Trinidaddave

You may have and many of these units have a PTCT (Positive Temperature Coefficient Thermistor) failure.  This device allows current to flow through the start winding on startup, and cuts out at approximately 75% of the full running speed of compressor.  I did see this on my Dometic.  
Google this device for appearance and function. 

Richard, We left yesterday, March 1st. north of Sacramento to Gulfport Mississippi.  We chose the southern route ( I-10,I-20 to I-49 to Gulfport) for all of the reasons listed in this post.  We will be taking our time, so you will probably be passing us at some point.  
 

Always enjoy your knowledge of Monaco motorhomes.  Thanks for all you share.

I would think a local sheetmetal shop will fabricate a pan to fit your space requirements. I wouldn’t think it would cost much.

also they can place the drain to miss any framing obstacles.

I understand my 2005 my 

Safari Gazelle was similar to your Windsor.  This is what my books say.  I am not sure what fluid to use, can’t find that in my book.  I am guessing Dexron III.

I understand my 2005 Safari Gazelle is most comparable to a 2005 Windsor.

Are there any links that I can access the 05 Windsor to become more informed about my 05 Gazelle.  Thank you

Thank you for the great explanation, I noticed the wrong time on my wife’s 2010 cross tour yesterday.  I came home and mentioned to her, but that’s as far as I went with it.  
I an glad you shared this information, I will be looking forward to August.

Thanks Richard, mine resembles his, I do not have everything you show in your picture.  Sorry image is upside down.                                                                                       

Thanks Jim, your panel is very similar to mine.  I will be tackling this project soon. I will keep your contact information if I have questions.

Thank you Stephen and Scotty, I was always curious to referencing Monaco’s files for more information. 
 

Thanks Richard, I just replaced both with 600Amp  marine switches.  My contacts weren’t burned, but the plastic began to break apart internally preventing  contacts to mate correctly.  
 

thank you for your suggestions, 

Thanks Rick, I’m retiring end of the year, so I plan to dive deep into this coach prior to heading east to cheaper fuel prices (4-5 dollars/ gallon here). I may reach out to you if I’m in over my head.

I really haven’t had a lot of time to devote to learning the systems, but that will soon change.  
thank you for your guidance.

dave

Thanks Rick, I need to study the circuitry closer.  My issue is I am not able to read the diagrams in the books that came w my coach.  I have downloaded online drawings of other MONACO coaches which seem to be very similar to how  Safari wired their units.  I haven’t identified which units are the MONACO sister units, but I have been using diagrams I found on the internet with similar circuitry.

Thanks Rick, I need to study the circuitry closer.  My issue is I am not able to read the diagrams in the books that came w my coach.  I have downloaded online drawings of other MONACO coaches which seem to be very similar to how  Safari wired their units.  I haven’t identified which units are the MONACO sister units, but I have been using

I believe I am correct in stating my coach batteries are not charged by the alternator I do not have what they call the wiring to a BIRD device installed on my coach.  That is the part I am missing.

please correct my understanding of the system, but without that only chassis batteries are charged by alternator.

thanks

Thank you everyone, I’m overwhelmed with all the quick responses.  I will look into the suggestions.

although I believe MONACO owned Safari during the time the coach was built, they did not incorporate some of the electrical upgrades. 
 

I will be tackling this project soon and may have questions. I will report any progress.

When I purchased my 05 Safari Gazelle the previous owner was using a small disc wedge under the battery boost switch to allow charging of coach and chassis batteries while connected to battery charger keeping batteries topped off.

Since my coach is not equipped with ability to charge coach batteries from alternator, what are your thoughts of using the same wedge under the boost switch while traveling?  I realize the solenoid is not continuous duty, but I could upgrade to continuous duty.

 I would eventually install the components for a more permanent installation, this is just an interim work around.  
 

For under $20 you can purchase a tone generator to trace the path of the circuit.  It’s not a high quality, but works well when you do not know how your circuits route.

Using a OHM meter to check a capacitor doesn’t provide any value to your troubleshooting the capacitor.  It just shows it can be charged and discharged, but doesn’t prove the capacitor is not failing.

the best way to check a capacitor is to use a multi- meter that reads capacitance in micro farads or use a capacitor checker.

Another proven method is to read the amperage of the start winding at the capacitor HERM or hermitic terminal on the capacitor multiply by the constant 2652, then divide by the voltage measured between common terminal and HERM terminal.

AMPERAGE X 2652 divided by VOLTAGE

this should  match the rating on the side of the capacitor. The system must be operating to use this method.

Thanks Scotty, you saved some $$ this time 

I will check that out, it would be more convenient.

My 05 Safari Gazelle block heater cord doesn’t reach.  I always use a short extension cord, I guess they didn’t mean for it to be plugged in all the time.

I  used mine several times last winter

Very interesting, We have had our 2005 Safari Gazelle since March, 31,000 miles.  Every time I ask my CAT service center(Sacramento), to do the overhead adjustments, this basically sets valve  clearance on my C9 as I understand it. He just laughs at me, says it doesn’t have enough miles.  After reading your post I think I should be more persistent. 
good luck with your repairs and safe travels.

I will keep following your post 

This is a good reminder to turn off the battery disconnects prior to removing battery terminals. 
 

if you stated it, I missed what engine you have?

I think my first check would be getting my meter out and checking battery voltage.  You might as well start at the source.

25 minutes ago, Bob Wightman said:

I have a 2004 Monaco Knight that i have replaced the salesman switch solenoid several times, and just did it again recently just to have it fail again.  I'm using original part number and every time i replace it everything works good for a few months then it blows the fuse again.  I like having this feature as i don't have the opportunity to use the coach as much as i would like and i can just turn everything on as i come in the way i left it last.  All my electrical connecting to the solenoid is good, I have replace the actual switch itself and still cant seem to make it reliable.  Has anybody else experienced this problem and found a solution for it?  I'm considering just replacing it with a battery on/off manual switch and be done with it but wanted to run it past the group for advice first.  Thanks in advance! 

Bob, my guess without looking at your diagrams you already have a battery cut off switch for chassis and house batteries.  Mine are located in the rear compartment curbside.  On my 05 Safari Gazelle I use this to disconnect both battery banks when I’m not expecting to use the coach much.  I may have a 04 Knight diagram, I can look at it. 
the downside is you have to access the rear compartment each time.  It’s not as convenient as the salesman switch.