electrical problem in 5th wheel camper

First off, welcome. You posted in the wrong forum and I have asked the moderator to move it for you.
As to your problem? There are lots of reasons for failures. Your most likely cause is a dead battery. To prove anything out and to start trouble shooting you absolutely MUST buy and learn how to use a VOM. They are cheap and an invaluable tool for trying to figure out any electrical problems.

Moved from Forum Technical Support

Ok. Thank you for moving this for me. I don't know how to get back to my question except to seach everything until I see my name. We will get a VOM. I assume it is a tester for power. We just bought this used trailer to take our grandchildren camping. It seems to be well taken care of but it's old so we expect some problems. We're learning a lot. Thank you for your reply.
Gammalouie

VOM. Volt ohm meter. Canadian tire will have lots of different ones. Spend about 20-25 dollars should get a decent one. Then learn how to properly and safely use it. That is the key. Start with battery voltage. Should read 13.5 VDC. Anything less is a discharged battery. Then move on to the 12 volt fuses.

The breakers you flipped on/off are for AC - the stuff that's not working are run by DC. I would check the DC fuses usually located on the DC distribution panel next to the AC breakers.

Ok, thank you. I actually found some spare ones. How can I tell if the fuses are burned out?

Thank you for the information about the VOM. We'll get one and take a lesson on VOM's for dummies on the internet. I'm not sure, maybe by some small chance my husband has used one before but I doubt it.
I'm so appreciative of the time you folks have taken to reply.
Gammalouie

gammalouie wrote:
Ok, thank you. I actually found some spare ones. How can I tell if the fuses are burned out?

Another good reason to own a VOM. Using the ohms setting you can pull and check every fuse.

Hi,

Your problem does sound like 12v / DC not AC / 120v


For testing of fuses removed from distribution panel:

o ohms = good fuse

infinite or max ohms / megaohms = burned open fuse


However, I think you will find that the problem you have is a dead battery, and also possible a failed converter. (device that charges battery and provides 12v power for lighting, appliance ignition, etc.)

Yes so as other have suggested, use the Vom on dc volts setting and check voltage of battery terminals while it is still connected, and shore power is connected, and after all fuses check out as good. Be careful not to have anything metal on like bracelets or watches while working around the battery so you don't accidentally short the terminals. It should be at least 13.2 volts up to 14.4 volts depending on converter. If way lower or zero then it is dead battery but the main problem is with the converter. If you trace back the cables feeding the battery you should find the converter, it is probably located below the fuse panel in a compartment or possibly somewhere else. It is possible that the converter has failed and needs to be replaced. price is variable, but i would suggest getting a 3 stage converter to properly charge your batteries, progressive dynamics is my favorite.

Please ask questions if you need clarification

Thank you. I'm sure we'll have lots of questions after we get the VOM and start to check things out.