Intro from a marine

[USMCCPL]

Hello all,

Cpl. Barnhart MD USMC veteran... i just bought a 1994 Damon Challenger on a p30 chevy chassie.

I have a few questions for you all when you have the time.
Where would I find an owners manual for the coach?
Where would I find a wiring diagram as it is very confusing how this thing works.
Alot of the 12 volt stuff only seems to work when A; the engine is running, B; the generator is running, C; plugged into shore power. So why does it not run off of house batteries?

 

[Neemer]

Welcome aboard, Devil Dog!

Let me ask the obvious question up front: Are your batteries good? Are they taking a charge?

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Welcome aboard, Marine, and thank you for your service! Glad to have you here with us.

For an owner manual, try here: https://cwvjwpdci.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/manual-for-1994-damon-challenger-motorhome.pdf

Don't expect much, however, as RV owner manuals are notoriously poor in the amount of information they provide.

For wiring diagrams, you might look here: Damon wiring diagram"update"(added mod) - iRV2 Forums. Again, don't expect too much.

As for the 12-volt issue, have you verified that the batteries are good and holding a charge? With a coach of the age you are dealing with, unless the batteries have recently been replaced with new ones, they are likely not holding a charge.

Good luck with the new coach.

TJ

 

[USMCCPL]

Semper fi

Well i found two batteries up front in the engine compartment. I disconnected both batteries and use a battery test (old analog type) and the both pass. On the volt meter they read 13.6v and 13.8v. Cleaned all terminals and wire ends and reinstalled.
I think I am missing something somewhere. I was looking for a battery disconnect switch somewhere. Its kinda hard trying to find stuff without a manual. Seems like the newer rigs put stuff where you could find it everything on this thing seems to be hidden.

 

[USMCCPL]

I even swapped them out with two brand new deep cycle batteries just to see if that made a difference. Everything works when the generator is running or plugged into shore power. Nothing when not plugged in or generator is off

 

[Tjdave]

I think you are on the right track with trying to find a battery disconnect switch, sometimes called a salesman's switch. Are your Co2 monitors working? Will your fridge run on propane? It will still require 12v to run the fridge on propane. Those 2 items still work on mine with the salesman's switch off.

I don't know much about your model of RV, and I wanted to say hi, and thank you for your service.

 

[USMCCPL]

Well hello, and no thanks needed. I would serve this great nation anytime.

I have not even tried the fridge as I have not even leveled the thing yet.
Honestly my girlfriend and I are setting it up outside of her parents house. Her dad had a new septic system installed so we are hooking into that and he is in the process of wiring up a 30amp rv box for us. We already have a heated freshwater hose. We have to move six cords of wood and finish leveling the a rea we are going to park at. Her dad has outdoor carpet he wants to lay down before we park and level the old girl out.
So I have not tried the fridge at all, its brand new. We bought it off an old retired person. Alot of stuff was replaced. Went through the maintenance records. All maintenance was done on time every time. There was alot of extra maintenance done as well. Roof was checked and revealed annually, ac was serviced twice a year. Tires and brakes were just done, batteries are 3 months old. Windshield is brand new.the list goes on. The interior looks like it came off the showroom floor in 1994.

 

[Tjdave]

Not knowing if you are new to Rv-ing. Just a reminder when hooked up to a sewer connection, leave your black water dump valve closed until you are at least 3/4 full on your holding tank. Then dump it to avoid the "pyramid".

 

[Neemer]

Here’s another link to try: Damon.pdf

 

[Neal]

Welcome aboard @USMCCPL, great to have you with us. Former A-10 pilot here, now a motorhome driver, not sure which I'm more dangerous in

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Welcome aboard @USMCCPL, great to have you with us. Former A-10 pilot here, now a motorhome driver, not sure which I'm more dangerous in

Oh, he's a lot more dangerous as a motorhome driver! Keep your credit card locked up, @Neal is very good at spending our money here on RVF.

 

[USMCCPL]

Lol you guys are very welcoming... seems to be a great forum so far. I have owned and borrowed tow behinds and have driven many motorhomes for people. Never owned a motorhome before. I have the basics down. When I was younger and not as wise I could do everything myself and never needed help, well ok that is not the truth I never accepted help, now that I am a little wiser it is much easier to ask those that have the knowledge.
All I can say is I not understand this thing right now there has to be a disconnect switch somewhere.

 

[USMCCPL]

Well while I am at it. When driving this old girl home I noticed she has alot of play in the steering. Any of you all have experience with 94 chevy p30 chassis front steering and suspension?

 

[NWIP]

Not a ‘94 but a ‘92 P30 chassis, we had a PaceArrow. I think it is somewhat inherent in the chassis but can be improved. First I would have someone move the steering wheel while looking underneath at the arm attached to steering box, noting how much steering wheel movement there is. If there is a lot of movement steering box could need replaced or rebuilt.

Additional step is steering stabilizer could be original and need replacing. I had Steer Safe installed which helped. Good luck and welcome @USMCCPL

 

[USMCCPL]

I was looking at maybe doing the supersteer bell crank, and bell crank arm, new sway bar from roadmaster with bushings. New coil springs, shocks, steering stabilizer, firestone air bags, and safety steer as well. Then get a alignment.
The 7.5 x 16 tires seem like they are skinny. Is there a normal replacement size for them? Would like to go g rated just as a safety stand point.

 

[NWIP]

I was looking at maybe doing the supersteer bell crank, and bell crank arm, new sway bar from roadmaster with bushings. New coil springs, shocks, steering stabilizer, firestone air bags, and safety steer as well. Then get a alignment.
The 7.5 x 16 tires seem like they are skinny. Is there a normal replacement size for them? Would like to go g rated just as a safety stand point.

I never researched changing the tire size, I believe you are rather restricted unless changing wheels. Certainly with all the upgrades you listed it should be improved. I would do in increments and test so as not to spend money unnecessarily.

 

[USMCCPL]

Can't take the money with me when I am gone so may as well spend it as I make while I am still here... lol