How much to replace Fuse Panel?

[Bev1940]

I'm wondering if someone can give me an estimate on the cost of replacing the fuse panel in my 1978 31' Excella , its original and the wiring has become very brittle. I'm basically a "keep the battery charged the tires aired and wheels on tight'' type so want it done right when its done.

[68 Overlander]

They are only about $33 and use newer style blade fuses that you can get anywhere. You most likely have the older glass style fuses which will work and still available but just not popular in fuse boards any longer.

[dbj216]

I replaced my fuse panel at the same time I replaced my converter. I purchased a fuse panel from Vintage Trailer Supply for about $40.

I found the job harder than I imagined. 12v wires in our trailers are rather large in diameter and stiff. They carry quite a bit of amperage since there is only 12volts "pushing" the electricity through the trailer. The big, stiff wires were difficult to thread through the small, rather flimsy fuse panel. Maybe this fuse panel was meant for little automotive wires, not big, burly Airstream wires. The Airstream original fuse panel was much larger and more robust.

I'm worried when you say you have wires are brittle. Maybe you mean stiff? I did not have brittle wires or cracking insulation on my 66 Trade Wind. A new fuse panel won't fix your wires. I think you better get an RV electrician's assessment of the wiring. We don't want you to go up in smoke!

David

[Sneakinup]

The panel on my 77 Sovereign was trashed. Melted fuse holders, hanging connections, etc. I purchased a few fuse blocks online and just swapped out what was bad with the new with the blade type. For the larger amp fuses I got high end car audio fuse blocks with LED fuses. The whole swap out took about an hour or so. I think in total around $50, but I didn't have to do anything but disconnect wires and re-attach. I of course took pictures of their placement before I disassembled. All of my circuits work perfectly now.

Before and after pictures.

[Bev1940]

Thank you all for the great info I will be taking it to CanAm Airstream for repair but wanted to get an idea of the parts cost and some suggestions as to replacements.
My panel is original with glass fuses but I think replacing with flat fuses is the way to go. My 1978 is in pretty good shape no leaks or floor rot every thing works well when hooked to shore power or my gen so this is not something I need to travel with. I went to Whitehorse YK and back after it quit working and did ok.
I run solo so only have to please myself lol.

[Melody Ranch]

Whichever fuse panel you get....put it in a place where your not standing on your head in the dark trying to change fuses. I have used Best Converters panel several times and also used Home Depot and Auto Zone blade types. I do like the marine panels the best with LED lighting.9 Position Fuse Block

[Bev1940]

Thanks to all for the great info. My fuse panel is behind the pullout couch so it is easy to get at.

[blheron]

I'm looking at doing the same thing. Does anyone have a wiring diagram from my 1979 ambassador system to the 15 circuit knife circuit panel?