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Woodguyco · 09-16-2015, 04:57 PM

We just purchased a used 2013 International on the maiden trip we started experiencing a problem with the electric tongue jack. I went to unhitch at the campground and the jack would not go down. I checked the fuse and it was blown. I replaced the fuse and lucubrated the jack and gears and the jack worked great. Next day we hitched up still no problem, with the jack we got to our next stop the jack would not work, the fuse was blown. So I replaced the placed the fuse it worked great. So the next morning I pulled the fuse before pulling out of the campground. Next stop inserted the fuse jack works.

So now my questions are:
1. What is causing a 30amp draw on the line when the jack is fully retracted and the switches don't appear to engaged.

2. Is this a problems with the wiring between my truck and the trailer?

3. Has anyone had a similar problem and if so what action was taken to correct the problem?

WoodguyCO
2013 International
2001 GMC 2500HD

AWCHIEF · 09-16-2015, 05:28 PM

Are you using a 30 amp "slow blow" fuse? Standard fuses can not handle the possible power surge. Also (I had this happen) check the solder joint on the fuse holder. Mine was defective from the factory. A loose solder connection was causing arcing and blowing fuses. When I contacted Barker they thought it was a defective switch and sent me a replacement. Fortunetly I found the fuse holder problem before changing out the switch.

J. Morgan · 09-16-2015, 07:07 PM

Probably a short circuit in the wiring between the fuse and the switch on the jack. Look closely where the wire passes into the jack and through any other holes and across hard edges.

Brevi tempore!

Woodguyco · 09-16-2015, 07:09 PM

I'm fairly certain the fuse is a standard 30 Amp fuse I got a deer in the headlight look when I asked for a slo blow fuse. I will check the fuse connection. Thanks for tip.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 09-16-2015, 07:19 PM

Hi, the flat blade fuses are not slow blow like the in-line glass tube fuses. Check for a pinched wire under your propane cover. I installed a circuit breaker instead of a fuse.

AWCHIEF · 09-16-2015, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodguyco

I'm fairly certain the fuse is a standard 30 Amp fuse I got a deer in the headlight look when I asked for a slo blow fuse. I will check the fuse connection. Thanks for tip.

Slow blow fuses are carried by NAPA. They were the only place locally I found them. Also Barker has them.

NAPA
782-1355
MDL-30
S30A

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-MDL30.../dp/B00139MFXM

dkottum · 09-16-2015, 08:05 PM

Could be low battery voltage, they don't last long if they haven't been charged and maintained properly. Check for 12.7 volts fully charged.

Ted S. · 09-16-2015, 08:38 PM

Mine blew on the road, wrapped it in tin foil and never looked back. It's still notthat way. I guess I should change it.

AWCHIEF · 09-17-2015, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ted S.

Mine blew on the road, wrapped it in tin foil and never looked back. It's still notthat way. I guess I should change it.

Going out on a limb and assuming this is a joke.😂

paiceman · 09-17-2015, 05:58 AM

I had a similar problem with another AS we had. Rewired from the battery to the jack and no problem from then on. Also, bought the 30A slow blows from an AS dealer and now carry a couple with the new AS just in case

Ted S. · 09-17-2015, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Going out on a limb and assuming this is a joke.😂

No, that's a true story. There is something up with that fuse. Someone in the campground we were at said they loose theirs all the time. We were on the road and I didn't have a moment to deal with it. So we jumped over it and kept going. Then I forgot about it.

Aerowood · 09-17-2015, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodguyco

I'm fairly certain the fuse is a standard 30 Amp fuse I got a deer in the headlight look when I asked for a slo blow fuse. I will check the fuse connection. Thanks for tip.

Welcome to the Forums from Arvada

jbxx · 09-17-2015, 12:58 PM

The fuse is glass as said before. ask for an "MDL" type.
It looks different as there is not just a single element (wire) visible in the tube there is also a cylinder and a spring looking thing. It is a time delay style. Linky thing to follow:
Bussmann by Eaton - MDL-30 - Clip 32VAC Cartridge Glass Dims 0.25x1.25" Sz 3AG 30A Time Lag Cylinder Fuse - Allied Electronics
J.B.

cabinetmaker · 09-17-2015, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ted S.

Mine blew on the road, wrapped it in tin foil and never looked back. It's still notthat way. I guess I should change it.

My grandpaw's house had those old time screw-in fuses. He use to put a penny in the socket and screw the fuse back in if and when one blew. Worked until he made it to the local hardware store for replacements. Scared grandmaw to death.

AWCHIEF · 09-17-2015, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabinetmaker

My grandpaw's house had those old time screw-in fuses. He use to put a penny in the socket and screw the fuse back in if and when one blew. Worked until he made it to the local hardware store for replacements. Scared grandmaw to death.

I think I remember my Dad doing that a time or two. Many a house has burned down because of doing that. That is why Teds post shocked me so much.

Ted S. · 09-17-2015, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

http://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-MDL30.../dp/B00139MFXM

Michael, is this the correct fuse? I will order them...thanks

murreywalker · 09-17-2015, 03:03 PM

Water and the Barker Power Jack are problematic.

I'm on the third toggle switch and have, at last, solved the problem (I think;-) ).

If you'll look under the bulls eye level on top of the jack, you'll see it floats. And the space under the level is NOT waterproof.

One of the bayonet connectors on the last toggle switch corroded and simply fell out of its socket. AND this switch was less than a year old.

Solution? Get a cover for your jack and keep the water out.

AWCHIEF · 09-17-2015, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ted S.

Michael, is this the correct fuse? I will order them...thanks

Ted, yes, those will work fine.

AWCHIEF · 09-17-2015, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murreywalker

Water and the Barker Power Jack are problematic.

Solution? Get a cover for your jack and keep the water out.]

This is the spiffy little cover that Barker sent with my jack when they returned it to me,

Woodguyco · 09-17-2015, 03:54 PM

Thanks, everyone for the info on the fuse and where to start looking for shorts. I'll check the wiring out this weekend and let you know what I find. It is great to know there are a great group of people to turn to for help when it is needed.

Tom