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Old 01-07-2018, 12:03 PM   #1
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12 Volt Power Problem

Ok guys and gals. Just purchased a 2005 Forest River Wildwood 30 BHBS. Still trying to gather all the information on it.

Here is what I know. The wall plugs have power. At least some of them do. The lights and slide outs won't work so I know there is a 12v problem somewhere. I'm assuming power supply. All fuses that can be seen in the breaker box are good.

What I'm needing is the get the slides in so I can tow it home. Camper has set for 3 years not used with the slides out. The 12volt battery is dead. Everything else is in good shape Minus the power issues. How can i get the slides in to be able to tow it?
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Old 01-07-2018, 12:06 PM   #2
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You may need the battery for slide operations but not positive

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Old 01-07-2018, 12:09 PM   #3
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The slide out is probably going to need power to retract. Can you plug in the shore power cord to get power? Might also try plugging truck into trailer cord and get 12 volt power that way.
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Old 01-07-2018, 12:10 PM   #4
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You might look for a 12 volt battery disconnect switch.
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Old 01-07-2018, 12:17 PM   #5
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It's currently plugged into a 110v camper power source. I'm going to purchase a battery. What's the odds that will get the slides in?
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Old 01-07-2018, 12:18 PM   #6
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You need a fully charged battery for 12 volt to work. You will also need a fully charged battery for your trailer brakes to work in the event of a break away. If you are plugged into shore power and you still have no lights or 12V for the slides, then most likely your converter is bad.
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Old 01-07-2018, 12:26 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crunchman12001 View Post
You need a fully charged battery for 12 volt to work. You will also need a fully charged battery for your trailer brakes to work in the event of a break away. If you are plugged into shore power and you still have no lights or 12V for the slides, then most likely your converter is bad.


Any way to find out which one i need? Planning to move it next Sunday.
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Old 01-07-2018, 12:28 PM   #8
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Check the voltage at the battery with a multimeter. If it's <12 nothing will work and your going to need a battery regardless because that one is cooked.

You could use jumper cables to your truck just to see if the slides work. But as was previously posted, you need the battery for the brakes.
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Old 01-07-2018, 12:49 PM   #9
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Check the two high current fuses ( brown or orange). These are reverse polarity fuses to protect against reversed battery connections. If you have a dead battery ( sitting for 3 yrs) and you plug in, the current from the converter to the batteries will sometimes blow those fuses. Also check for a resettable breaker ( see photo attached) on the tongue of the trailer. Small box like module with a small button on the side to reset. Before you do much more, replace the battery. The slide motors draw a lot of current especially if cold and not used for a while. Usually some is provided by the converter and some by the battery. The converter alone may not be sufficient to operate the slides.
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Old 01-07-2018, 12:50 PM   #10
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Even if your plugged into shore power you still need a good fully charged battery to operate the slides. The power coming from the converter will not be enough to use the slides. Also the power coming from your tow vehicle will not be enough to keep up with the demand needed to run them.

As said before you need a good battery to operate the brakes in case of the trailer disconnecting from the T/V.

On many trailers the slides are wired directly to the battery and protected by a 30 amp fuse under the front or tongue. Some may have a small 12vdc breaker that may need to be reset.

Also on the tongue or frame there will be another 12vdc breaker that is reset-able that protects the converter. There is also 2x 30amp or 40amp fuses that protect the converter in case you hook the battery wrong. These fuses will be in the panel on the front fo the converter labeled reverse polarity fuses.

Below is a pic of the mini-breaker, the small black button is the reset. Keep in mind that yours may be different.
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Old 01-07-2018, 12:54 PM   #11
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You may want to spray a slide-out lube on the slide mechanisms before you run the slides in.
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Old 01-07-2018, 01:00 PM   #12
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physically exercise each circuit breaker from off to on. Bay a new battery. Spray the slides and cables with dry lube.
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Old 01-07-2018, 01:27 PM   #13
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I don't know this particular model but don't most units have a manual override to extend/retract slides? Check for a spot to insert a handle to retract manually.
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Old 01-07-2018, 02:00 PM   #14
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We have a manual override on our Salem. I carry a portable drill just in case we need to do this.
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Old 01-07-2018, 02:39 PM   #15
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Definitely need battery to operate slides. Replace with good battery first then look elsewhere if that doesn't do it.
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Old 01-07-2018, 02:58 PM   #16
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Ok, thank you all so much. Will purchase a new battery.and take a drill in case that does not work. Does anyone know what size socket it takes? I believe where mine is is under the camper.
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Old 01-07-2018, 03:08 PM   #17
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I had a similar issue and the two fuses plugged into the converter were blown.
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Old 01-07-2018, 03:27 PM   #18
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I had a similar issue and the two fuses plugged into the converter were blown.
Was it on the inside of the panel?
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Old 01-07-2018, 03:29 PM   #19
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This is the only fuses I have checked.
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Old 01-07-2018, 03:42 PM   #20
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Referring to the two orange fuses on the left center
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