ISO Charleston owners manual

[wtbuck12]

I just purchased a 2006 Charleston 400qs and there are no manuals in the coach. The RV dealer doesn't have anything available and Forest River only offers a generic manual. I tried searching online but no luck, so I am hoping someone here may have one or a copy of one they would be willing to sell me. I would appreciate any information.

[formerFR]

most of us have found that even with our brand new coaches, the 'manuals' provided are terribly 'generic', as the manufacturers find printing owner manuals an exercise in trying to 'merge' many models within a 'single' manual, rather than having the time and cost of printing one for each and every single model, and even FLOOR PLAN. Floor plans themselves offer a difference even within each model, as my floor plan may only have two electric slides, and the next floor plan may have three, one being hydraulic, etc. Some longer coaches will have the tandem 'tag axle', and maybe switches and electronics for it, while other floor plans in the same model line have only a single rear axle, etc.

Most of us have probably actually had more success with pure personal experience, calling the 24/7 manufacturer's customer service 'hot line' when something 'goes wrong', or finding answers from others on this forum(!)...
I honestly don't know the last time I've cracked open my 'owner manual' from Thor, and can't even remember ever going thru it for any actual answers to any of my questions or problems.


Ask us anything....we may already know...

[wtbuck12]

Thanks for the info. Guess I'm just spoiled because every one I have owned in the past came with a detailed manual. My last one, a 2000 Holiday Rambler had a file box about 4 inches thick of paperwork including everything from chassis and house electrical and hydraulic schematics to operating instructions. I do the majority of my own maintenance and repairs and I find that type of information very useful. I guess on this one I will just have to go old school and figure it out on my own with help from you guys. LOL
Thanks in advance for your help, I'm sure I will be asking for it often

[bikendan]

Model-specific owners manuals haven't been made for years.
Not even brand-specific.
Only thing specific are the manuals for each specific appliance or device, from each manufacturer.

[wtbuck12]

Thanks for the information, that is what I'm discovering. I saw where Forest River offered schematics but only back to 2015. I would be happy if I could get a copy of that for the 2006, so if anyone has that I would be willing to buy a copy.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by wtbuck12

Thanks for the information, that is what I'm discovering. I saw where Forest River offered schematics but only back to 2015. I would be happy if I could get a copy of that for the 2006, so if anyone has that I would be willing to buy a copy.

Where did you see schematics and of what?

[wtbuck12]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Where did you see schematics and of what?

I called Forest River and they have the electrical schematics available for download for the 2015 and newer RVs, but nothing older.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by wtbuck12

I called Forest River and they have the electrical schematics available for download for the 2015 and newer RVs, but nothing older.

That's a new one on me. What brands?

[wtbuck12]

Originally Posted by bikendan

That's a new one on me. What brands?

Sorry, I must be confused, I went back on the FR web site and all I can find is an interactive owners manual for the 2015 and newer RVs. I have been looking at so many different sights searching for information, I can't remember where I saw the schematics, but they were not available for the older models. Sorry for the mistake.

[wtbuck12]

Knew I had seen the schematics somewhere, it was a post in this forum.

2015 Charleston wiring diagram
Had a power issue with getting power to ant. asked by message thru forest river web page for wiring diagrams and this is what they sent me.
Helped me.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf RV Wiring 0610-500173 REV F.pdf (326.0 KB, 96 views)

[rlh1957]

Some of the schematics were actually created by other owners with more skill to create professional drawings. There have been some drawings out there that were from the actual manufacturer of the accessory or appliance. As someone said before specific model RV manuals haven't been produced for years. Look through your vehicle car or TV manual and see if it doesn't cover several models and options. Although not as generic as RV's, everyone has sought to cut costs and printing and even online web documents are the first to get cut. I have found the best source and most up to date help is here on the forum. Even listings on Google can be years old. Ask the questions here, always post photos, descriptions, problem and goodness sake your year, make and model toy you are talking about. Somebody has probably 'Been there, Done that'

[wtbuck12]

Thanks rlh1957, I will definitely keep that in mind. There seems to be a vast reservoir of knowledge here.

[ckabrahamson]

wtbuck12: I've got a 2015 Charleston, and I would love a copy of that schematic .pdf but I can't seem to see how to get the link to work. Any tips?

[ckabrahamson]

I've got a "manual" for my Charleston, but it has virtually no helpful information.

The best resource I've found is to go straight to the manufacturer site of whatever system I'm needing information on and downloading the OEM manuals. Got quite a collection now.

For the Chassis information, Freightliner has very detailed information about all it's systems available online. You can register for a free account to gain access: https://dtnacontent-dtna.prd.freight...h-america.html

[wtbuck12]

Originally Posted by ckabrahamson

I've got a "manual" for my Charleston, but it has virtually no helpful information.

The best resource I've found is to go straight to the manufacturer site of whatever system I'm needing information on and downloading the OEM manuals. Got quite a collection now.

For the Chassis information, Freightliner has very detailed information about all it's systems available online. You can register for a free account to gain access: https://dtnacontent-dtna.prd.freight...h-america.html

Thanks, I will check it out.

[wtbuck12]

Originally Posted by ckabrahamson

wtbuck12: I've got a 2015 Charleston, and I would love a copy of that schematic .pdf but I can't seem to see how to get the link to work. Any tips?

Try this.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...9&d=1517630407

[rlh1957]

Try this...

[rlh1957]

.pdf

[rlh1957]

Matmybe now I got itRV Wiring 0610-500173 REV F-1.pdf