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New to forum [message #290888]

Tue, 24 November 2015 19:43

Barnell

Messages: 16
Registered: August 2015
Location: Mcdonough, GA

Karma: 0

Junior Member

I am new to forum, just bought a 1978 Royale which is in immaculate original condition. My batteries are dead. I have read operating manuals but can't understand operation of electrical system. When I ran generator I could not get lights inside to work. When I plugged into house power all worked. When I ran engine nothing worked. I found fuse panels but am lost. Is there anyone who would be willing to talk me thru this dilemma?

Barnell, Mcdonough, GA 1978 Royale, rear bath 26'

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Re: New to forum [message #290890 is a reply to message #290888]

Tue, 24 November 2015 19:58

Carl S.

Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.

Karma: 13

Senior Member

Newbie wrote on Tue, 24 November 2015 18:43

I am new to forum, just bought a 1978 Royale which is in immaculate original condition. My batteries are dead. I have read operating manuals but can't understand operation of electrical system. When I ran generator I could not get lights inside to work. When I plugged into house power all worked. When I ran engine nothing worked. I found fuse panels but am lost. Is there anyone who would be willing to talk me thru this dilemma?

I believe Royales are a little different from GM finished coaches, electrically, using a special main breaker or something unique like that. There is a possibility that a PO has changed the electrical system too.

I'm sure someone with a Coachman finished coach will jump in to help soon enough, but in the meantime, please include your location and real name. GMCers are surprisingly helpful and there may be someone nearby who would be willing to spend some face time with you on this to point you in the right direction.

Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

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Re: [GMCnet] New to forum [message #290892 is a reply to message #290888]

Tue, 24 November 2015 19:49

Mr ERFisher

Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005

Karma: 2

Senior Member

Read here ?
http://www.gmcws.org/Tech/dsimmons/required_gmc_knowledge/required_gmc_info.html

On Tuesday, November 24, 2015, Travis Barnell
wrote:

> I am new to forum, just bought a 1978 Royale which is in immaculate
> original condition. My batteries are dead. I have read operating manuals
> but
> can't understand operation of electrical system. When I ran generator I
> could not get lights inside to work. When I plugged into house power all
> worked. When I ran engine nothing worked. I found fuse panels but am
> lost. Is there anyone who would be willing to talk me thru this dilemma?
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: New to forum [message #290893 is a reply to message #290890]

Tue, 24 November 2015 20:03

Barnell

Messages: 16
Registered: August 2015
Location: Mcdonough, GA

Karma: 0

Junior Member

Understand. My name is Travis and I am in Mcdonough, ga.

Barnell, Mcdonough, GA 1978 Royale, rear bath 26'

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Re: [GMCnet] New to forum [message #290894 is a reply to message #290888]

Tue, 24 November 2015 20:01

jhsilva19

Messages: 35
Registered: March 2006

Karma: 0

Member

Where are you ?

J Silva

'73 sequoia

Mass.

-------Original Message-------

From: Travis Barnell

Date: 11/24/2015 8:44:07 PM

To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org

Subject: [GMCnet] New to forum

I am new to forum, just bought a 1978 Royale which is in immaculate original
condition. My batteries are dead. I have read operating manuals but

can't understand operation of electrical system. When I ran generator I
could not get lights inside to work. When I plugged into house power all

worked. When I ran engine nothing worked. I found fuse panels but am lost.
Is there anyone who would be willing to talk me thru this dilemma?

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Re: [GMCnet] New to forum [message #290895 is a reply to message #290893]

Tue, 24 November 2015 20:25

bdub

Messages: 1578
Registered: February 2004
Location: Central Texas

Karma: 5

Senior Member

Aww you'll be in good hands. That's Dixielander country!

www.gmcdixielanders.org

bdub
Central Texas | Late 1976 Palm Beach
www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm/

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist On Behalf Of Travis Barnell
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 8:03 PM

Understand. My name is Travis and I am in Mcdonough, ga.

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bdub
'76 Palm Beach/Central Texas
www.bdub.net
www.gmcmhphotos.com
www.gmcmotorhomemarketplace.com
www.gmcmhregistry.com
www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes
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Re: [GMCnet] New to forum [message #290899 is a reply to message #290893]

Tue, 24 November 2015 20:38

Ken Henderson

Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA

Karma: 9

Senior Member

Travis,

There are numerous GMCers near you. My X-Birchaven was a little brother to
the Royale before I changed EVERYTHING; I still remember a few of the
details. There are probably 8-10 other active cult members within 100
miles of you. Feel free to call me at (229) nine thirty-eight 2797. I'll
try to help and give you contact information for a few others.

Ken H
enderson

Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com

On Tue, Nov 24, 2015 at 9:03 PM, Travis Barnell wrote:[/color]

> Understand. My name is Travis and I am in Mcdonough, ga.
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach

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Re: [GMCnet] New to forum [message #290902 is a reply to message #290899]

Tue, 24 November 2015 20:46

Barnell

Messages: 16
Registered: August 2015
Location: Mcdonough, GA

Karma: 0

Junior Member

Thank you Ken. I would like to call you soon, but during the day when I can have you walk me thru the operation. If that is ok, I would sure appreciate. I really love the motorhome as I love the 70s, but I have a 32' fifth wheel too and family pressuring me. I want to get new gas running through it and do some tailgating and camping. Thanks again for your responses.

Travis in GA

Barnell, Mcdonough, GA 1978 Royale, rear bath 26'

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Re: [GMCnet] New to forum [message #290918 is a reply to message #290902]

Tue, 24 November 2015 23:00

jimk

Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA

Karma: 9

Senior Member

You can always call and ask me to help you.
We do that every day and enjoy helping new owners.
800-752-7502
I have a Royal 78 so I am familiar with your delama.

On Tue, Nov 24, 2015 at 6:46 PM, Travis Barnell wrote:[/color]

> Thank you Ken. I would like to call you soon, but during the day when I
> can have you walk me thru the operation. If that is ok, I would sure
> appreciate. I really love the motorhome as I love the 70s, but I have a
> 32' fifth wheel too and family pressuring me. I want to get new gas running
> through it and do some tailgating and camping. Thanks again for your
> responses.
>
> Travis in GA
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502

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Re: New to forum [message #290920 is a reply to message #290888]

Tue, 24 November 2015 23:50

A Hamilto

Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011

Karma: 39

Senior Member

Newbie wrote on Tue, 24 November 2015 19:43

I am new to forum, just bought a 1978 Royale which is in immaculate original condition. My batteries are dead. I have read operating manuals but can't understand operation of electrical system. When I ran generator I could not get lights inside to work. When I plugged into house power all worked. When I ran engine nothing worked. I found fuse panels but am lost. Is there anyone who would be willing to talk me thru this dilemma?

Since things work when plugged into house (shore) power, there is apparently nothing wrong with your converter and fuses and wiring. That's a good thing. You will want to replace the OEM converter ("buzzbox") someday, hopefully before you ruin a house battery or two due to overcharging.

I don't know the switchover procedure for your make/model, but when you are running the generator, it will work the same as plugged into house (shore) power, unless the generator is not putting out power.

Running the engine won't be any different than running on batteries, since all it does is charge the batteries. If they are dead, it could be a good while before they charge from the engine, if at all, since they might need to be replaced.

If the Onan puts out power, and once you have good batteries, you will probably be good to go once you know the procedure to switch back and forth between house (shore) power and Onan. If the Onan doesn't output power, it could be the circuit breaker on the Onan, or a bad bridge rectifier. Anything else is going to be some work to fix. If the Onan was shut down with a roof AC running, that can ruin a bridge rectifier.

[Updated on: Wed, 25 November 2015 00:00]

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Re: [GMCnet] New to forum [message #290922 is a reply to message #290893]

Wed, 25 November 2015 04:40

Glover, Brian K.

Messages: 87
Registered: October 2015
Location: Griffin Georgia

Karma: 0

Member

Travis,

Just read some of your conversations, I recently bought a 78 Eleganza and I am in Griffin,,, so close by, but being a new owner myself ! no real help ! but always ready to talk about the motorhome !

Brian
Griffin

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Travis Barnell
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 9:03 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New to forum

Understand. My name is Travis and I am in Mcdonough, ga.

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Brian G. Griffin Ga. 1978 Eleganza II TZE168V101637

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Re: [GMCnet] New to forum [message #290923 is a reply to message #290918]

Wed, 25 November 2015 05:03

Barnell

Messages: 16
Registered: August 2015
Location: Mcdonough, GA

Karma: 0

Junior Member

Thank you Jim I will try to call you soon. I am anxious to getting to know my new toy.

Travis

Barnell, Mcdonough, GA 1978 Royale, rear bath 26'

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Re: New to forum [message #290924 is a reply to message #290920]

Wed, 25 November 2015 05:07

Barnell

Messages: 16
Registered: August 2015
Location: Mcdonough, GA

Karma: 0

Junior Member

Thank you Hamilto

Barnell, Mcdonough, GA 1978 Royale, rear bath 26'

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Re: New to forum [message #290925 is a reply to message #290924]

Wed, 25 November 2015 05:18

Glover, Brian K.

Messages: 87
Registered: October 2015
Location: Griffin Georgia

Karma: 0

Member

I just saw some of your emails on the forum, I figured I would touch base sense I live close by in Griffin and recently bought a 78 Eleganza, I probably cant be of any real help " because I just recently bought mine " but Im here to help !

Brian

Brian G. Griffin Ga. 1978 Eleganza II TZE168V101637

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Re: [GMCnet] New to forum [message #290929 is a reply to message #290888]

Wed, 25 November 2015 07:21

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Travis,

Onan's have circuit breakers mounted on them, there are two types:

1) A switch like this one:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/my-1973-sequoia-restauration/p51329-onan-labels.html

2) A button; like this one:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/onan-mount-replacement/p43925-onan-mounts.html

Pull your Onan out and see if they are on.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic

-----Original Message-----
From: Travis Barnell

I am new to forum, just bought a 1978 Royale which is in immaculate original condition. My batteries are dead. I have read
operating manuals but can't understand operation of electrical system. When I ran generator I could not get lights inside to work.
When I plugged into house power all worked. When I ran engine nothing worked. I found fuse panels but am lost. Is there anyone who
would be willing to talk me thru this dilemma?

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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

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Re: New to forum [message #290934 is a reply to message #290888]

Wed, 25 November 2015 07:44

skip2

Messages: 544
Registered: September 2011
Location: Winter Haven,FL (center o...

Karma: 3

Senior Member

A friend of mine had a. 78 royale and there was the breakers in the rear with a lever between 2 breakers so that only one could be on at a time one gen and one shore power. So I'd locate that and flip it and see if gen works if not someone probably shut down gen the wrong way one too many times . Just my thoughts.
Skip Hartline

74 Canyon Lands, FiTech, 3.7 FD LSD, Manny Tranny, Springfield Distributor, 2001 Chevy Tracker Ragtop Towd

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Re: New to forum [message #290936 is a reply to message #290888]

Wed, 25 November 2015 07:50

jhbridges

Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga

Karma: -74

Senior Member

Travis, did you or Brian buy the coach that was listed in LaGrange? Looked like a good buy at his price. I'm in Hall County (Braselton mailing addy), gimem a shout when you're out by your coach and maybe I can tell you how to make the genset power the coach if Rob's suggestion isn't the problem.

--johnny
4zero4seven255onesixzero

Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell

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Re: New to forum [message #290938 is a reply to message #290936]

Wed, 25 November 2015 08:18

Glover, Brian K.

Messages: 87
Registered: October 2015
Location: Griffin Georgia

Karma: 0

Member

Johny,

Hello, This is Brian, I bought mine ( Eleganza ) from a guy in Winder / Lawrenceville, about 7 months ago, Ive been tinkering with it, but havent spent the time I need to,,,, to learn more about it ! this whole work thing has slowed my progress !!! So any help you can give would be great !

Brian.

Brian G. Griffin Ga. 1978 Eleganza II TZE168V101637

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Re: New to forum [message #290945 is a reply to message #290888]

Wed, 25 November 2015 09:45

Matt Colie

Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan

Karma: 7

Senior Member

Travis,

Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....

The important thing is that you found us. But before long, you need to do a sigfile. You can do this easily be going to the control panel (up there ^), then account settings and scrolling down. (You can also change the alias - soon, you will not be "Newbie".) In the sigfile, put your real name so we know who you are when we meet at Dothan. (Do not miss Dothan.) A short about the coach so everybody knows you are dealing with a Royale fitted out by Coachman. And, a geographic reference so those that want to come by to help, know if they are in striking range. Do Not forget to scroll down to "Update" when you are done.

If you have electrical issues, there are two Kens here KenH (you met)and KenB from Indiana. What they say, you can take to the bank....
There is tons (well not literally, electrons don't weigh much) of documentation even for Coachman units. I don't know where it all is, but someone here will tell you where to look.

You have just joined a community like few others. I only know of one. You have already seen that this is a big wonderful helping group. I could regale you with stories of same, but that will wait. If you doubt that, go to Bdub's page and read the Black's (aka GMC assist) list. As this is so much like my world of watermen, I have taken to welcoming new owners much as a new owner or vessel is welcomed there. So,

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.

Welcome Travis

Matt

Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit

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Re: New to forum [message #290987 is a reply to message #290945]

Wed, 25 November 2015 21:48

Barnell

Messages: 16
Registered: August 2015
Location: Mcdonough, GA

Karma: 0

Junior Member

Thank you much for responses. Matt I will attempt to make changes to my account but I must say I am electronically challenged. If I can't, I am sure one of the kids can. Thanks again for being like family.

Barnell, Mcdonough, GA 1978 Royale, rear bath 26'

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