12 volt not working

[winstmk]

Hello we have a 2109 mini lite, when running on 12 volt, not getting any power , no lights fridge....
checked the disconnect with volt meter and both sides are hot , both fuses by battery are good. Any ideas?

Thx

[winstmk]

Also , with just 12volt both tongue jack and slide work, but nothing else 12 volt

[TitanMike]

Follow the hot wire from the disconnect switch under the trailer and along the frame. You'll encounter a small circuit breaker that has a small black button on one end. Reset the breaker. Very common problem but easily cured.

If it's like my MicroLite the circuit breaker is just ahead of a 4" square junction box attached to the inside of "Street Side" frame . (Left side if looking at rear of trailer).

[winstmk]

Thx will check in morning, so the jack and slide out are not controlled by that?

[flyflotrtim]

If it's like my MicroLite the circuit breaker is just ahead of a 4" square junction box attached to the inside of "Street Side" frame . (Left side if looking at rear of trailer).[/QUOTE]

that is where it is on my Minilite also.

[winstmk]

Thx, that did it, what a bad design.

[rsdata]

Thx, that did it, what a bad design.

This has been the same design, at least since my 2014 model... once you encounter nothing 12 VDC working except slide and jack, you will know exactly how to fix and can them tell others... that one central fuse.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by winstmk

Thx, that did it, what a bad design.

Yes indeed it's a bad design. Worse yet the factory makes no attempt to identify it and it's location. Dealers seem to overlook telling customers where it is too.

I changed over my 12 V system to a pair of "Lithium" batteries mounted in a small storage cabinet. Battery disconnect and fuse (no more circuit breaker) are all mounted where I can easily access them when needed.

If my 12 volt system shuts down on a rainy night I don't have to crawl under my trailer to reset a circuit breaker.

[winstmk]

So does it ever need to be replaced?

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by winstmk

So does it ever need to be replaced?

When you can't reset it again.

Surprisingly they seem to last forever (or until someone redesigns their 12 v system).

[winstmk]

That sounds smart , can you go without the breaker, I mean there is the disconnect as well as the 20 amp fuse

[pdqparalegal1]

Hope the reset works, if not, stare looking for a bad ground connection. Good luck

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by winstmk

That sounds smart , can you go without the breaker, I mean there is the disconnect as well as the 20 amp fuse

The breaker covers all the circuits on the distribution board (fuse panel). Sum up the ratings of the fuses to get an idea of the maximum rating.

This is analogous to a residential panel--main breaker at the top and secondary breakers for the individual circuits.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

The breaker covers all the circuits on the distribution board (fuse panel). Sum up the ratings of the fuses to get an idea of the maximum rating.

This is analogous to a residential panel--main breaker at the top and secondary breakers for the individual circuits.

It's my understanding that the breaker is sized to protect the wire from the battery. If that wire is like most, it's #8 awg and should have a breaker from 30-45 amp in size (depending on which table you consult).

Again from what I understand, the main breaker size is the limit but the fuses/breakers on a panel can total more amperage than the breaker's amperage. It's all about protecting the supply wire.


To the earlier question on whether the breaker can be done without, I certainly wouldn't bypass/eliminate the breaker on the supply wire from the battery (even though it can often be annoying). If something pinches and shorts that wire under the trailer, or inside the structure, that's the only safety device to prevent possible fire.

[babock]

Personally, I would replace it with one of these types.

https://shop.pkys.com/Large-Format-D...ers_c_108.html

That's what I use although mine is mounted in a weatherproof location now. They are still weatherproof and likely more weatherproof than the one that comes with the trailer.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by babock

Personally, I would replace it with one of these types.

https://shop.pkys.com/Large-Format-D...ers_c_108.html

That's what I use although mine is mounted in a weatherproof location now. They are still weatherproof and likely more weatherproof than the one that comes with the trailer.

Same here. Also easier to see if it's tripped than what the factory uses, even if still mounted on the frame.

[wmtire]

We keep a tutorial on the 12 volt DC circuit breaker in the FAQ section, along with other more common asked problems that can occur.


https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...et-154141.html