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Old 06-06-2016, 03:38 PM   #1
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Blowing fuses when bringing in slides

We continue to blow a 15 amp fuse when we are bringing in our slides on our 2012 Wildcat 32RL.
I replaced it the last time with a 20 amp fuse and haven't had any further issues.
Since I'm not sure if the recommended fuse size is 15 amp.
Can anyone tell me where I could find the fuse/breaker listing for the 2012 Forest River Wildcat Sterling 32RL?
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Old 06-06-2016, 04:06 PM   #2
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Maybe somebody with the same model can look and let you know definitively what size fuse it should have, but 15 amps is low for a slide motor.

Is this unit new to you, or has it been working and all of a sudden started blowing fuses? Disregard the next statement if it has worked many times before and just started blowing fuses.

Our last unit with a just sofa slide had a 30 amp fuse. If the 20 amp is holding, I'd probably stick with it, just have a few spares on hand in case.
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Old 06-06-2016, 04:14 PM   #3
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Use a auto resetting circuit breaker.



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Old 06-06-2016, 04:58 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bama Rambler View Post
Maybe somebody with the same model can look and let you know definitively what size fuse it should have, but 15 amps is low for a slide motor.

Is this unit new to you, or has it been working and all of a sudden started blowing fuses? Disregard the next statement if it has worked many times before and just started blowing fuses.

Our last unit with a just sofa slide had a 30 amp fuse. If the 20 amp is holding, I'd probably stick with it, just have a few spares on hand in case.
Thanks for the quick response. To answer your question. This is actually our third season with this unit. We did buy it new but, obviously, not in 2012. Long story.
I agree that 15 amps seems low.
I'll continue to research it but I do appreciate the input.
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Old 06-06-2016, 06:36 PM   #5
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What's the reason for the blown fuse?


Might possibly be a wire that has frayed and touching metal?
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Old 06-06-2016, 06:38 PM   #6
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Have you inspected the slide mechanism for wear, broken parts, or misalignment?
Have you lubed the slide mechanism?

If not you might try that first.
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Old 06-06-2016, 07:43 PM   #7
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FYI...my smallest slide the bedroom slide has a 20 amp fuse. Regular fuse, not the auto reset.
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Old 06-07-2016, 06:07 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by Bama Rambler View Post
Have you inspected the slide mechanism for wear, broken parts, or misalignment?
Have you lubed the slide mechanism?

If not you might try that first.
Thanks for the response.
We've inspected everything and cleaned and lubed everything.
I think the 15 amp fuse is too small.
We haven't had a problem since I replaced it with the 20 amp fuse.
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Old 06-07-2016, 01:31 PM   #9
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Fuse Size

If you can find the wattage on the motor for the slide you can divide that number by 12 volts which will give you your theoretical current draw in Amps.

If you can't find the wattage rating on the electrical Motor for the slide you can take a multimeter with ability to read high amperage, say 30 to 50 amps.

20 amps will toast you or anything that it is running through.

So for God's sake, be careful.

This is not suggested for a novice or amateur.

If you are not familiar with reading electrical current I am sure that you will have no problem finding someone who can assist you.

You want to know how much current runs through the circuit.

Once you determine the amount of current your unit is using you can then use a fuse that will allow the circuit to pass electrical current without interrupting service.

A safe fuse rating will allow you to use your unit and prevent dangerous high electrical current from flowing by causing the circuit to open.

I hope this is helpful

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Old 06-07-2016, 06:41 PM   #10
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I have a simular problem with the slide EXCEPT it's the 15 amp fuse for the lights in the slide that blow. I can put the slide out, OK; bring the slide in, OK. Travel to next site or trip and fuse is blown. Put in a 20 amp circuit breaker, still blows but resets. Looked at all the wire I can see under the slide, no problems noted. May pot a .22 cal bullet in fuse slot!
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Old 06-08-2016, 11:43 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by pdqparalegal1 View Post
I have a simular problem with the slide EXCEPT it's the 15 amp fuse for the lights in the slide that blow. I can put the slide out, OK; bring the slide in, OK. Travel to next site or trip and fuse is blown. Put in a 20 amp circuit breaker, still blows but resets. Looked at all the wire I can see under the slide, no problems noted. May pot a .22 cal bullet in fuse slot!
It's not uncommon for the wiring to break down where it flexes going to the slide. However, it could be broken anywhere.

Since it's obviously shorting during travel I'd start by opening the light fixtures and removing the lamps and checking them to make sure the short isn't the fixture itself.

You could also try 'shaking' the wiring while checking it for resistance with a multimeter. If you don't have a multimeter you could install a smaller fuse and do the same thing. When you shake the proper wire it should blow the fuse.
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