White Water Report post Posted January 31, 2021 When unplugged, my 5th wheel has no power. The residential refrigerator works fine thru the inverter. But nothing else works. Not even a DC powered light. Checked breaker and cut off switches for continuity. They are good. Is there another breaker or gfi that controls everything ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted January 31, 2021 White Water welcome to the Forum. Need a bit more information. What year and make of 5th wheel do you have. With this information someone with your same year and model may have had the same issue and can help you. Again, Welcome, Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted January 31, 2021 Welcome! Do you have a built in generator? Fuel tank? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaypsmith Report post Posted January 31, 2021 Not completely familiar with a fifth wheel, but am suspecting that inside lighting is 12 volt DC just like a motorhome. You stated that the residential fridge is working off of the inverter ok, but nothing else. So question is, is there a second house battery in the the RV? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
White Water Report post Posted January 31, 2021 (edited) It’s a 17 Montana 3921FB. I have (2) Battle Born lithium 100ah batteries. No generator. I changed out the converter to a lithium compatible converter. And yes. There are certain lights and plugs that usually work on DC power. Edited January 31, 2021 by White Water Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted January 31, 2021 We all have a switch, called a Salesman Switch, if its turned on, you'll have minimum power. Its an easy switch to turn on accidentally. I would think even 5'ers would have one. GFI's are located in Bathrooms, kitchens, but I have seen them outside in bays and inside by the TV. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted January 31, 2021 35 minutes ago, White Water said: There are certain lights and plugs that usually work on DC power. Welcome to the forum. Like Carl said look for the "Salesman Switch" also look on your control panel for a battery off/on switch. For fun check those outher circlets powered by the inverter. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaypsmith Report post Posted January 31, 2021 Next question from me is, are those lithium batteries each 12 volt? If so is there a jumper wire between those two to insure charging of both from the converter? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dickandlois Report post Posted February 1, 2021 White Water, Welcome to the FMCA Forum! Wiring Information for 5th wheel RV's is difficult to find you might find help at Keystone. This link might get some information that might help. Rich. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rayin Report post Posted February 1, 2021 Ask yourself, "what has changed since the interior lights and receptacles last worked?" That is where to focus your attention. I have not seen a towable with a main disconnect switch for the batteries from the factory, I have seen them installed aftermarket. I agree with kaysmith, since the batteres are aftermarket their wiring should be closely inspected as that seems to be what has changed. You said certain plugs and lights usually worked, that sounds like they were connected to the inverter and powered by same. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaypsmith Report post Posted February 1, 2021 (edited) In most 12 volt setups, the circuits are usually fuses, not breakers. Most of these circuits are fused with a reverse polarity lockout, this device is a gang of two fuses that will blow in the event that the battery is put into the circuit backwards. Not knowing when the batteries were replaced in conjunction with the converter, it's hard to guess what may have happened and as Ray said when the other items stopped working. If all items that are not working are 12 volt, then one must start working on the 12 volt circuit only to correct the problem. If the items are 120 volt that stopped working and was working through the inverter, then start at the inverter. The inverter should have circuit breakers mounted within (usually push buttons) mounted very near the 120 volt outlets. Edited February 1, 2021 by kaypsmith Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
