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03-13-2011, 10:40 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
2010 28' International
HiGhlands Ranch
, Rockies
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 19
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Elec Stab Jack Not working
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.
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03-13-2011, 10:52 AM
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#2
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,159
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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
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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03-13-2011, 11:37 AM
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#3
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1 Rivet Member
2010 28' International
HiGhlands Ranch
, Rockies
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 19
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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
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03-13-2011, 12:03 PM
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#4
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,159
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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
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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03-13-2011, 12:21 PM
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#5
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,159
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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
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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03-13-2011, 05:14 PM
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#6
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1 Rivet Member
2010 28' International
HiGhlands Ranch
, Rockies
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 19
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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.
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03-13-2011, 05:18 PM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member
2007 31' Classic
Pulaski
, Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 261
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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.
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Does the jack work when you manually crank it using the override? This may indicate whether the failure is electrical or mechanical.
__________________
Steve & Beth
TAC AL-4
AIR 22763
07' Classic 31, 11' Dodge 3500 Cummins
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03-13-2011, 05:52 PM
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#8
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2 Rivet Member
2008 20' Safari SE
Thumb Area
, Michigan
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 95
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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.
__________________
Richard from MI
20' 2008 Safari SE, Dill TPMS Silver Dog House
2007 GMC 1/2 ton Sierra ARE Cap
AIR # 10494
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03-13-2011, 05:53 PM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Between Here
, And There
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 379
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manual reset button
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.
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03-13-2011, 06:29 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2006 19' Safari SE
Tucson
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,627
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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.
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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...
__________________
TB & Greg and Abbey Schnauzer
AirForums #21900
PastPrez, 4CU/WBCCI
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03-14-2011, 12:55 PM
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#11
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1 Rivet Member
2010 28' International
HiGhlands Ranch
, Rockies
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 19
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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!!
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03-14-2011, 01:00 PM
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#12
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Ready-to-Travel
2012 30' International
Walkerton
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,168
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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
__________________
--------------------------------------
Somebody, please, point me to the road.
AIR 3987
TAC VA-2
WBCCI 4596
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03-14-2011, 01:21 PM
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#13
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1 Rivet Member
2010 28' International
HiGhlands Ranch
, Rockies
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 19
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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.
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03-14-2011, 01:37 PM
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#14
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x
XXXX
, XXXX
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,601
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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.
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03-14-2011, 01:46 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2006 19' Safari SE
Tucson
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,627
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Protecting the Breakway & Jack Wiring
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...
__________________
TB & Greg and Abbey Schnauzer
AirForums #21900
PastPrez, 4CU/WBCCI
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03-14-2011, 02:39 PM
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#16
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2 Rivet Member
2008 20' Safari SE
Thumb Area
, Michigan
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 95
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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.
__________________
Richard from MI
20' 2008 Safari SE, Dill TPMS Silver Dog House
2007 GMC 1/2 ton Sierra ARE Cap
AIR # 10494
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03-14-2011, 03:12 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
1977 27' Overlander
Trotwood
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,153
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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
__________________
Roger & MaryLou
___________________
F350 CREWCAB SW LONG BED
7.3 liter Power Stroke Diesel
1977 27ft OVERLANDER
KA8LMQ
AIR # 22336 TAC- OH-7
May your roads be straight and smooth and may you always have a tailwind!
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03-14-2011, 06:53 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
Hampton
, New Hampshire
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,126
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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...
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Great idea!
__________________
Brad (The Slowsky's)
2019 Airstream Classic 30RBT, 2021 Ford F350 King Ranch 4X4 w/6.7L Diesel, Hensley, ACI #1313
travelwiththeslowskys.com
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03-14-2011, 07:42 PM
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#19
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3 Rivet Member
2017 30' Classic
Washington
, Utah
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 124
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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?
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03-15-2011, 05:19 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
1981 27' Excella II
mays landing
, South Jersey
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,179
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We used heavy duty in-line fuses direct to battery in my old TV when I wired in for the 7-way trailer connection. Sal.
__________________
Sal & Nora
Let us live so that when we die even the undertaker will be sorry. Mark Twain
AIR 42483
TAC N.J. 17
WBCCI 24740
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