NO DC Power in 2011 Rockwood Mini Lite 2306

[The Rockers]

Hi There, We recently upgraded from our PUP and bought a 2011 Rockwood Mini Lite. We are getting ready for the first trip next weekend and we tried to run it off DC power as we will not have services at the park.

So we disconnected from shore power and cannot run anything off the battery, not even lights. I thought the Previous Owner disconnected from shore power when we were looking at the trailer and the lights worked...I am now second guessing myself.

Also, when disconnected from shore power, the fridge was not working (but worked well when connected to shore power).

I have searched through many forums, and I am hearing of people having switches that may need to be reset.

Anyone out there with the same Travel trailer that can help??

Thanks in advance!

[boondocking]

Check for a disconnect switch close to the battery that is not turned on. Look for circuit breaker connected to the battery cable not very far away from the battery terminal, usually the positive cable. It may be a re-settable breaker or an auto reset that has failed.

[RSchleder]

Originally Posted by boondocking

Check for a disconnect switch close to the battery that is not turned on. Look for circuit breaker connected to the battery cable not very far away from the battery terminal, usually the positive cable. It may be a re-settable breaker or an auto reset that has failed.

X2 on 12V on/off switch. Typically mounted on the inside of the trailer tongue close to the battery. I have, however, seen them mounted elsewhere, both inside and outside the unit.

[crunchman12001]

Is the battery good and fully charged?

[The Rockers]

Thanks, we did have a quick look, but will take a more thorough look in the morning.

[Toddupton]

I don't think the 2011 had a disconnect. I don't think they added it until 2013 but I may be wrong. My disconnect is under the tongue on the cross piece between the propane tanks and the jack. It is a red key that turns. Some did have a disconnect at the converter that you pull out. Other things to check:

Is the battery actually hooked up
There are to big fuses in the converter, I think 40 amp, are they good
Do you have a meter to test battery voltage
Is your converter putting out any voltage to the battery


These are a few thing to run through first

[KDHfan]

Ours was a 2014 I think, but the disconnect switch was located inside below the fridge.
There must be a disconnect switch somewhere. I would contact the previous owner and see if he installed one himself. Or, ask him what's up.

[Flybob]

Since this is a 2011 it is likely that you have the original battery which at best will be marginal for non hookups. If you brought it home after purchasing and seeing that lights etc worked, and it has been sitting without being connected to shore power, most likely the battery has been depleted. The CO/Propane detector in most trailers is always on and over a month or so will drain the battery ( especially if it is an older battery). If you are counting on battery power for your trip. I would remove the battery and take it to an auto parts /battery dealer to have it load tested. It may appear to charge with a charger, but may not support a load for any period of time. The fridge control board needs a min voltage from the 12V system to operate even if operating the fridge on propane. Below that min, the system will shut down as a safety feature.

[crunchman12001]

First things first.... I would bet the battery is dead. Let's eliminate the obvious before we get to crazy.

[mkillora]

On my 2012, 2109s, the battery disconnect is located below the fridge beside the electric panel/converter. May be similar to yours(?).

[The Rockers]

So it turns out the battery was fully charged but was not connected correctly. Thankful for our camping friend, he had it sorted out in 5 minutes. Now TT is all ready to go for the upcoming long weekend, just have to add food and clothes! We are new to this trailer and I am so thankful for this site. we have learned so much already. It has been a huge learning curve from our 8 foot coleman taos tent trailer. Looking forward to the maiden voyage this weekend!

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by The Rockers

So it turns out the battery was fully charged but was not connected correctly. Thankful for our camping friend, he had it sorted out in 5 minutes. Now TT is all ready to go for the upcoming long weekend, just have to add food and clothes! We are new to this trailer and I am so thankful for this site. we have learned so much already. It has been a huge learning curve from our 8 foot coleman taos tent trailer. Looking forward to the maiden voyage this weekend!

Thanks for reporting back with your solution. Solutions help us calibrate our answers!

[Ken K.]

Originally Posted by Toddupton

I don't think the 2011 had a disconnect. I don't think they added it until 2013 but I may be wrong. My disconnect is under the tongue on the cross piece between the propane tanks and the jack. It is a red key that turns. Some did have a disconnect at the converter that you pull out. Other things to check:

Is the battery actually hooked up
There are to big fuses in the converter, I think 40 amp, are they good
Do you have a meter to test battery voltage
Is your converter putting out any voltage to the battery


These are a few thing to run through first

Check batteries- Are they there, are they charged, will they hold a charge, are they connected?

Check the inline fuse and/or battery connect switch. Most have a 30 amp fuse tucked under the driver's side front corner. It's usually hidden, tucked in around the junction box bolted to the frame on the front drivers side corner. Make sure that sucker isn't blown.
check wires coming from the battery to the fuse box, check the fuse box make sure the fuses work.

My bet is that the batteries are bad and need replacing.

[boondocking]

My bet is someone didn't read the solution, two posts up.

[HikerBob]

Originally Posted by The Rockers

Hi There, We recently upgraded from our PUP and bought a 2011 Rockwood Mini Lite. We are getting ready for the first trip next weekend and we tried to run it off DC power as we will not have services at the park.

So we disconnected from shore power and cannot run anything off the battery, not even lights. I thought the Previous Owner disconnected from shore power when we were looking at the trailer and the lights worked...I am now second guessing myself.

Also, when disconnected from shore power, the fridge was not working (but worked well when connected to shore power).

I have searched through many forums, and I am hearing of people having switches that may need to be reset.

Anyone out there with the same Travel trailer that can help??

Thanks in advance!

The negative cable from the battery on our 2011 MiniLite is anchored to the frame at the break-away switch on the tongue frame. The switch is held on with two bolts. The one with the cable may have come out or be loose, thus opening the DC circuit. There is no battery switch on our rig other than that which is located in the power panel under the frig.

[rockfordroo]

Rockers:

Also, if you are intending to run strictly off the battery, be aware that your fridge most likely has a door heater (aka climate control heater, aka condensation strip heater, and other aka's) to reduce condensation. It will deplete your battery very quickly if you don't disconnect it.

This thread will tell you about it and show you how to disconnect it.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...fe-101306.html

Also be aware that if it's chilly outside, the furnace fan will also drain your battery fairly quickly. People who run on battery-only will typically replace their battery with a couple of 12V deep cycle batteries or a couple 6V deep cycle golf cart batteries. And even then, they have to watch their power usage.