Forum Discussion

mritter4u's avatar
mritter4u
Explorer
Nov 07, 2013

Circuitry

Hi folks!
Well, dumb is as dumb does with my 2003 Class C Chateau.

I crossed the + and - poles on my battery and drove 100 miles. The minimal result was now the interior components (lights, etc.) don't work on the new battery by itself. Also, the electric step into the rig won't retract.

What works: The Converter is good. ALL components in the rig work with shore power, the generator starts off the batt only and shore power and the slide-out works off the batt only and shore.

I've checked all three fuse panels including the coach, engine compartment and the one under the dash. Is there a reset button or big fuse somewhere else? THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE!

Mike
  • Mine has a circuit breaker in the wire between the battery and the converter. When that is open the converter powers all the 12v stuff but not much works on battery alone. The same is true if the battery disconnect switch is set to disconnect. The above circuit breaker is under the bed, on the passengers side. If its not the CB or the battery disconnect, you may have a fuse near the battery in the same wire. The generator starter power comes directly off the battery.

    You probably have a Magnetek or Parallax 73xx converter. I don't believe it has the reverse polarity fuses.
  • I'm just throwing this out there, but couldn't this hurt the battery isolator?
  • On most rigs the power step gets it's power from the engine battery.

    Dusty
  • I have an 03 Chateau. Beside the bed on the passenger side is the circuit panel. You have a breaker that is tripped and also check your fuses. Make sure your posts are correct and then see if you have a problem. If you do call Thor, they have great customer service.
  • I know it doesn't help now but Radio Shack or Home Depot sells different colored electrical tape. I use a lot of the red. Wrap it around positive leads. Also wrap it around washer hot water hose. Helps a lot keeping everything getting connected up correctly.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    In addition to the REVERSE POLARITY FUSES mentioned here there is usually an in-fuse or in-line circuit breaker installed very close to the battery terminals.

    These are the three main protection items to prevent damage to the trailer system when the battery terminals have been accidentally reversed.

    Be sure to correct the battery wiring before replacing or resetting these three areas of fuses/circuit breakers. Otherwise they will just blow things again...

    Don't feel too bad - It happens to the best of us...

    Roy Ken
  • Check for a couple of large fuses on converter...they are 'reverse polarity' fuses.....blow when battery is connected backwards. Probably 40A...two.
    Could be on front, side, back on converter