Mystery Electrical Part

[jwparks4]

Hi Folks,

I hooked up this weekend to head out for some father's day camping. After getting shore power disconnected and the TT hooked up, I did my walk around to make sure everything was functioning before heading out. That is when I noticed that the refrigerator was not working. That led to a troubleshooting session and I realized that I was not getting power from the battery to any part of the camper (battery was just taken off of the charger).

After crawling under my TT with a multimeter I found the problem at this point (see attached photo's). I have no idea what it is, but if I jumper it the 12V system works fine. I was hoping someone could give me the name of this part. I assume it has a function so I only jumpered to keep the fridge working and the trailer brakes during my pull down to camp. I disconnected before I connected to shore power. Any thought on what this is so I can purchase a replacement?

Jack

[chevy02]

Welcome to the forum I`m not the best with electricial parts but hang on someone will chime in to help

[LadyWindrider]

Gonna take a shot here, so please don't take this for gospel. Looks like either a protection fuse or diode. You need to get it off and see if there are any markings on the case. The confusing part is you said you had to jumper it to get trailer brakes. The 12V battery on the trailer should only be needed for the break-away box for the trailer brakes. Have to take a closer look at mine now. Make sure you unhook your battery before you unhook this thing to prevent any arcing.

Hope you find some numbers that will help.

[cat1956]

CIRCUIT BREAKER 40 AMP. Some times they go bad and have to be replaced.Here's where I got mine. I think you have to buy at least 3 @ $1.98 plus shipping.http://order.waytekwire.com/products/M37/140/250/400/11

[cat1956]

When installing notice the copper stud hooks to the battery side. There are suppose to be auto reset, but being exposed somewhat to the weather they sometimes don't. If it trips nothing on the 12 volt side will work off the battery.

[rafcar]

Is this something that people should keep a spare somewhere or is it something that can be found at a local hardware or auto parts store. How rare is it to have one of these go bad?

[cat1956]

Originally Posted by rafcar

Is this something that people should keep a spare somewhere or is it something that can be found at a local hardware or auto parts store. How rare is it to have one of these go bad?

I would say it's rare,but it can happen anytime.Some rv's have a inline fuse holder off the battery and some have a circuit breaker.I think you can buy them at an auto store,but the ones I've seen had a different mounting pattern and I didn't want to be drilling new holes.That's why I order mine from the link above.

[jwparks4]

Cat1956: That is the part. I just took it off of the frame and the markings say: "Shortstop 12/24V M45 40A" I just put 4 new ones on order.

Thanks for the quick help!

I have a 2006 - 2601 Rockwood Ultra Lite for the record since I don't have a signature built yet.

[Radio]

And there is a 1 in 10 chance a good whack with a large screwdriver handle will get it working through the weekend. If not, at least you feel better.

[Bama Rambler]

I like the way you think Wade. Sometimes you just need to give stuff a good whack whether it makes it work or not, it makes you feel better.

[Dodge Guy]

Is it protected from the elements? I had one on I installed on my old Dodge van for the brake controller. it shorted out from getting wet. I replaced it and moved it inside the van.

[08flagvlite]

That's the little bugger that went bad on my V lite at about 1 1/2 months old, due to corrosion or rust. They said when my unit was delivered to the Florida dealer from Indiana, road salt may have caused this because of the winter weather. The junction block/relay on mine had a small reset button on it, but it still needed replaced from the rust. The new one has no reset button on it. There is also 2 green 30 amp fuse holders just beyond this piece for the slide out power. They are sealed closed from the weather, but if your electric slide out motors don't operate for some reason, this is probably the culprit! I have replaced one already. Randy

[08flagvlite]

It is mounted to the frame just behind the tongue, under the camper. However; the road spray from wet roads, or wet salty roads from winter areas, could splash up there and cause a problem pretty quickly, I suppose. Randy