RV Monitor Panel Overview
Dave SolbergAn RV Monitor Panel is the information center for most of the systems in your RV. It is generally located in an easy to read location such as the kitchen or hallway. Older models provide limited information on holding tank, freshwater tank, LP power and battery power levels. An older RV monitor panel may have a single switch for the water pump and there may be some other switches for the water pump in the bathroom or outside. There is also a water heater on and off switch at the panel. The older models are very basic.
Some of the newer models make it possible to adjust the sensitivity of the RV monitor panel. This comes in handy when the readings are not matching what the actual levels are. Also, a newer RV monitor panel comes with more options and offers a lot more information to the RV owner.
A newer RV monitor panel shows individual levels for the battery, fresh water tank, gray water main, black water main, gray water number two and black water number two. It also shows the generator fuel level if here is a generator onboard. You can also start the water pump, LP gas water heater and operate all of the lights in different zones of the RV from one single control panel. Being able to control the lights form the RV monitor panel makes it possible to turn the lights off all at once, rather than having to go switch to switch.
Depending upon the RV unit, the monitor panel also controls the slide room mechanisms and any other mechanical features the RV has.
The monitor panel makes everything needed to keep an eye on the RV conveniently located in a single area of the unit.
40 Responses to “RV Monitor Panel Overview”
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I have a 2015 Cruiser 345Bh fifth wheel. How do I find a part number on the monitor panel board?
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Question i have a 1985 Vandura class c motorhome and the single switch for lp gas tank 1 and tank 2 and battery buttons are located on the range hood can i use a wall mount instead cause my range hood needs replacing.
Hello Richard,
Thank you for contacting us.
Most often this is the fault of a bad sail switch. This is was proves that air is flowing through the furnace before igniting. If the switch is bad or there is not enough air flow then the fan will blow just for a little bit and then shut off. This switch is on the furnace fan wheel housing with two wires going to it. Often the switch can have dirt or debris build up on it or the fan wheel could be broken as well but lately there have been a lot of bad sail switches being produced so there is a good chance that is the issue.
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Hello Richard,
Thank you for contacting us.
You should be able to switch that out. It will have the same amount of wires that need to be switched over. The colors of the wires might not match up though so make sure to mark what wires go where so you are able to connect them up correctly. The hardest part might be running the wires to a new location but other than that you should be able to do this.
Thank you!
What does the Aux button on the water tank control board stand for? Thx
Hello Bill
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I have a 2015 Airstream Interstate Grand Tour and found out the 31 series batteries that were in it are the wrong ones from the factory and had to get the proper battery boxes from Airstream so they could install the 24 series batteries properly.The problem is that on the first time out this year the 100% charge didn’t last the night.Fridge and freezer and one cpap machine running starting from 10pm and the batteries were at 10% by 5am. My old 31 series batteries would be down to 30 – 40% by 7am. Is this the normal with the smaller agm batteries or does it sound like another problem?
Hi Roger. The series of batteries change amp hours per size. The series 31 roughly has about 125 am hours where as the series 24 has about 85 amp hours. This is about 35% decrease in battery amp hours so they will not last as long as the 31 you originally had. If you are running things that high of an amp draw through the night it is best to add more batteries or go back to the larger series size if possible. The 24 series is most common to come with units when sold but most of the time people upgrade to 27 or 31 to get those extra amp hours.
Dan
RV Repair Club
I have a 2016 Fleetwood South win 32VS I am trying to locate the fuse for the Monitor Panel?
Hello Steve,
Thank you for contacting us.
That circuit will have the fuse in the main power distribution center. Normally that circuit is connected to other components as well. If nothing else in the RV is having voltage issues, it is possible the problem is with the monitor itself. I would remove the monitor and check the wires to it to check the connections and the voltage coming in.
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The toggle switch for interior lighting is really hard to switch on and off on my 2014 Aspen Trail monitor panel. Is that something I can switch out or do I have to buy a whole new panel? I’m getting no straight answer using google
Dear Nicole,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
Yeah simple toggle switches are usually a common size and can easily be replaced. They are usually just held in place with push tabs on the top and bottom, if you can gain access to the back it makes it much easier to remove be squeezing the tabs together and pushing through. There are many different styles out there, typically if you search or “12v toggle switch” or “12v rocker switch” you should be bale to sort through them and find a replacement that will work. I hope this was helpful!Here is a link to a common one:https://www.amazon.com/5Pcs-Snap-Position-Rocker-Switch/dp/B0725Z6FR7/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=rocker+switch+12v&qid=1560820692&s=gateway&sr=8-5
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Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
My 1998 Rialta water monitoring panel circuit board has gone out—i Need a new circuit board or a new water monitor for the gray and black water levels— anyone know where I can get one? Or a replacement?
Dear Jody,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
You wouldn’t be able to find that exact one any more unless it was a used one. There are many other ones that can be used. You just have to find one that has all of the same things that need monitored. The way that monitor will reads the tanks is the same as most others used today. You will have to do some wiring on the back but it shouldn’t be too hard. There should be a manufacture name on the front or rear of the panel, you could always contact them and see if there is a replacement for that model. Most of the times they would replace the whole panel and not just the circuit board but it would hurt to ask that as well. I hope this helps!
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We have a 2002 Georgie Boy which we’ve updated to a degree. In this next upgrade we want to replace the range hood/component monitor. I’ve called around and can not find any info as to whether or not my model “Ventline” TML 12V DC can be replaced. The letters are wearing off the indicator making it difficult to read, the fan motor is loud and the slide on-off lever is wearing out. Can anyone point me to where I can trace this model to perhaps a newer, workable one?
Hello Terrye,
There are many different models and without the model number it may be hard to trace down the exact one, I will provide a link to a website that carries different models on monitoring panels for the range hood. The motor inside can be replaced without changing the whole range hood. Make sure it isn’t just the fan hitting something, most of the time the noise is coming from the fan rubbing against metal or the screen. Converting to a newer setup could also work but would take time in changing all of the wiring. http://www.hengsindustries.com/interior/range-hoods-rv/monitor-panel-range-hoods-rv/
https://www.etrailer.com/search/Ventline+Range+Hood
Thanks,
Dan
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Dead batteries boondocking.
Bad switch on panel for flood lights. Flood light switch light stays on even when in off position. Flood lights stay on as well.
Hello,
To provide more specific troubleshooting information on your flood lights we need the make, model, and year of your rig as well as the chassis model. Most flood lights are aftermarket lights installed by the manufacturer, however some are even installed as an option by the dealer. If the flood lights stay on even when the switch is off, there is still a closed circuit which provides power to the lights. I would start by replacing the switch?
Thanks,
David
RV Repair Club Video Membership
How to fix a black wall command center on a 2017 Designer
Hello Patricia,
To provide more specific troubleshooting information on what you describe as a black wall command center, we need to know if you have the typical monitor panel or equipped with the Lippert Component Inc (LCI) One Command model. Plus, what needs to be fixed? Attached is the owner’s manual for your model. Take a look at page 91 and 124 on the various functions of the LCI system and fuse locations. This should help, otherwise LCI has excellent information on their website at http://www.lci1.com and techs that will help as well.
Thanks,
David
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What is the replacement parts number for this. Have a 1999 class A dolphin . RV monitor panel. In hallway on wall. Can not fine a order number for this.
Hello Harold,
Contact McBride RV Service and Parts, they will be able to get the proper monitor panel part for you. Visit them here: http://www.getrvparts.com
Thanks,
David
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Currently remodeling a 1989 Spartan Xplorer 33.5ft diesel pusher. Current control panel is located on the side of a very large and old microwave that we plan on removing. Any tips on how to update and relocate the panel?
On my 1999 Damon intruder, what are some voltage readings to look for on the stove vent mounted monitoring panel. PO had a blowout on the inside rear tire and no sensors have worked sense. Can’t find a fuse that might have blown. And now trying to look for voltage at the circuit board.
Is it possible to ohm the sensors? And what reading would I be looking for?
To provide more specific troubleshooting information on your monitor panel issues we need the make, model, and year of your rig and the type of monitor panel if possible. Since you referenced a “stove vent monitor” I assume it’s the monitor for the fresh water, black, and gray water tanks? You should have one 12-volt positive wire going to the monitor panel and a ground. There is also a fuse in the panel which can be accessed by taking the 6 screws out and removing the monitor board. All the other readings for other gauges would be resistance only. You can test the 12-volt positive and it should have the same reading your house batteries have, somewhere around 11-v for low batteries, up to 12.4 v. Don’t know what the PO blowout is, however I would assume your tire blowout ripped a wire from a tank monitor somehow?
We have a 2005 Winnebago Adventurer & all 4 items on our tank panel have all lights lite. Could this be a fuse problem? Grey, black & fresh water are all empty but show full. Not sure level of Lp tank but all lights are lite.
Hi, Jan. This is probably not a “fuse” issue since the lights are actually working, sounds more like a monitor panel issue since all four indicators are showing full. Sometimes you will get a false reading due to contamination in the tank arching across the probes but that is usually just one or two tanks and almost never the fresh water tank. Check your monitor panel to see if it has a small hole with a phillips plastic looking screw on the face? This is a sensitivity adjustment which most of the Winnebago models had for several years, not sure when they stopped with that model. If you have this, try turning it to the left or counter clockwise about 1/4 turn to see if it makes a difference. Otherwise you will need to have the monitor panel checked as well as each lead coming to the panel. It could be what some people refer to as a short in the wiring or more specific something that has crossed the wires coming to the monitor connecting them like a screw or bare wire and it connects all wires and shows full?
Tried to watch “RV monitor panel review” and all I got was a commercial for healthcare.gov!
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Is there a fuse some where? I have only a lite for water pump showing. 1999 Chinook.
.
Hi Penny. Thanks for visiting the RV Repair Club site and the opportunity to assist with your monitor panel issue. Typically there is not a fuse for the monitor panel itself, although there are several different panels that have been used over the years. If your monitor panel is a wall mounted version I would suggest removing the panel from the wall and checking all the connections. Clean them with a light sandpaper and reconnect to see if they work. This model should have a separate switch for each tank. If it’s a stove vent model, check the main switch for power as it controls all the probes but not the water pump. Most of the on wall panels were Ventline which as a great troubleshooting website.
Only half of my panel is working
Hi, Alan. We would be happy to assist you; we just need some more information. What is the make/model/year of your RV?
Hi, Alan. Thanks for visiting the RV Repair Club site. To provide more specific information we need to know the make, model, and year of your RV. Some manufacturers use a variety of component to create a customized monitor panel while others used ones from Lippert, KIV, Patrick, or others.
Everything on my monitor panel went dead except the water pump! Help!! Can I replace/repair it?
1990 Prowler!
Hi Megan. Thanks for visiting the RV Repair Club and the opportunity to assist with your monitor panel issue. The older style panels were usually LVS or Ventline models and had a fuse either in line or at the distribution center. The water pump switch was usually wired directly to the pump so it would still work if the fuse blew. You can remove the panel and check for 12-volt coming into the back to verify. If 12-volt is available, the monitor is bad.