I have no power when relying on battery only?

prplx

Hi, I just bought a used 2004 Tab and have an electric problem.  Everything works fine when I am pluged to the wall, but when I am relying on the battery only, neither the lights, nor the heater work.  The fridge won't start on propane either. 

I had the battery checked, it was no longer good, so I bought a new one and charged it.  I checked all the fuse in the fuse box and they are all good.  Any pointers before I give up and  bring it to an RV place?  The previous owner never used it unplugged so he can't help much.

I found a little three pine white plastic thingy with "littlefuse" written on it and a green light pilot in one oif the drawer.  Can this have to do with it?  If so where does it go?

prplx

All I see following the wire from the battery is a screwed in box underneath the trailer.  Is the fuse inside that?

jkjenn

@prplx look for something like this and it should be near the battery.

ScottG

The fuse is usually placed close to the battery--that's where it is on my 2015. The  box you describe sounds like the junction box where the battery connects to the wiring harness that enters the trailer. I wouldn't expect the fuse to be in such an awkward location, but who knows?

Assuming the general layout is the same on your 2004, I would continue the search by inspecting the electrical innards under the driver's side bench. Try to find the positive lead from the battery--it will likely be a red, heavy gauge wire running into the converter. Look for a fuse in that line, and check any connectors that you see to make sure they are secure.

If you have a multimeter, and if you can detach the battery line from the converter (mine has a quick disconnect), check the line for voltage or continuity from the battery. If you get nothing, that implicates the connection to the battery, and at that point I'd probably inspect the connections in that junction box you discovered.

If the line checks out, I'd start suspecting the converter innards, but you're outta' my league at that point. Good luck! 

jkjenn

If it isn't a fuse, it could very well be your converter, given the age of the T@b.

prplx

I will keep exploring and trying to find the fuse.  If the converter is dead, everything would still work when plugged in the wall?  Sorry, as you can tell, electricity is not my forte.

But again I checked all the fuse in the converter lannel and thay all seem fine.

jkjenn

prplx said:

I will keep exploring and trying to find the fuse.  If the converter is dead, everything would still work when plugged in the wall?  Sorry, as you can tell, electricity is not my forte.

But again I checked all the fuse in the converter lannel and thay all seem fine.

A converter can be bad without being dead. The thing that made me wonder about your converter was the fact that you had to replace a bad battery. Perhaps ti was already dying and not charging your last battery correctly.

Verna

On the Dutchman T@B's, there is a fuse, of sorts (I can't remember the name of it) and it is probably in the little box you found under the T@B. I do know they do blow and need replaced. The Little Guy T@B's do not have this "fuse".

@Mouseketab and @TABaker have Dutchman T@B's. If they don't pop into this conversation, send them a private message and they should be able to help.  

prplx

Thanks everyone.  I'll keep looking for the fuse.  There is a bigger green 30 fuse inside the pannel, but it is good.  Under the driver seat I see tons of wires but no fuse.  Il get under and unscrew the metal cover and see what is underbeath.

prplx

Some of the small car fuses in the converter pannel are U shape but some seem Z shape, is that normal?

ScottG

I've seen both the Z's and the U's. As long as it fits and the amperage is correct, you should be fine!

prplx

Anyone knows what that little 3 pin fuse is?  Could it be related to my problem?  Where does it goes?  Also here are pics of the fuse board and the diagram;

Verna

I recommend going to Facebook and joining "T@B Camping Trailers".  They have a lot of Dutchman T@B trailers, while there are just a handful here on the Little Guy T@B forum. They would be able to answer your questions better and quicker over there. 

jkjenn

+1 to what Verna said. I was thinking the same thing.

prplx

Will do!  I posted on one forum, the one you mentionned I am still waiting to get approved. 

Ratkity

prplx, that white "Littlefuse" thingie is a fuse tester. The other end pulls those blade fuses for those of us with no fingersnails or chunky fingers. Good luck on finding your electrical gremlin!

prplx

Thanks Ratkity!  I will put it to use straight away!

T@Balong

Let me ask an obvious question, did you look for the fuse under the battery cover?

prplx

TABalong, this was ask earlier: there is no fuse under the battery cover on this older 2004 model.

mash2

The screwed in box under the trailer has a red rubber cover, right?  This is the an inline circuit breaker for the older model (mine's an '06).
Might want to start by making sure the contacts on the breaker are good.  Try cleaning contacts and tightening the breaker bolt connections.  

However, it is possible that the inline circuit breaker has gone bad (Yahoo group cites this as common issue.  If cleaning and checking connection doesn't help, consider replacing the inline cirucuit breaker.    It is an automotive breaker that should be available at an auto supply store.  I'd remove and take into auto zone or other parts store...)

I believe the inline circuit breaker serves the purpose of the more modern T@N fuse.    

Verna

Thank you, @mash2! I was hoping you had time this evening to help!

RZRBUG

prplx,  Once upon a time, I changed my battery and somehow got the cables wrong when I connected it back up.  Is it possible you may have done the same?

Geo

prplx,
The older T@B's used a different converter.  It has a glass fuse in it, remove the cover and you will find it on the lower left side. I believe it is a 30 Amp.
We have an '04 also.  It has been awhile since I have had that open - so going from memory here.
Additional note here - the converter should have the dust blown out of it every so often to prolong its life.
I can open it up today and look if you like ?

Geo
T@Bmahal
#100  

prplx

Geo: that fuse is inside the converter, correct?  I cant see it, can you help?  Also, the overload little red lightseem to have been disconected, can this have to do with the prob?

prplx

Ok i got it...  But it's still good!  I cleaned it a bit.  Now i will plug the overload sensor and see if that makes any difference.  Sensor plugged.  Still nothing :(

prplx

prplx

For those looking for it, it is at the base of the converter, the little glass cylinder.

Geo

prplx,
Ok, you found the glass fuse - I assume it is good !
The only other thing I can think of is that junction box on the underside of the trailer.  Many early DM T@B's had a circuit breaker, some on the tongue and maybe some in that junction box.  A loose wire connection is another good culprit. . .

hope this helps. . .

Geo
T@Bmahal
#100

prplx

I looked inside the junction box yestreday looking for a fuse and did not see one. Everything looked fine in it but i didnt  look very carefuly as i was only trying to find a fuse.  I might look again.  Tony sugessted i test the red wire in the converter box.  Nothing.  So at least it looks like the prob is not the converter...

Photomom

Is there a manufacturer and model number on the converter?

Geo

prplx,
The circuit breaker they used is subject to corrosion very easily.  The location on the under side of the trailer of the junction box is also easily subject to corrosion.  
If with the battery disconnected and shore power connected you have no 12VDC at the battery cables, you have a broken or open circuit in the line somewhere.

Photomom,
The early DM T@B's used a converter charger brand called 'American'.  I would have to look a lot closer to see model #,  but it is the 30 Amp. model.

Geo
T@Bmahal
#100