2017 Winnebago Minnie Winnie Owner’s Manual

The 2017 Winnebago Minnie Winnie is a great example of a Class C motorhome that is both comfortable and flexible. It is a perfect blend of modern design and practical functions. The Minnie Winnie is perfect for travelers who want to travel in style and comfort. It has a nice exterior, a well-thought-out interior, and a variety of features. The 2017 Winnebago Minnie Winnie is a testament to the spirit of exploration and comfortable mobility. It has reliable engines that make driving smooth and easy, and it has well-designed living spaces, flexible furniture, modern entertainment systems, and built-in technology that raise the bar for small but enjoyable travel.

ELECTRICAL

Your coach is equipped with an electrical system consisting of two separate voltages:

• 12-volt DC system (battery current); and
• 120-volt AC system (household current)

The 12-volt system consists of two internal power sources, while the 120-volt system is operated from an outside power source or the optional 120-volt generator.

ELECTRICAL CAUTIONS

• Careless handling of electrical components can be fatal. Never touch or use electrical components or appliances while feet are bare, while hands are wet, or while standing in water or on wet ground.
• Improper grounding of the vehicle can cause personal injury. Do not plug the utility power cord into an outlet that is not grounded and do not adapt the plug to connect to a receptacle for which it is not designed.
• Do not attach an extension cord to the utility power cord.
• Be sure that all electrical appliances to be used contain 3-prong plugs for proper grounding.
• Avoid overloading electrical circuits. Replace fuses or circuit breakers with those of the same size and amperage rating only. Never use a higher-rated fuse or breaker.
• Use caution when handling or working near electrical storage batteries. Always remove jewelry and wear protective clothing and eye covering. Avoid creating sparks.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM – HOUSE 120-VOLT AC
The 120-volt system operates from the shoreline cord connected to an outside 120-volt utility service, such as those at campgrounds or from the 120-volt generator. When the shoreline cord is connected to an outside power source, or when the auxiliary electric generator is running, the power converter automatically changes a portion of the 120-volt current to a 12-volt DC current. All equipment in the motorhome that is normally powered by the house batteries is then powered through the converter.
In addition, the following equipment is entirely dependent on the 120-volt current: air conditioner, refrigerator, microwave oven, and any 120-volt electrical equipment used at convenience outlets.

POWER CORD – EXTERNAL (Shoreline)
WARNING

1. Do not use an extension cord. Improperly sized cords, damaged cords, and poor connections can lead to fire, which can result in death or serious injury.
2. Do not connect the external power cord to any receptacle until you have verified proper polarity and grounding. Be sure all prongs of the supply cord are properly plugged into the receptacle. Failure to observe can result in death or serious injury.

The external power cord (commonly referred to as a “shoreline”) is located in a driver-side compartment. To connect to an external power source, remove the power cord from the utility compartment and plug it into a suitable power outlet box.
WARNING: This connection is for 110/125 Volt AC, 60 Hz 30 Ampere supply. Do not exceed the circuit rating. Exceeding the circuit rating may cause a fire and result in death or serious injury.

The power cord is designed to ground the electrical system through the receptacle. It is also designed to carry the amperage output of most campground outlets. If the electrical receptacle to be used is designed to mate with the prongs of the power cord plug, the electrical connection can be expected to carry a rated load.

Power Cord Door (Models with power cord compartment on the sidewall)
A flip-up passage in the power cord door lets you route the power cord out of the compartment and close the door while the power cord is connected.

Swivel the small cover section upward to access the cord passage.
Route the power cord through the passage and close the door while the shoreline is connected to an outlet.

Power Cord Hatch
A threaded port utility hatch lets you route the power cord out the bottom of the compartment so you can close the compartment door while the power cord is connected.

1. Rotate the threaded port utility hatch counterclockwise to remove it.
2. Route the cord through the hole.
3. Rotate the threaded port utility hatch clockwise to close.

After disconnecting the power cord, neatly replace it in the cord compartment.
WARNING: Service inlet access must be closed when utility connections are not in use.

Park Fuses or Breakers
Most campgrounds are equipped with a fuse or circuit breaker at the receptacle (which we recommend shutting off before engaging or disengaging the power cord.) This protects the park’s wiring, as well as the power cord on your vehicle from electrical damage. If electrical power fails, contact the park attendants and have them check the fuse or breaker for your supply receptacle.

POWER CENTER (Converter)
The power converter is generally located in a lower cabinet face in the galley or living area, depending on the floorplan of your model.
The converter power panel contains the house electrical system’s 120-volt circuit breakers and 12-volt fuses. The power converter changes 120-volt AC current from the auxiliary generator or the shoreline into 12-volt DC current for use by 12-volt equipment in the motorhome. Certain circuits, however, remain unchanged for use by items that require 120-volt current, such as the air conditioner(s), the refrigerator in AC mode, the microwave oven, etc.

NOTE: The converter will not change the 12-volt DC current to 120-volt AC.
Current drawn from the house batteries passes through the power converter unchanged, although it is routed through a series of protective fuses located on the power panel.

NOTICE: Do not block the converter cover vents in any way. The converter generates heat while operating and needs unrestricted airflow for proper cooling. Damage to the converter can result.
Further Information
See the manufacturer’s operation, care, and maintenance information provided in your InfoCase.

Charging Section
The converter charges house batteries while 120-volt external power is connected. The converter will automatically “sense” the condition of the battery. If it is below “full charge”, the charging section will start charging the batteries.
If the house batteries have been extremely discharged, they will accept charge at a relatively high amperage rate. If they are only slightly discharged, they will charge at a lower amperage rate. The rate of charge will decrease as the batteries reach “full charge”, then will continue “trickle” charging at a very low amperage rate. If your battery does not charge as described above, it is possible the battery is defective.

Thermal Overload
A thermal overload will “break” the 120-volt AC power to the converter section of the power center if the power converter becomes overheated. This can result from operating above its maximum limit for an extended period of time or by obstruction of ventilation to unit.
NOTE: The power converter section will automatically route 12-volt lights and motors to house battery power in this event.
The thermal overload will reset itself after a period of time, and the lights and motors will again resume operation from the power converter section. If the breaker trips again shortly after reset, take immediate steps to correct the cause of overheating. A portion of the house 12-volt load (lights or motors or both) should be turned off to reduce total load. Also, inspect the power converter to ensure ventilation is not obstructed.

CIRCUIT BREAKERS – HOUSE 120-VOLT AC
The breaker panel protects all 120-volt components in the motorhome from either an overload on the circuit or a short in the wiring or component itself. When an overload or short develops, the breaker will open preventing damage to the system.
Shut off the equipment (example: roof air conditioner) and allow a brief cooling period. Then reset the breaker by moving the switch to “Off” and back to “On”. If the breaker is continually tripped and no overload is evident, have the system checked for a short in the wiring or the appliances?
NOTE: Typical view of a breaker panel. Breaker arrangement may vary according to appliance and equipment options. Fuses and breakers are labeled on the panel.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS – HOUSE 120-VOLT AC
A number of standard household electrical outlets are provided throughout the coach for connecting small appliances such as televisions, radios, toasters, etc. An exterior outlet is also located on the outside of the coach near the entrance door or in a storage compartment on the passenger side of the coach.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER
Bath, galley, and exterior outlets are connected to a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter), which is an extremely sensitive circuit breaker that will help to protect against severe electrical shock if a ground fault develops. If such a condition occurs, the GFCI will break the circuit by turning off the power to the protected outlets. Should this occur, unplug all the appliances on that circuit and press the reset button on the GFCI-equipped outlet. If the GFCI keeps tripping, have the electrical system checked and repaired, if necessary, before using it again?
WARNING: The GFCI will not completely eliminate the risk of electrical shock. Infants and small children may still be affected.

ELECTRICAL GENERATOR – 120-VOLT
WARNING: Careless handling of the generator and electrical components can be fatal. Never touch electrical leads or appliances when your hands are wet, or when standing in water or on wet ground. Do not attempt to repair the generator yourself. Service should be performed by a qualified service center.

To use the 120-volt generator, plug the power cord into the generator receptacle within the utility compartment before starting the generator.
WARNING: Do not plug the power cord into the generator receptacle while the generator is running. Electrical shock can cause personal injury.

FAQ’s