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Old_Teacher's avatar
Old_Teacher
Explorer
Jun 21, 2015

No 12 volt power. What to check.

I have a Rockwood 5th wheel that is 6 years old. The 12 volt system wasn't working so I had the battery tested. Won't hold a charge. Bought and installed a new battery, still no 12 volt. Everything works fine when I am hooked to shore power. What do I need to check next?
Thanks in advance,
Mike
  • We had similar issue on way to Florida ... the ground connection from the batteries was rusted and not a clean contact.
  • westend wrote:
    The circuit breaker between the battery and the distribution panel. It will be close to the battery and may look like a small metal can. ....
    That would be my bet too. Mine is somewhat hidden in the font passthrough inside a wood enclosure.
  • Could you have hooked it up backwards? If so then you blew the reverse polarity fuses on the fuse panel or if it's a PDI converter they will be on the power supply itself.
  • YES, an automotive fuse can look OK but still be blown. That's why most of us carry a digital volt/ohm meter. Just $8 at most stores.
  • I do hope you have a meter so you can start running down the 12v's
  • The battery disconnect is in the "on" position. Found two 30 amp fuses in the area of the battery, both were good/not blown. One went to the motor for the landing gear, the other one disappeared into the wall of the basement.
    Can an automotive fuse look ok but still be blown?
  • The circuit breaker between the battery and the distribution panel. It will be close to the battery and may look like a small metal can. Some have a reset button. You may also have a blown fuse in that location. It is indicative because as the converter tried to charge the deceased bad battery, amperage may have risen beyond the rating of that circuit breaker or fuse.