Trailer charging fuse in TV |
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cgarb
Groupie Joined: 27 Mar 2011 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 95 |
Topic: Trailer charging fuse in TV Posted: 22 Nov 2016 at 7:56pm |
We had 2 6 volt batteries installed last spring and hadn't been able to get out to camp until this fall. We were told that the 6 volts would last about twice as long as the two 12 volt, which is important since we dry camp. We had disconnected the batteries over the summer as instructed by the people who put in the batteries and plugged in the trailer for several days before our trip. The battery level dropped quickly on both of our short (3 and 4 night) trips. On the second one the meter showed empty when we got home, though the fridge was still running. Apparently the trailer charging fuse in our Honda Pilot is a 20 amp fuse and it had blown, though no short circuit, so the car was not charging the trailer. Honda says we can't put in a larger fuse. Has anyone else had this issue and if so, how have you dealt with it?
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Carol
177 HRE rpod 2014 Honda Pilot |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6326 |
Posted: 22 Nov 2016 at 8:49pm |
A. Don't run the refrigerator on 12V. Use propane. The 12V use is minimal then.
B. Run a dedicated charging wire to your Bargman (round) connector. At a minimum, use a 10 Gauge or larger wire connected directly to the positive terminal of the TV's battery. Run that to a larger breaker and then to the back to connect in place of the current charging wire. Here's a link for the wiring diagram. |
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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cgarb
Groupie Joined: 27 Mar 2011 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 95 |
Posted: 22 Nov 2016 at 8:53pm |
Thanks! We do use propane for the refrig. while camping, but the battery while driving. We understand that it is illegal to drive with the gas tank on. We'll take a look at the wiring, though we are not DIYers. It doesn't seem right that the fuse blew, when the Pilot is set up as a towing vehicle.
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Carol
177 HRE rpod 2014 Honda Pilot |
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jato
Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3257 |
Posted: 22 Nov 2016 at 9:07pm |
Did a google search and cannot find any state where it is illegal to run your propane in your TT while driving on roadways. Have personally driven our 177 through 20+ states and have never seen signage in any of those which states it is illegal to run propane while traveling down the road.
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God's pod
'11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
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Leo B
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4517 |
Posted: 22 Nov 2016 at 9:31pm |
Ditto!
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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
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JandL
Senior Member Joined: 29 Mar 2014 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 364 |
Posted: 22 Nov 2016 at 11:03pm |
I have a Honda Ridgeline and only towed it once with the refrigerator on battery and by the time I got to my campsite the battery voltage was low. The Honda's are wired with only a 12 gauge wire and at minimum it needs to be 10 gauge or larger. A 12 gauge wire can not keep the trailer charged up with the refrigerator on. I now tow only with propane on. There are no restriction for towing with propane. Here is a note I posted a while ago
The only restrictions I've read about with operating propane on the highways is in tunnels. (all back on the East cost and Texas) GENERAL COMMENTS: Tunnels that go down hill have restrictions to stop and make sure propane is turned off. Tunnels that rise slightly have no restrictions. Virginia tunnels go down under the water. Propane is heavier than air and in theory could pool in the very bottom of the tunnels. So you need to stop and tell an inspector they are turned off. Most tunnels that go thru mountains have a slight rise to the middle. That's why you don't have to stop for most of those tunnels. http://www.rvtripwizard.com/rv-info/propane-tanks-in-tunnels.html |
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JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
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cgarb
Groupie Joined: 27 Mar 2011 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 95 |
Posted: 22 Nov 2016 at 11:09pm |
Thank you for your input on the gas vs. electric. Do you think that will take care of the problem of the fuse blowing, with the refrig. on gas instead of the battery?
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Carol
177 HRE rpod 2014 Honda Pilot |
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JandL
Senior Member Joined: 29 Mar 2014 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 364 |
Posted: 22 Nov 2016 at 11:27pm |
I think the reason your 20 amp fuse blew was your trailer battery was so low it was trying to take all the current your alternator could deliver, causing the fuse to blow. I would not put a higher amp fuse in because the charge current to the trailer battery goes thru a mini relay that can't handle much more than 20 amps. I have had no problems running my refrigerator on propane when towing. I keep my trailer plugged into an outlet I have next to my driveway so the battery is always charging thru the WFCO 8900 Power Center.
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JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
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furpod
Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128 |
Posted: 23 Nov 2016 at 8:35am |
A) the pod tried to pull more amps then 20. Fuse blew. It's what they do.
B) you say you plugged the pod in for a couple days to charge the batteries before going out.. Is the pod stored where it can be left plugged in? THAT is the best way to maintain your batteries. Leave the pod plugged in all the time. C)Run the fridge on gas. Even in California it isn't illegal. This is one of the myths of RVing that just will not die. YES there are a couple restricted areas, mostly automotive ferries and tunnels in the east, but many of those even are restriction by AMOUNT of propane, and TT's toting a 20 pounder or two are NOT in violation. D)adding a jumper or bypass wire, 10gauge or better, and fusing it appropriately, may or may not be a problem. MANY modern vehicles will see that as an unexpected draw on the alternator and set a CEL, SVC VCL, or other error response. E)Letting your batteries sit, for months, disconnected or not, is not good for them. Anything longer then 90 days they should be charged, not trickled, charged. F) Also, (if you didn't) you need to precool the fridge for a day or two, and precool anything you are going to put in it. It's a small space, with very little thermal mass. It needs as light a work load as possible. |
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jato
Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3257 |
Posted: 23 Nov 2016 at 8:37am |
All excellent points Mark, please stay with this forum, we all appreciate your wealth of knowledge.
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God's pod
'11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
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