Changing a Simple Fuse in your RV
09-23-2015
Author: Blog Editor in Chasing Adventure- Coast to Coast
You ever get frustrated when you have something wrong with your RV, and after calling the mobile repair unit, you realize you could have fixed the problem yourself, for a whole lot less? First thing to remember is to call the manufacturer; he will talk you through your problem and help you locate the source of the problem. I have found that each time I call the manufacturer, or LazyDays RV store, that the technicians are very knowledgeable and determined to assist until they help you find the point of failure.
I recently was returning from Tennessee to Florida, and stopped for the night in the KOA campground in Tifton, Georgia. When we arrived at the RV Park, we began the process of settling in for the night. While lowering the jacks, the operation stopped and the digital readout gave me the wonderful news, “Operation Aborted”. Then I received a second readout that kept flashing “Low Voltage”. I was so tired that I merely shut it off and decided I would worry about it in the morning. Before retiring for the night, I placed a “Trickle charger” on the chassis battery and went to bed. I checked everything the next morning, first the batteries, they were at full power. Okay, this should be simple! Not a chance! I fiddled with checking the fuses and rechecked the batteries, checked the house batteries, still no joy.
So, I called Winnebago Industries, they were on the phone with me off and on for over four hours. We finally decided it was a main fuse; one which I did not know existed, located in the rear of the coach where the chassis batteries are located. When I first looked, I could not see the fuse. I finally stuck my phone in the little cubby hole and found the 300 AMP fuse, however, I was looking for the 125 AMP fuse. So another call to Winnebago, they stated it was located closer to the inside back wall of the cubby hole, of course, why would it be in plain sight?! I had no idea how to get the fuse out, nor did I have a replacement fuse. How many people carry a 125 AMP replacement fuse? I do now!
So, I called Winnebago Industries, they were on the phone with me off and on for over four hours. We finally decided it was a main fuse; one which I did not know existed, located in the rear of the coach where the chassis batteries are located. When I first looked, I could not see the fuse. I finally stuck my phone in the little cubby hole and found the 300 AMP fuse, however, I was looking for the 125 AMP fuse. So another call to Winnebago, they stated it was located closer to the inside back wall of the cubby hole, of course, why would it be in plain sight?! I had no idea how to get the fuse out, nor did I have a replacement fuse. How many people carry a 125 AMP replacement fuse? I do now!
I called Good Sam, who sent a mobile repair from Valdosta, some forty miles away. He did a quick jump from one solenoid to the other and magically the stands retracted. When I got home I called my local mobile repair unit, and he stated he would get with me as soon as possible. Two weeks later I decided that I would try to fix it myself, after all what could I hurt, if I failed to fix it, the mobile repair unit would just have to clean up my mess! Made sense to me! After taking a few more pictures with my phone, I picked up a half inch rachet and in less than 5 minutes had the fuse out. Now to find a replacement fuse. I called the local Camping World and they do not stock them. Strike one! I then called LazyDays and of course they had one, only catch was they were closing in forty-five minutes and I live thirty-eight miles from their store. After the clerk offered to leave it at the guard gate, I jumped into my car and headed to the store. I made it with ten minutes to spare, really can’t say how fast I was driving.
I checked the fuse and as things go, they had mistakenly sold me the wrong fuse! So we exchanged it for the correct fuse. Winnebago had told me to replace it with a 200 AMP fuse vice the 125 AMP that was in there. The cost of the fuse was $41.00! Really! The tech at LazyDays recommended using a “Generic” 250 AMP fuse. Total cost $11.00. I got home about an hour later and in less than ten minutes installed the fuse. Simply removed two half inch nuts and replaced the old with the new fuse. What would have been nice would have been for the manufacturer to have left a little more room to work in this area! I know, not a chance!
Lessons learned: First, after speaking to the manufacturer of your RV and discovering the problem, you have a 50/50 chance of being able to complete the repair yourself. DON’T DOUBT YOURSELF! Second, take pictures and send them to the manufacturer, he will even send you the diagram of the area you are looking at, of course if you look, that same diagram is in your owner’s manual. Third, and most importantly for me, is that instead of paying out the minimum of $125.00 to have the Mobile RV Repair to come to your home; instead of paying the manufactures cost of the fuse; instead of using the manufacturer’s fuse, I used a generic fuse for a whole lot less. I didn’t have to feel stupid for spending over $125.00 to fix an$11.00 problem! In addition, I did not have to get frustrated with myself for being a doubting Thomas and giving up before I attempted to fix it myself! I figured it out with the help of the manufacturer’s tech. In December I am taking a one week course in RV Maintenance, can’t wait! http://www.rvtechcourse.com/ check this URL if you interested in such a course.
Until the next posting, may your dreams of RV travel be recognized, and may the Lord keep you safe in your travels.
About the Bloggers: Debbie and Mike Whitt are part time RV’ers who decided to give up sailing and begin a life on the road and enjoy the RV’ing lifestyle. With no idea of what type of RV they wanted, they began with a used 2006 Damon Challenger. Five RV’s later, they enjoy the RV life in their 2015 Itasca Meridian. They love the adventure, meeting people and searching for all the great seafood spots along the way. The RV life is somewhat different than the sailing world yet, it offers all the adventure they had hoped to find. Although adapting to the RV life has been a new experience, they enjoy the many trips that they have taken to discover the beauty of the USA. They are currently planning to be full time RV’ers by mid-2016. Follow the adventures of Deb and Mike and their two miniature longhair dachshunds, see where their adventure takes them while preparing to be full time RV’ers.
Until the next posting, may your dreams of RV travel be recognized, and may the Lord keep you safe in your travels.
About the Bloggers: Debbie and Mike Whitt are part time RV’ers who decided to give up sailing and begin a life on the road and enjoy the RV’ing lifestyle. With no idea of what type of RV they wanted, they began with a used 2006 Damon Challenger. Five RV’s later, they enjoy the RV life in their 2015 Itasca Meridian. They love the adventure, meeting people and searching for all the great seafood spots along the way. The RV life is somewhat different than the sailing world yet, it offers all the adventure they had hoped to find. Although adapting to the RV life has been a new experience, they enjoy the many trips that they have taken to discover the beauty of the USA. They are currently planning to be full time RV’ers by mid-2016. Follow the adventures of Deb and Mike and their two miniature longhair dachshunds, see where their adventure takes them while preparing to be full time RV’ers.
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