Good Battery-No 12 volt Lights?

[glacierrunne]

1980 Caravelle, Napa charged my battery, inside panel says battery is GOOD, Checked all fuses--look fine! No interior 12v power for lights or water pump. What do I check next? Heading to fish Kamp Sunday--Bummer! Don

[SteveH]

I had a '75 model that developed an open circuit on the battery distribution/fuse panel at a bolt that carried the power from one side of the board to the other, and had the same symtoms as yours. You need a 12 volt meter, or trouble light to test where you do have 12 volts, and where you do not. It's really a pretty simple system to trace out.

[Jim Foster]

On more than one occasion I have had fusses that looked good, but were blown in a way that did not show. Use an test light and make sure there is power on both ends if the fuse when it is in place. Also, over time, oxidation can form between the fuse and the holder "clips". Don't know just how that happens. but it does.

Also, check to be sure your battery is grounded to the frame well. I had that ground connection go away on our Caravel a number of years ago.

[Wazbro]

I have seen were the fuse clip is connected there was corrosion and a bad connection.

[Shacksman]

Best guess is a bad ground connection. Even if it looks good, where it joins the body, take it apart and clean the connection.

[Jim Foster]

For a quick check of your battery ground connection, use a plain old jumper cable and connect from your battery negative to a good, paint free area on the frame of your trailer.

[glacierrunne]

I have a 12 volt meter--I'll start checking--thanks for all the help!!! Don