New to 5th Wheel and our Montana - Montana Owners Club

Piperfan · 08-22-2021, 07:44 AM

Hello,

Recently purchased a 2015 Montana 3850FL from a wholesale dealer that we absolutely love. The floor plan and amenities are perfect for us and what we were looking for. The biggest issue we have is that it came without any books or manuals what-so-ever and trying to learn how to work the individual systems is trying at times, especially when I am relatively new to RVing. I have been downloading manuals as needed if I have questions or concerns.

The camper did come with a few issues, most of which I have figured out, but currently am tackling a MaxxFan issue in the bedroom where one was installed previously to replace a Fantastic Fan. The fan is obviously new but has no power to it, plus the bedroom exit window lights do not work either. Removing the inside bezel I find 5 different wires from the camper hooked to it, this when the fan only has a positive and a negative to it, 2 are orange and white electrical wiring with one being a solitary single red wire routed with them from forward in the ceiling. Having read on here that there are no existing wiring diagrams I am just gonna have to resort to my multi-meter to try to figure this out. Part of the problem is that there are no blown or missing fuses in the power center under the fridge. I'll get it figured out and why my fridge that wanders from 38-55 degrees whenever on shore power it seems like on a daily basis.

Anyway we just wanted to say hello to all the passionate and dedicated Montana Owners that have already helped me alleviate some issues on our RV. We very much look forward to good tales, advice, and meeting new friends.

Regards,

Terry & Faye Lascelles
2015 Montana 3850FL
2014 F350 Super Duty Diesel

jsb5717 · 08-22-2021, 08:42 AM

Welcome aboard and congrats on the purchase! I can't help you with the electrical and it sounds like you're on the right track to figuring it out.

I assume that the fridge is an RV fridge and not a residential fridge. If it's residential, again I'm no help. However, if it's an RV fridge then your temp swings sound like they could be inadequate air ventilation across the fins on the rear of the unit. Do some research on adding fans to the rear of your fridge for more info and how-to's. Others on this forum have done it and there are several YouTube videos on the subject. I've done it in ours and it really helps to manage the interior temp of the unit.

Good luck!

jimcol · 08-22-2021, 08:57 AM

Are you are depending on the indicator lights in your DC fuse panel to show blown fuses? They will only light if there is a device putting a load on that fuse. In other words something looking for power but can't get it due to a blown fuse. A better and quick test is when you have your multi meter out verify all your DC fuses.

Piperfan · 08-22-2021, 09:53 AM

Jimcol & jsb5717,

Thanks for the info! First, I have been reading the info about the refer fans and do plan on doing that to see how much it helps. Secondly, I was not aware that there needed to be a power requirement for the fuse light to be on . . . I do believe that there is a direct correlation between the 2 puck lights over the rear window not working and the fan not having power as well. One of the light switches on the wall next to the entry door appear to not control anything that that visibly works.

Terry

**DQDick** · 08-22-2021, 10:14 AM

Welcome to the form! 12-vdc-wire-standard-keystone-rv.pdf Hopefully I was able to attach the Keystone color of wire information.

Piperfan · 08-22-2021, 10:30 AM

DQDick,
Yes the color chart was attached, what is interesting is that orange/white wires are connected to the fan which per the chart indicates exterior 12v wiring, such as running lights. I am going to hook up the truck to the RV and turn on the lights to see if I have power then . . .

Piperfan · 08-22-2021, 10:48 AM

Dang it! Running lights on but still no power to fan. I am just going to have to take the wiring apart and check the RV wiring with my meter. Somehow there should not be five wires hooked up to that fan from the coach . . .

jimcol · 08-22-2021, 12:23 PM

Besides your multi meter a tone generator with an amplifier helps in tracing wire issues. Available at most big home improvement stores. Not very expensive. I have found it to be a valuable tool. As far as five wires going to the fan is it possible they are just using that location as a junction point, feeding other 12 volt downstream needs?

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