RV Repair: generator not working, foot class c, class c motorhome

Question
If you might be able to give an expert note on generators, (I do not know if this would be considered part of the "chassis") we have 2 questions. We have a FLeetwood Surger 25.5 foot Class C motorhome. 1) Our Onan generator just stopped working 4 days ago ... silence.  The scenerio: we pressed the starter switch and it was slow turning over, so we stopped. Waited. Pressed the starter switch again. Same thing, like it was trying to turn over but couldn't.  We let go and waited again.  The third time, there was a click and it would not try to turn over at all.  Silence. It worked well prior to this incident, no sputtering, no "trying to start" whining, no slow start-up. We tried with the emergency button at the front dash as well. Silence.
Could it be a dead battery? We checked it again today, pressed the starter switch, and there was a click sound, as the coach lights dimmed. If it is a dead battery, it is a brand new battery as of 3 months ago ... with no more than 1000 miles on it, purchased because the previous battery burned out after a short life usage, as well.  We suspect an electrical problem that is burning out our generator batteries.
When we went to the direct switch outside at the generator itself, to check the fuse, the fuse popped into the generator area and cannot be reached at this time.  2) How would we get the fuse out? (second question)

What do you think?  

Answer
Sandra,
      It sounds like you have some definite electrical problems.  Yes, it sounds like your battery is dead.  When the generator is running it should be charging the battery.  I would put a battery charger on the battery and fully charge it.  Check the voltage at the battery with a volt meter before you start the generator and once again after you start the generator.  It should show a jump up to about 13.8 to 14.2 volts.  If it's less than this it's not charging and if it's more then it is over charging.  You will need to find an Onan service center if either is the case.  As for the fuse that was dropped, you will probably need either a small magnet or claw type tool to retrieve it.
Unfortunately you need some fairly sophisticated equipment to properly test and adjust generators, such as a load bank and a meter that reads Hz, etc.  Good luck.

Darren