’s a lot to learn as well , way different from working on a car ! Great video guys ! Stay with it

[@limeybean3967]

You Bros are very inspiring I am a would be rv'er and am gaining much confidence watching that it's not at all impossible

[@virgilgambrell7154]

Completely change out the PBS's (Primary Circuit Boards) under your dashboard along with relays/fuses/wire harnesses that do or don't appear burnt but could be defective anyway, change the module in the back, and your issue with the display should be resolved. FYI: I would shop around for salvaged parts in saving money and the fact that you can't return new electrical parts anywhere for a refund.

[@romanshu339]

The new floors are looking great!

[@Critical-Thinker895]

Engine start batteries only charge from engine., not generator. Good job so far but a lot to look at in the electrical dept. Oh, and check the CO detector.

[@lw1945three]

That's right but there could also be a small solar panel on the roof solely dedicated to charging those batteries I have my doubts but cause I believe you had to jump this thing to get it to start if its solar panel had been working it would have had them charged up and you wouldn't had to jump them. The inverter is working or you would not see a charge going into the house batteries when the inverter saw the AC hit from the generator it says hey I'm either on shore power or I'm on generator either way I don't need to supply AC .

[@ericschmitz614]

The smoke detector's 9V battery is running low too. It's that short beep you hear every few minutes..

[@blindhog2756]

You are mechanic and electrically inclined. You have the skills to own a complex motorhome,new or burned. Good video.

[@pauls466]

You Guy's did a great deal .

[@ColinPrince]

Love the Motor-Home. It’s going to be a luxurious driver, by the time you guys finish with it..

[@floatdude]

Smoke detector battery has got be replaced. But hey it looking your getting it back together fast.

[@JasonSigman]

Ha! I was just about to comment that they forgot to buy a 9 volt for the smoke detector. Probably the least of their worries!

[@I_am_Allan]

The first 2 times I looked up at MY smoke detector, which is just above my fat head. hahaha

[@johnhampson7]

Will stay tuned "for sure"

[@Dutch-vj2eg]

Still fishing....it's a long season. The boat and RV episodes were a clue :-)

[@bigtee4690]

Great job guys! I am new to your channel, I am a motorhome nut and this is so much fun to watch. I wish I had just half of your mechanical know how. We are currently out camping in our 42 ft diesel RV and watching your video has opened my eyes to a lot of good information. I am really interested in the flooring replacement. Thanks guys and we cant wait until the next video.

[@tramlad2]

Brilliant job guys, nothing phases you, that RV is a house on wheels, too big for the UK little roads, but i would love to drive that in the states, its a beauty. You will have so much fun with that, keep the updates coming, i am now addicted. Keep safe guys from the UK.

[@merengueardiente]

the truck battery is charged by the truck alternator attached to the engine theses battery on the side are charged by the diesel generator in the front and are the one supplying power to the inverter . theses are different circuit not mixing those will be good idea to get the electric schematics of the truck before you start messing around with the electric like you already have in the cabin control or you will end it up with the same situation why the truck was salvage. treat carefully

[@aubreypage3994]

The inverter does not work with the generator running or on shore power. Also most of the time, the engine battery is not charged by the inverter/charger but by the engine generator. When camped, on shore power, there is usually a trickle charger that keeps the engine battery topped off while parked camping. If you want to test the inverter AC functionality, disconnect from shore power and have generator off. Only certain outlets are powered by the inverter. Try the microwave or coffee pot outlet.

[@robertdovi7377]

Hey guys, good learning curve ahead for you. Every RV I ever owned had a build sheet folder from the manufacturer, something like 60- 80 pages with all the info you might need for replacement parts in it. It should stay with the vehicle. Look for it inside some drawer or cabinet. Good luck, beautiful RV unbelievable price for a diesel pusher in that condition..

[@markwisner3972]

The generator normally does not charge the engine batteries. There is probably a switch somewhere that will connect the house batteries to the engine batteries so if your engine batteries are dead, you can start off your house batteries.

[@aelaan12]

Awesome project, nice for the Summer to tour the country

[@stephencahill1840]

Hi guys I you are both ok and that the good lord is keeping you all safe and well

[@texasrebel1508]

You guys are already making a lot of progress. Can't wait to see the next video.

[@frankavery568]

You guys are doing great job keep it up

[@michelbarbeau8934]

looking forward to the next video,hope all goes well for you two,from canada

[@patrickstaunton2185]

As a newcomer to these vids it is truly fascinating to watch you guys do your thing. Long may it continue.

[@UnrealEngineer]

Hey guys here’s a little friendly advice. First, the Atwood auto leveling panel should be a major concern. Those POS control panels are no longer made and can be hard to find. They are prone to failing but it gets better. One of our motor homes had a bad “ford” Atwood panel and it would not allow the air suspension to inflate. Long story short, we had to reverse the transmission signal to a “new” overpriced workhorse panel to be able to drive the motor home. I can give you as much info as want about your new project and my hats off to y’all for all of your had work.

[@Bootneck-RMC]

You're doing a grand job lads and before you know it, you will have that RV up and running and taking us all and a nice wee road trip.

[@stephencahill1840]

Once again great content good to see you getting the rv back together

[@JohnDavis-ed5sg]

I think the generator only charges the domestic battery - the starter battery is charged by the engine alternator, and is isolated from domestic loads.

[@bmechanic4621]

bill in phoenix. more work needed, but you still did good. will keep watching, thank you.

[@danandyong6653]

Somewhere in the RV there should be a large bag with all the RV's info, appliance, options, user manual, parts manual, receipts, warranty info, etc...

[@dtfr69]

the engine batteries are isolated from the generator and rv lighting so you can still start the engine if the aux batteries go dead

[@Biffo1262]

Surely there are manuals supplied with these RV's. The manual for my Travehome S was extremely comprehensive and covered operation and fault finding along with all the wiring diagrams for the Zig unit etc.

[@JohnCarverUK]

Great video, I am following this RV project from the UK for sure.

[@babydriver8134]

A good low cost project. Thumbs up.

[@Pandora_369]

Please, for everyone listening through ear buds, fix the dang smoke detector! Awesome job so far.

[@itsmephil2255]

Is that what the beep was.....was wondering

[@rockinroll141]

Deal w it

[@kevinkasperski3879]

The generator is running all of the house A/C systems, The Inverter will allow you to use the house batteries instead of the Genset for some functions Lights, Pumps etc. Some times the main plug that you plug into a Campground outlet is used as a bridge from the gen set, (must be plugged into an generator outlet near the main cord) so if you are on shore power you can't use the generator to power the coach.

[@davideyres1628]

Watching in the UK love all you are doing thanks for showing the road trip i can't get my head around how large America the country is and that rv is so large Best Wishes from SOUTHAMPTON HAMPSHIRE

[@tbischof430]

I'm not a mechanic but the delay in the generator starting is the glow plugs heating up. (I assume) . In my experience the colder the outside temperature the longer it takes to start.

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

Good chance that inverter is toast. If so, consider a Magnum hybrid (mobile type) inverter/charger AND remote. This unit is super adaptable/intelligent. Then replace all the inverter batteries with Battle Born lithium’s. Four minimum (yeah, I know 4K but worth it). Then install a high output alternator from Mechman. That way you can quickly recharge your lithium’s while driving without killing (smoking) your stock alternator. Load the roof up with solar panels and get a good solar charge controller. A well set up rig is quiet and comfortable.

[@johanreibestein4231]

hello guys, that annoying beep that occasionally goes off is the smoke detector, the battery 9volt needs to be replaced, gr from the Netherlands

[@s.w.7897]

This RV is great. I do not need one but now I want one even if I do not need one....

[@JA-ux7dd]

The inverter is probably an inverter charger and the fault codes are originating there. You have two types of power, shore power and generator power. What you need to do is go to the manufacturer of each component on google and print the operators manual and and installation manual.

[@markwhitehead1658]

What a beautiful motor home. It must be incredible to own such a thing 👍🚐

[@MattBlackPlays]

I have remembered who Mike reminds me of “professor green”!! Love what you guys do together 👍

[@deanlawrie613]

Cant wait for the final outcome

[@AlphaPepper]

5 minutes into this video I realized it was your smoke detector beeping and not mine. Don’t forget to replace the battery!

[@Reaglesracing44_]

the inverter is not run by the generator. it’s designed for boondocking. you turn it on with generator off and it should power up stuff off the battery. mainly like tv coffee pot and some outlets

[@wallysgonzalez3451]

Terrific 👍! It's cool to rebuilding. You are good rebuilding!

[@jacquelineoldhaver2672]

I have an 07 Fleetwood Excursion. If you contact Fleetwood, they will send you the entire electrical schematic.

[@ukbusman]

I'm so engrossed that I just subscribed and rung the bell. First time i've ever done that. Can't wait for the next video, well done lads.

[@G-ra-ha-m]

Looking good. So many boxes out at the front could be a fuse feeding that cluster, maybe try to pop out the boxes and look for inline fuses.

[@jdkgcp]

Maybe start with a 9 volt battery for the smoke detector.

[@VanisleNSX]

Great choice on the flooring. A wood floor would have been too much with all the wood in the rest of the interior. I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of this project!

[@cheryljohnson4292]

Thank you

[@danrulz98]

That "inverter" should just be a converter, it produces 12 volts to charge the batteries and run the lights/fridge/heater inside (since those are all 12 volt devices). The generator should produce 240v directly to run normal house stuff (microwave, AC, etc). As another commenter said, unplug the phone cables from the converter and clean them, they're probably corroded.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

This motorhome comes with a converter and an inverter/battery charger. The large box on the side that they were concerned about is the 2000w Xantrex Freedom Combi inverter/battery charger. You don't need the generator or shore power to run 120v appliances if your batteries are charged and your inverter is working. That's the entire point of the inverter, but large appliances suck juice fast. The inverter is best used for charging laptops or powering small TVs, etc.

[@ufuomaerickrumale1542]

You guys are amazing. Taking o. This beautiful feat really had me exited. Good work

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

Good work. The aux battery switch could be to tie the coach batteries to the start batteries in case start goes bad. Your lucky. Usually the inverter charges some of the batteries

[@robertvasquez8764]

You guys should really enforce metal frame brackets around the batteries. So that the Battery cables wouldn't get loose in transit . Besides that you guys are like superheroes. Great job from beginning to end. I enjoyed watching your journey . Good 👍 job journey.

[@offgridprep]

Looks great guys !

[@charleshadle9376]

Generator is trickle charging the battery. Likely the cables to your control center routed through the fire area. Once everything is re-spliced and reconnected, your controls should work once again.

[@waynek921]

Niko boys I really enjoy playing your video's and there very helpful and informative. Thank you..

[@GlobosCostaRica]

the "pieps" every couple minutes comes from the smoke detectors "low battery".

[@deanhaight7258]

Great job guys 💯‼️

[@richardcline1337]

That single beep you keep hearing is the low battery alarm for the smoke and carbon monoxide detector. I'm not sure how this coach is set up but on the one my late wife and I had the generator charged the three big batteries for the coach that ran through the inverter and the engine charged the engine batteries from the alternator.

[@petercolquhoun2086]

I hope the floor holds up for you. Peel and stick tiles do not like the wide temperature swings that an RV sees. Floating floors are recommended.

[@ferebeefamily]

Thank you for the video.

[@blueangel5843]

I would LOVE it if you could build build my disabled partner Tom a trike but we live in England so heyho lol. He was ripped off big time by a so called friend who promised to build him one from scratch only to run off with the parts and money for the build. LOVE your videos keep them coming.

[@hwaigand]

In order to check your inverter you need to switch the generator off. The way the systems work is that if you are hooked up to a power pedestal (cable should be in one of the bays - probably 50 Amps) then everything is powered by the grid, if you switch on the generator, it takes a minute or two until the generator is ready to deliver power and the transfer switch will switch over to the generator as your power source. If you are not hooked up to the grid and the generator is off the inverter needs to be switched on on the panel inside and if your batteries are charged the inverter will provide 120 Volts AC to the systems. The inverter should not be on when you are on shore power (50 Amp plug on the grid) or on generator power. The inverter is an inverter/charger. if the RV is hooked up to shore power or the generator is running the charger in the inverter is charging the house batteries. The engine batteries are only charged by the alternator, so if the RV is stored for a longer time you need to hook up a battery tender to keep the starter batteries charged. If the starter batteries are low you can use the house batteries as auxiliary power to start the engine. That is what the auxiliary switch is for. You hold it down while starting the engine and a solenoid connects the house batteries to your engine batteries to help start the coach. The starter batteries are cranking batteries, the house batteries typically are marine grade deep cycle batteries. The deep cycle batteries should not be used for cranking unless in an emergency. The amperage delivery of a cranking battery is much higher that the amperage of a deep cycle battery (those are designed to deliver lower amperages over a longer time and the cranking amperage overloads and damages the deep cycle batteries if you use them frequently to crank the engine). Your air conditioner will only work on generator or shore power. The draw on the inverter will cause the inverter to switch off and throw an error code. I guess the inverter is 2000 or 3000 Watts, one AC will need about 3500 Watts to start up and then draw about 2500 Watts continuously. Even if you get the AC started on the inverter without it shutting off 4 brand new fully charged batteries will run the AC for one or two hours and likely damage your battery bank. Those flooded Led Acid Deep Cycle batteries should never be discharged lower than 60%. That means you should let them never go under 11.6 Volts (give or take). I think you got a killer deal on this RV. I own two Class A (Bus like) RV's on Freightliner Chassis. Let me know if you have any questions. From the pictures it looked as if the electrical fire started from the yellow romex AC 120 Volt wire. Many RV'ers hookup extension chords to the AC outlets in the RV and run Radiators and heaters. Just like in a sticks and bricks house you can cause a fire by hooking too much load with an extension chord to one outlet. They are typically 15 Amps which means that a hair dryer and a heater on an extension chord will overload the outlet. Chafing of the insulation of a 12 Volt hot wire can do the same, once you have a short you are looking at 4 12 Volt batteries in parallel delivering the power. You can weld with that kind of amperage and the thin wire cores will get very hot and glow like a cigarette lighter - same effect as if you throw a wrench onto the two poles of the battery (don't do it - the wrench will melt, the battery will "explode" and you will get a fire - how do I know - don't ask). Hope you guys have fun.

[@thewiseguy3529]

Love know it alls! You forgot to mention how they got ripped off by buying a salvage title vehicle. Not worth even what they paid

[@scottm.franklinnc7942]

As others have stated or asked what caused the fire to begin with. your manufacturer, the parts department should know the code and have a cover w/fuse placement. Also a schematic for the wiring would be a good thing for reference.

[@jballard3253]

sounds like the smoke alarm chirping - prob needs a new battery

[@firefighter8503]

please replace the smoke detector battery

[@ronleblanc9832]

Really nice build i know one guy his generator wouldnt start they pulled it out compleatly tore it down couldnt find a problem come to find out the generator wont start if the fuel levels are below a certain level was an expensive tear down for not reading the manuel keep videos comming

[@tbischof430]

that is correct. Its a safety thing. Its so you don't use up all the fuel in the tank and won't be able to start the engine.

[@hwaigand]

If you work on the roof, be careful. As far as I remember Fleetwood used a thin membrane (EDPM) over plywood to cover the roof. That stuff tares pretty easily and will then allow water to penetrate the roof and ruin the RV. If you are lucky they used a one piece fiber glass roof on this coach. Also pay attention to your tires. Those are the big boys 22.5 truck tires. They are good for 10 to 12 years, but can get bad when the unit is sitting for a longer time uncovered. They are inflated with around 100 PSI. No fun when they blow. The best indicator are side wall cracks, but even if they look great they can be damaged. Any tire with a DOT code of 12 years or older should be replaced no matter how it appears from the outside.

[@thewiseguy3529]

Lol you should see what happens with condensation under the fiberglass roof ahah. Jokes on everyone who thinks they're better than rubber

[@rogergraham6448]

awesome job guys i would contact the dealer for fault codes and panel cover and maybe a owners manual would help

[@levisgates4349]

Wow I love this kudos guy I'm watch you guys from Nairobi Kenya

[@smiddlyrabone8900]

fine job