Tongue Jack Wiring

[rp709]

I had a scary moment when I dropped off my 2015 Flying Cloud 30 at the Airstream dealer for some warranty work. The tongue jack was dead. We found the wire to the + battery terminal fried! The insulation burned off and the wire melted and broke in two. It turns out the positive wire was pinched by the propane cover. I took two weeks from the last propane fill up for the movement from driving to short the wire. It was a coincidence that I was at the dealer. The fuse didn't blow because it was on the jack side of the wire. I looked at a 2016 trailer and there is now a fuse a short distance from the battery terminal instead of right behind the jack. I think this is a dangerous situation that could have produced a fire. I am installing a fuse on the positive cable just after the + battery terminal, as Airstream has decided to do. Please check your installation!

[HiJoeSilver]

"The insulation burned off and the wire melted and broke in two. It turns out the positive wire was pinched by the propane cover."

Definitely not the first time, seen this mentioned many times.

[SSquared]

On my 2013, the jack wire and the breakaway switch wires are enclosed in a plastic "snakeskin" sheath where they pass under the propane cover. I don't remember if they came that way or if my wife installed the sheath herself. Either way, it's a good idea.

My fuse, like yours, is between the propane cover and the jack head. Now that you mention it, that is a Really Bad idea.

[AWCHIEF]

Common reported issue. I ran my wire thru shrink wrap and wrapped with electrical tape where it passes under the tank cover. No more chafing.

[xrvr]

On my last AS I had the same problem, rerouted it. Live and learn. Good luck.