Troubleshooting common problems from Trail Wagons/Chinook

Here are some first steps to figuring out common problems on your Chinook.

Problem: If at a campground what kind of Amp Service is used - 15, 30 or 50? 

Suggestion: Our Motorhome shore power cords are designed for 

30 Amp service. 

Problem: Batteries will not hold a charge. 

Suggestion: Check the water levels. Deep Cycle Batteries need a 

slow charge if they go dead. A 3 Amp trickle for 2 or 3 days. A higher Amp charging rate will only give the battery a surface charge that will not hold. 

Problem: The house battery goes dead. 

Suggestion: The batteries may not be charging from the engine 

alternator. Check the fuse in the power distribution panel (See Ford Owners Manual). Check the water levels in the batteries. 

Problem: Furnace does not run overnight. 

Suggestion: The batteries are low. The furnace and refrigerator are the two biggest draws on the battery system. 

Problem: The furnace is inoperable. 

Suggestion: 

1. Low battery. 

2. The furnace fan has to run at a pre-set RPM before the gas valve will open and allow the furnace to light. 

3. Check the heat vents to make sure the butterflies are open, this will also cause low RPM's if they are closed. 

Problem: The furnace blows cold air. 

Suggestion: 

1. Check the LP bottle to make sure that it is on. 

2. Check the thermostat for the temperature setting. 

3. Check the butterflies in the heat vents to make sure that they are open all the way.

Problem: Will not switch from generator to shore power. 

Suggestion: There is a built in transfer switch on the converter 

that performs this function. This would need to be checked by a Service Center. 

Problem: The generator will not start. 

Suggestion: The generator is wired to the house batteries. The batteries may be low enough that the generator will not start. Start the Motorhome and try starting the generator. Check the 80 amp breaker located on the passenger side of the firewall. (Not on all models) 

Problem: The generator rattles when running. 

Suggestion: 

1. Check the exhaust pipe to see if it is loose. 

2. The fuel line may be sucking air. 

Problem: The propane gauge reads wrong. 

Suggestion: Float in the tank may be stuck - take to an authorized propane dealer for repair. The tank has an 80% shutoff valve in it, which is required by law. This means your tank, when filled, will only read about 3/4 full. 

Problem: The propane gauge is inoperable. 

Suggestion: There are 2 gauges on the propane system. There is a 

sight gauge at the tank itself and an indicator on the monitor panel. If the monitor panel is not working, check the wire connections at the sight gauge. Note 

that the gauges are in different increments - one reads in 1/4's and the other reads in 1/3's. 

Problem: The LP detector keeps going off. 

Suggestion: This device has two functions - it will indicate a low 

battery as well as an LP leak. If your LP detector goes off do not assume that it is a low battery condition - Check for LP leaks. 

Problem: No power at the outlets in Coach. 

Suggestion: Check the GFCI outlet located on the shower wall just inside the back door.

Problem: The TV has no reception except when on cable. 

Suggestion: 

1. Check the A/B switch to make sure it is on the TV setting. This switch is located in the front overhead storage. (This switch has 2 functions: the "A" side which is the upper button controls the antenna & VCR; the "B" side which is the lower button is for cable hookup which may also be used for hook-up for a DSS antenna.) 

2. Check the TV menu screen for setting TV in antenna mode. 

3. Check the TV antenna booster to make sure it is turned on. 

Problem: The Beverage Mate is inoperable. 

Suggestion: Check the fuse - see the Chinook Owners Manual. 

Problem: The roof vent leaks air and/or rattles, or will not close all the way. 

Suggestion: There is an adjustment that can be made, we do have 

a flyer showing how to do this, it is best done at a Service Center. 

Problem: How do you drain the fresh water tank? 

Suggestion: You can open the tank drain valve or open both line 

drains and turn the water pump on and pump the water out. Be careful not to let the water pump run for an extended amount of time without water in it. 

Problem: How do you drain the black water tank? 

Suggestion: You can open the tank drain valve or open both line 

drains and turn the water pump on and pump the 

water out. Be careful not to let the water pump run 

for an extended amount of time without water in it. 

Problem: What is the recommended tire pressure? 

Suggestion: It is 65 PSI in the front tires and 60 PSI in the back 

tires. You can adjust as necessary, some suggest 55 all around. 

Problem: Where is the fuse location for the auto dump valves? 

Suggestion: It is located in the front by the emergency brake.