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Heads up Slide Coach Owners.
This morning I had a conversation with an owner of a 2005 chassis 2 slide coach.
He had a problem with failed or failing chassis batteries and as a result he was unable to start the coach engine. The coach eventually got a charge into the batteries, but to get the coach started the coach also needed a jump.
I think getting a boost on our coaches is not uncommon, but in this particular instance it might have created a big problem. As the coach was being jump started ther might have been an electric spike which caused substantial problems with the slide room controls. It appears the slide room controllers on that version of the slides got “fried”, and when that happened, even though the slides were extended the slide room pins “fired”. Slide coach owner know the only time the pins should be engaged is when the slide is closed. Any other time damage to the slide will occur and that is what happened. Fortunately the repair was not as extensive as it could have been.
What was a problem is Prevost does not have an inventory of the slide controllers and if one is damaged it might be possible to have the original manufacturer rebuild it, but the time involved is a month or more that the coach is out of service.
We have stressed caution when doing anything with batteries, such as replacing them, but now I think if there is to be any unusual operation at the batteries such as charging or jump starting give consideration to isolating any of the Prevost systems that might be damaged from a spike or unusual voltage condition.
I have slides of the vintage and when the time comes to change batteries or even jump start my coach I believe I will trip breakers or pull relays for Prevost circuits that might be affected.
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11 Replies
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So which relay or breaker do you pull, can you post pictures of what we need to do. -
There have been so many slide versions it is best if you look at the relays and circuit breakers, including those in the bay with the slide room controllers and determine which ones to trip or pull. I have slide room circuit breakers in several locations.
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This is when the coachs with jump start solenoid system comes in handy.
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The reason why the jump start was a part of this issue is unknown, but it appeared to be a factor. I would agree if the coach has a means of joining the house and chassis battery banks such as through a relay or solenoid that would be a safe way to boost the chassis for a start.
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My Marathon has a jump start button that ties the house to the chassis. Just in case you were wondering.:)
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The Vantare had a battery merge or boost button on the dash.
What does the Liberty have I think I have seen a boost or merge button but can’t remember??
Cheers, Diane
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So does my Thompson
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A Marathon Slide coach has the “Jump” start button and it works as intended! Don’t ask why I know! But Marathon service recommends the Jump Start if your chassis batteries are too low.
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how is the jump start 12volt house system married into a 24volt chassis system?
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On my bus the house system is 24v. it uses vanners to reduce/or spilt to 12volt.
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Ditto.
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