Chinook RV

Hi all,
I am new here, just picked up a 1999 Premier w/ 78k, very much looking forward to taking it out soon - just in the process of fixing / updating what's needed.

I was changing out the dash map light assembly, and I noticed that there are 2 sets of 3 wires up next to the front panel for accessories, etc. I have the battery boost switch, and the coach battery on/off/store switch - but there are 2 blank panels for "driving lights" and "remote generator start".

It would be awesome to be able to start the generator from the front, driver's seat - is there a switch that I can just buy and a diagram to accomplish this with the existing wiring? My current remote generator start is in the rear, by the bathroom - has the same wiring colors as one of the bundles up front - black, dark brown, and yellow, so could I do this?

I assume that the other bundle up front (white, light brown, and yellow) is for the driving lights.

Check out the pictures if you have a moment - I am good with electronics (IT professional) but I haven't been able to find too much info on this yet.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated and if it's just a question of adding a switch up front, etc, that would be awesome!

Thanks,
Dave

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vyBFHGP4b2jhdQPaA

Welcome.to the forum. I'm a little confused though. The attached pictures make it seem like you already have the switches in the front pod. The one in the back is usually just solo.

grab a ohm meter and check continuity from the rear switch to the bundle up front

Manitou wrote: January 22nd, 2025, 2:13 am Welcome.to the forum. I'm a little confused though. The attached pictures make it seem like you already have the switches in the front pod. The one in the back is usually just solo.

No, you can see how in the front panel the generator switch slot is "blank" - nothing is attached and there is no switch, it is just a plastic cover.

The wiring just hangs above, taped off, so I'm wondering if I can just install a switch there.

Welcome to the Chinook experience. I hope you get as much enjoyment from yours as we have from ours (2001 Concourse). The front remote generator switch and driving lights were standard on the Concourse but not the Premier. It sounds like the wiring is in place, they just didn't install the switches (or driving lights, which were in the custom front bumper cowling). The generator switch should be the same as the switch used for ON/STORE switch. It is a three position switch OFF on the bottom, Disconnected in the middle, and a momentary ON in the top position.

You could test the generator start/stop function by temporarily connecting the wires to the ON/STORE switch and see if the wires make it all the way to the generator. If it works you can try to find a similar switch. I don't think the exact style switch is made, but there are many switches with similar characteristics that probably fit the rectangular form factor. The OFF/Momentary ON feature is a little uncommon, but there should be some out there.

I have to say that after 10 years, I never used the remote start in the driver compartment, but I use the one in the back instead. Just never had the need to run the generator while driving. Attached is a diagram/schematic of the switch panel: