16
Electrical Systems
12VOLT CHASSIS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A trailer chassis electrical system includes:
·
Trailer battery
·
Charging system
·
Brake system
·
Tail lights
·
Turn signals
·
12 volt convenience outlets
·
12-volt power vents
·
Fans
·
Motors
·
Fresh water pump
·
Any 12-volt entertainment equipment
·
All 12-volt interior lighting xtures
·
Other vehicle lights and accessories.
The tow vehicle’s 12-volt battery, the trailer’s 12-volt
battery or the AC/DC power converter may provide twelve-
volt power. The battery’s charge is maintained by the tow
vehicle alternator, or by the charging circuit included in
the power converter.
12-VOLT FUSE BLOCK PANEL
The 12-volt fuse block panel for DC circuits is located
in a cabinet in various locations by model. Fuses are
automotive type and should always be replaced with the
same type and amperage rating. Replace bulbs with same
type or equivalent.
The fuse block panel also includes a 12-volt power cutoff
switch. The cutoff switch when disconnected will avoid
constant drain on the trailer battery when not in use.
WARNING: DO NOT INSTALL 12-VOLT FUSES
WITH AMPERAGE RATINGS GREATER THAN
THAT SPECIFIED ON FUSE BOX LABEL.
12-VOLT CIRCUIT BREAKER & RESET
In all units, 30-amp circuit breakers have been installed to
protect the trailer’s 12-volt electrical system.
Travel trailers circuit breakers with reset switches will be
located inside a covered junction box attached inside the
front cross member of the A-frame. Additional circuit
breakers may be used for slide-out switch protection. Those
circuit breakers will be located inside a plastic junction box
in a cabinet near the slide-out wall switch.
Fifth wheel circuit breakers with reset switches will be
located inside a covered fuse box attached inside the
off-door side baggage compartment with additional 30-
amp breakers for slide-out protection and other 12-volt
circuits.
NOTE: Not all 30-amp circuit breakers are equipped with
the reset switch. Resets on 30-amp circuit breakers for
slide-out motors are automatic reset switches.
120 VOLT AC SYSTEM
The 120-volt AC system provides grounded electrical
service for the refrigerator and optional appliances such
as air conditioners, microwave ovens, water heaters, TV,
etc.
Other appliances such as toasters, lamps, etc. may
also operate on the 120-volt system.
The 120-volt system also provides a power source for the
power converter. The trailer is equipped with a heavy-duty
power cord to connect to an external 120-volt, 30-amp
rated AC service.
·
The cord and connector are molded together to form
a weatherproof cable assembly.
·
Do not cut or alter the cable in any way.
·
Do not remove the cable connector ground pin or
bypass the ground circuit of the trailer.
·
Be sure the ground is maintained if an adapter is used
to plug into an electrical service,
·
Do not use a two-conductor extension cord, or any cord
or cable that does not assure appropriate and adequate
ground continuity.
·
NEVER
plug the 120-volt cord into an ungrounded
receptacle.
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE THE 120-VOLT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WITHOUT A PROPER
GROUND.
THE POWER CONVERTER
The power converter is the nerve center of the 12-volt DC
and the 120-volt AC system.
·
The power center will supply 12-volt requirements
when operating on 120 AC volts.
·
The onboard battery will gradually be brought to a full
charge and maintained by the 6-amp battery charger
as long as 120-volt power is available.
·
The propane leak detector and other 12-volt components
continually consume small amounts of current even
when switched “OFF”. The trailer’s battery will fully
discharge within 72 hours if not recharged during that
period or if the power center is not connected to a
120-volt AC source.
DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IF YOU ARE NOT
USING YOUR TRAILER.
