No Power in Trailer When Connected to Shore Power

SMS · June 2016

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.

Nomad · June 2016

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 · June 2016

Yes, power at both ends.

Photomom · June 2016

Is there a light at the trailer end of your trailer's power cord, and is it on?

SMS · June 2016

Yes, the light is on at the end of the power cord.

ScottG · 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!

Photomom · June 2016

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.

SMS · June 2016

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 · June 2016

If your trailer were drawing more than 15 amps, the circuit breaker in your house should trip.

Photomom · June 2016

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.

Photomom · June 2016

Has this ever worked while you've had it? Why did you replace the GCFI outlet?

SMS · June 2016

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 · 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.

Ratkity · June 2016

Those darn meeces!!! Don't use Irish Spring... they eat that and then snuggle in dryer sheets for naps. (darn, no mousie emoticon!)

Photomom · June 2016

SMS, when you say there is no power at the interior orange wire, how are you determining that?

SMS · June 2016

voltage detector

SMS · June 2016

I'm going to replace the 30A inlet on the outside of the T@B to see if that is the culprit.

Ratkity · June 2016

Good luck, SMS!! Keep us updated.

SMS · June 2016

Problem solved! I disassembled the 30A inlet that goes into the T@B, and a wire had come loose.

Nomad · June 2016

Glad you found the problem - Easy fix once found?

SMS · June 2016

So easy I was able to do it!

Photomom · June 2016

Excellent!

Ratkity · June 2016

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

)

lorikoliver · June 2016

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 · June 2016

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 · June 2016

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.

No Power in Trailer When Connected to Shore Power

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