Forum Discussion

johnnylawless's avatar
Aug 19, 2014

My Electric System - Am I going to die?

Travel Trailer: 1983 Man-O-War 15'

Where the 120V AC 30amp comes inside (driver side):


Converter Close Up (passenger side, front corner):
Input Current - 3.75 Amps AC
Input Voltage - 120 Volts AC
Output Current - 25 Amps DC
Output Voltage - 12.6 Volts DC


Converter Overhead (passenger side, front corner):


Fuses Closeup (driver side, front corner):


Fuses Overhead (driver side, front corner):



QUESTION #1: Is there an immediate concern?
So that fuse box looks pretty corroded. Is that a bad thing? What about the stripped paneling to the top right and left of the fuse box, is that from excessive heat?

QUESTION #2: What is the loose bundle coming out of the right side
of the fuse box?


QUESTION #3: Flipped fuse? No fuse? Everything I've tested seems to work on shore power.
I have no battery yet. What is the point of this fusebox, is it to prevent over draw from 12V DC items (currently only lights I think)?

QUESTION #4: What is the loose wire (red/yellow) coming out of the converter? Is that for the battery connection?

QUESTION #5: Any idea if a battery will power my AC Outlets or are they shore power only?


Miscellaneous Questions:
* Any idea what amp fuses those are?
* How do I add a battery?
* Does this electrical look original or custom?
* Am I going to die?

Thank you in advance for your help!

24 Replies

  • First post, new RV'er and electrical engineer.

    Looks like each wire in that bundle is wired to the fuse block. Therefore the flipped up fuse is doing nothing. I would remove those loose wires so they don't short against anything important. I suspect once you unscrew the loose wires that fuse block will only have connections on one side...meaning its not in use.

    The paneling wear looks like mechanical abrasion and not overheating.

    Don't use that fuse block because it will be flaky and/or get hot. If it turns out something is running thru it then get it replaced soon.
  • 1. Verify that the fuses are for the exterior trailer lights and remove them from those fuses, they should be connected, soldered and shrink wrapped. You no longer need to fuse them as modern vehicles have the fuses onboard.
    2. No idea, power it up with 12V and see what happens.
    3. From the colors of the wires, they correspond to trailer exterior lamps with the exception of the black wire. It may be your light circuit-interior.
    4. No idea, verify that there is power with a meter.
    5. Battery only powers 12V devices like lamps, pumps, and fans. Your AC outlets are powered by the shore power cord.

    The DC fuses, FYI, have the ratings stamped into the metal end caps. Connect battery to converter output wires. Looks like original wiring. Yes, you will eventually die. If you mess with electricity without any knowledge or skill, you may decrease the interval between birth and death.
  • I can answer the last question. Yes, you are going to die. Hopefully it won't be from this.
  • There is a couple things that i would correct immediately.
    1) yes get a new fuse block. cut off the existing terminals and install new ones or better yet get a fuse block that does not use terminals. See item 3
    2) Bundle of wires appear to be the ones that originally went to the tow vehicle connector. Take them off before something gets shorted out. Make sure all your lights and brakes work on the rig. Verify that you have a charge line from TV.
    3) The fuses look to protect the trailer wiring from the TV. It may not be needed if everything is wired around it and works.
    4) looks like previous owner as tapped of the converter for something. The converter power needs to get verified. Grey wires should be 120 volt feed on one side and the grey on other should go to the 12 volt DC fuse panel. You may need to trace them out to be sure. There should be a wiring diagram for the converter inside the cover for the wire connections. The black and white wires under the fuse block photo that goes through the floor should be the ones to the battery.
    5) receptacles are powered from shore power only.