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Coloradoair · 03-13-2011, 10:40 AM

My jack just stopped working while moving trailer to new location. I cannot find the fuse or switch. Battery is in great shape and I have hooked up to electric. Could have been an short caused by contact as the cable is now cracked due to improper install of propane tank cover.

Appreciate the help.

**moosetags** · 03-13-2011, 10:52 AM

The first thing to troubleshoot is the automotive (12 volt) fuse that controls the electric tongue jack. You will find these fuses in the converter box.

Then I would check the cable for any visible damage.

Brian

Coloradoair · 03-13-2011, 11:37 AM

I am assuming that the converter and fuse box are one in the same? Simple question, I know, but I see several posts about models having fuses under couches and other locations. My converter box appears to be in one location, by the stove. Also assuming that I will have to check all the fuses as there isn't one clearly marked that would even help me get close to the jack.
Thanks,
Much

**moosetags** · 03-13-2011, 12:03 PM

Open the front cover on the converter. Inside you will see several plastic automotive fuses (the colored plastic ones). The color of the plastic indicates the max amp before failing. They also have the number of amps printed on them. Take a flashlight and inspect the circuit in each fuse looking for one that has separated. There may or may not be a paper list on the inside of the converter door showing what circuits are covered by each fuse.

Sometimes you can not easily detect a blown fuse while still plugged in. Using needle nose pliers remove the fuse or fuses and inspect in good light. If you can identify the fuse that goes to the tongue jack, try replacing it even if it looks good.

Brian

**moosetags** · 03-13-2011, 12:21 PM

I stepped out in the alley and took a photo of Lucy's open converter box. You can see the line of yellow 12 volt (20 amp).

Brian

Coloradoair · 03-13-2011, 05:14 PM

Thanks for picture. I have checked all fuses, unable to find a damaged fuse or the one that is linked to the tongue jack. Is there a plan B? Weird that it was working fine and then completely stopped working on the next attempt.

au_ee · 03-13-2011, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coloradoair

Thanks for picture. I have checked all fuses, unable to find a damaged fuse or the one that is linked to the tongue jack. Is there a plan B? Weird that it was working fine and then completely stopped working on the next attempt.

Does the jack work when you manually crank it using the override? This may indicate whether the failure is electrical or mechanical.

reddogfox · 03-13-2011, 05:52 PM

You might try looking for an in line fuse between the battery positive terminal and tongue jack. It probably blew when you pinched the electrical wire with the propane cover.

fltlevel510 · 03-13-2011, 05:53 PM

It seems like every make and model Airstream is a little different, fuse panels, inline fuses and circuit breakers. On our 2004 Classic there is a door on the front of the converter box that says "12 volt fuse distribution panel inside". When you open the door there are 8 resettable circuit breakers. If one is popped a very small black pin will pop out. One of the breakers is mounted behind a buss tie bar and very hard to see. Hope this helps.

TBRich · 03-13-2011, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reddogfox

You might try looking for an in line fuse between the battery positive terminal and tongue jack. It probably blew when you pinched the electrical wire with the propane cover.

First...I would check the in-line fuse from the jack to the battery...it is the first place to check...our jack wouldn't work once and the fuse case had come loose ...once I tightened it and got the fuse secured all was well... It may be hard to see because it my be hidden by the frame by the propane tanks...

Coloradoair · 03-14-2011, 12:55 PM

Ok I have dug a little deeper and found that I had a mini melt down. I traced the wires a little more than the bend down investigation that I initially gave it. I found that somehow the power cord frayed like Britney Spears pony-tail under the propane tanks. From where it frayed and back to the battery, the power cord actually melted and melted a portion of the battery cover. I have attached photos of the damage.

I have a few questions to Rivet Masters. Can I replace the power cord on my own as I am not even remotely near a Airstream dealer? Do you have a suggestion of where to order from? Finally, do you think that I need to replace the battery because of the damage?

Thank you very much!!

pmclemore · 03-14-2011, 01:00 PM

If you can splice in a new wire (that matches the size of the old) you should be good to go.

First things first: I'd pull that wire off the battery connection so fast I'd get dizzy...you're awfully close to a battery and sparks can cause explosions.

Pat

Coloradoair · 03-14-2011, 01:21 PM

Can you coach me on the splicing a bit. Never done that one. Battery is removed and damage looks to be superficial. Regardless, I think it might be best to change the battery.

wasagachris · 03-14-2011, 01:37 PM

Coloradoair from what I can see thr wire is damaged from the battery right to the tongue jack so splicing in a wire is not an option. Run a new wire from the jack to the battery. Is there enough good wire at the jack to connect the new wire? How long is the run from the battery to the jack? Can you determine if there will be any obstructions like sharp turns, grommets etc along the way? If possible you can tape the new wire to the old with electrical tape and use the old wire to pull the new wire in. Once the wire is pulled through from the battery use a butt connector to join the new wire to the old wire at the jack and a ring connector at the battery, both should have the yellow boot as that is the size you need for that wire.

TBRich · 03-14-2011, 01:46 PM

Once you get the repairs made to the wiring, you might want to protect the wiring to avoid this happening again...we did this on our rig. We bought clear flexible plastic tubing, slit it on one side and put it over the wiring for both the jack and the breakaway wires so that it doesn't rub against the propane tank cover, etc...then wrapped electrical table every 4 or 5 inches to keep it in place. Not taping it completely allows water to escape should it get inside the tube...

reddogfox · 03-14-2011, 02:39 PM

Coloradoair
In addition to doing what TB Rich suggested, you might want to add plastic mounding to the bottom of the propane cover where it rests on the trailer frame. This will increase the space available for the electrical conduit and reduce the chances of the cover rubbing against the wires in the future.

Mikethefixit · 03-14-2011, 03:12 PM

That's a service type battery,so look closely at the cell cap(it does come off) make sure that the shorted wire did not burn a hole thru the cap. WHILE you are there check the water level under both caps and fill to the bottom of the openings with DISTILLED WATER ONLY. If there is a hole burned thru it will need to be plugged with some epoxy of some kind to prevent dirt from gettin in and battery acid getting out.Be careful There is Sulfuric Acid there .DO NOT TOUCH your face or eyes after handling the caps. WASH YOUR HANDS after working in this area.
Ask my wife she see's my ate up pants and shirts from battery acid I contact in my shop.
GOOD LUCK.
ROGER

nilesrob · 03-14-2011, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBRich

Once you get the repairs made to the wiring, you might want to protect the wiring to avoid this happening again...we did this on our rig. We bought clear flexible plastic tubing, slit it on one side and put it over the wiring for both the jack and the breakaway wires so that it doesn't rub against the propane tank cover, etc...then wrapped electrical table every 4 or 5 inches to keep it in place. Not taping it completely allows water to escape should it get inside the tube...

Great idea!

RonaldC303 · 03-14-2011, 07:42 PM

It appears the fuse would better protect if it was located closer to the battery. Has anyone installed a fuse at the connection to the battery terminal?