No Power in Trailer When Connected to Shore Power

SMS
SMS Member Posts: 9
in Battery/Electrical & Solar
I have a "new to me" 2015 M@x-S. I have it connected to 110v/15a shore power, and nothing is being powered in the trailer (no outlets work, no AC power to either the refrigerator or air-conditioning unit, battery is not being charged). I have checked that there is electrical at the power cord, all breakers are in the correct position. Systems are working well under battery power.

Is there something I am missing, or can you suggest where I should begin to look?

Thanks is advance as I am new to this.

Comments

  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    To clarify -> Power at both ends of the chord?
    May sound stupid but a bad 30/110 adapter had me running in circles once.
  • SMS
    SMS Member Posts: 9
    Yes, power at both ends. 
  • Photomom
    Photomom Member Posts: 2,217
    Is there a light at the trailer end of your trailer's power cord, and is it on?
    John and Henrietta, Late 2016 T@B S Max in Western New York
  • SMS
    SMS Member Posts: 9
    Yes, the light is on at the end of the power cord.

  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,687
    edited June 2016
    Hmmm. The 120V side is a pretty simple system, just like in your house. If you've checked and triple checked everything discussed previously, the only thing left is discontinuity somewhere between the power cord and the distribution panel. This could include a loose connection between the main cable at the exterior plug (on one end) or the main breaker or ground bus (on the other end). Barring that, perhaps a faulty main breaker or (less likely) a broken wire in the cable.

    All this stuff is under the drivers side bench. The main cable is easily recognized because it's the only one that is orange. The connections, however, are buried within their respective devices. Forgive me if I'm stating the obvious, but operating on them requires a rudimentary understanding of AC electrical systems (starting with turning off the power).

    Good luck and please let us know what you find! 
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • Photomom
    Photomom Member Posts: 2,217
    Try resetting the GCFI outlet first. I don't think it controls all those things, but you never know. And reset the circuit breakers by turning them off, waiting a moment, and turning them back on. 
    John and Henrietta, Late 2016 T@B S Max in Western New York
  • SMS
    SMS Member Posts: 9
    I've reset the breakers and replaced the GFCI outlet. 

    Do you think it is possible I am not getting enough amps from the particular outlet to power the trailer? If so, do you know the minimum amount required? I would switch to another outlet, but this is the only accessible one at my house.

    I'm not too concerned as I plan to mostly dry camp, but my curiosity can't let it go.
  • Photomom
    Photomom Member Posts: 2,217
    If your trailer were drawing more than 15 amps, the circuit breaker in your house should trip.
    John and Henrietta, Late 2016 T@B S Max in Western New York
  • Photomom
    Photomom Member Posts: 2,217
    The comments on the facebook page about trying to draw 30 amps from a 15 amp outlet are hooey. It doesn't work that way.

    John and Henrietta, Late 2016 T@B S Max in Western New York
  • Photomom
    Photomom Member Posts: 2,217
    Has this ever worked while you've had it? Why did you replace the GCFI outlet?
    John and Henrietta, Late 2016 T@B S Max in Western New York
  • SMS
    SMS Member Posts: 9
    Replaced the GFCI outlet just so I could eliminate it as a cause. I've only had the trailer for a few weeks, and am just now getting around to trying the shore power.

    I'm starting to think it has to do with the connection between the female cord and male T@B receptacle as there is no power at the interior orange wire coming from the receptacle to the breaker.
  • source3
    source3 Member Posts: 144
    edited June 2016
    Test for continuity between the T@b male receptacle and the orange wire by the panel underneath the seat.  Maybe a mouse went to work as the plastic sheathing on the wire is like candy to them.
    Andrew P. 
    Durango, CO
    2015 S Outback

  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    Those darn meeces!!! Don't use Irish Spring... they eat that and then snuggle in dryer sheets for naps. (darn, no mousie emoticon!)
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
  • Photomom
    Photomom Member Posts: 2,217
    SMS, when you say there is no power at the interior orange wire, how are you determining that?
    John and Henrietta, Late 2016 T@B S Max in Western New York
  • SMS
    SMS Member Posts: 9
    voltage detector
  • SMS
    SMS Member Posts: 9
    I'm going to replace the 30A inlet on the outside of the T@B to see if that is the culprit.
  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    Good luck, SMS!! Keep us updated. 
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
  • SMS
    SMS Member Posts: 9
    Problem solved! I disassembled the 30A inlet that goes into the T@B, and a wire had come loose.
  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    Glad you found the problem - Easy fix once found?
  • SMS
    SMS Member Posts: 9
    So easy I was able to do it!
  • Photomom
    Photomom Member Posts: 2,217
    Excellent!
    John and Henrietta, Late 2016 T@B S Max in Western New York
  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    :clap: Good job. Crisis during a camping spree has been averted! Now onto bigger and better mods and forum "to do" lists (wanted things, not needed :) )
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
  • lorikoliver
    lorikoliver Member Posts: 1
    I am brand new to this forum. I'm in the market for a T@B after seeing a 2004 listed on Craigs List. As I read through the string my thoughts went from, "Oh no, these T@Bs are fraught with issues!" to "Wow, these T@B owners are helpful, polite, and persistent!" Good on you, all of you who stood by SMS during this electrical challenge. And good on you SMS for tackling the problem with both your tools AND your noodle!
  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    lorikoliver - This is where you bring problems so it's easy to get the wrong impression. For every problem here, there's hundreds of smiling faces out there with none. :-)
  • Michigan_Mike
    Michigan_Mike Member Posts: 2,858
    Well done!  It's always best to start at the power source and work your way out on the circuit (as you basically did) in finding problems like these.  A good volt meter helps too and eliminates any guessing.  Nice to see these come to a happy ending.  
    Mike - Elmira, Mi / 2019 T@B 400 / 2021 Chevy Silverado LTZ

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