2008 Newmar Kountry Star Issues

NJ-Ron · April 2, 2015

I recently purchased a 2008 Kountry Star diesel pusher, at the present time I have 2 outstanding issues.

1. Not that critical but the air horn does not work when the dash switch is depressed, I was wondering if there was something I was missing in order for it to work, valve, switch, whatever somewhere ?

2. There is a small solar panel on the roof and a light under the dash heat/cool switches that says "Solar Charging when Lit", I have yet to see this indicator light lit even while dry camping. Can't find any documentation in manuals for this and was wondering what batteries does this charge and do those batteries have to be depleted to a certain voltage via the inverter for the solar panel to charge them ?

Thanks in advance for all responses.

Ron

Jimalberta · April 2, 2015

My air horn wotks from the horn button on the steering wheel. You still have to activate the switch on the dash and then push the horn button on the steering wheel. Of course the MH has to be aired up as well but you knew that....right?

Kirk W · April 2, 2015

1) What dash switch are you meaning? Is there a switch which is labeled "air horn?" In many cases they are connected as Jim suggests but there are other ways. Most that I have worked with also use a relay to actuate the horn air valve. To trouble shoot you will need an assistant to push the switch while you trace voltage.

2) I suspect that the solar was an add-on by a previous owner and not a factory option. You may need to contact the previous owner for information on this.

gmacnut · April 3, 2015

With the air horn rocker switch in the on position you can hear the air horn and under the hood horn at the same time. The horn and air horn has always bothered me as why this type of set up.

If you can, verify that the "solar led light" is good. The function of this idiot light is to let you know the house batteries are being (trickle) charged.

Pat & Pete · April 3, 2015

With the air horn rocker switch in the on position you can hear the air horn and under the hood horn at the same time. The horn and air horn has always bothered me as why this type of set up.

If you can, verify that the "solar led light" is good. The function of this idiot light is to let you know the house batteries are being (trickle) charged.

I have our aftermarket air horns setup so the OEM "under the hood horn" acts as the signal for the air horn power relay . This setup gives me 2 choices : If I only need a 'little' horn , I press the stock horn button for a half a second and if I want 'a lot more' horn , which includes both the on board electric and the air , I press the button for a bit longer time . Sure , I can heard the electric horn when the air is activated , but the air horn easily out performs it .

Maybe that's^ "why this type of setup" ???

NJ-Ron · April 3, 2015

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll try the air horn next time I'm on the road, don't think it would go over very well at this RV park............!

Pretty sure the solar panel is OEM, I'll probably have to contact Newmar for information on that.

Thanks Again.

Ron

Bearand Moon · April 4, 2015

Yeah, the solar unit is OEM. Mine died on our 2003 Dutch Star, last year. Looking at replacing it after a few other more critical issues are dealt with...