Question about Battery/Fuses

Hi All!

This is probably a dumb question (forgive me as I am new to RVs and new to my hi-lo, and learning as I go). We couldn't get our lift system to work, figured out we had a dead battery, but still no lift. THEN we realized that we had a blown fuse and BAM lift system is working like a charm.

My question is, what would cause the battery to die? I certainly don't want to be stuck camping with a dead battery. Did the blown fuse in the converter prevent the battery from charging (again, I am NOT mechanically inclined and I am trying to figure out how it is all connected). Should I disconnect my battery when it is parked in my yard and not in use? Does plugging in at the camp site charge the battery as well, and I should plug it in at home occasionally?

I have a 1983 Funlite. I have been lurking on this forum for awhile (which is how I found the fuses and was able to troubleshoot my issue- so thank you all!!)

-Jessica

Welcome to the forum.

No question is a dumb one. Even those of us that have had a HiLo for years can still learn something new. On occasion our fuse in the converter has blown. No good reason why. Perhaps it is the original converter and needs to be replaced? Other that are more mechanicaly inclined will be along to answer your questions. Our lights would dim when the furnice ran. That is how we knew it was time to replace the converter (2). It is a good idea to carry an assortment of fuses. Had to change one for the water heater while out camping. We have had two HiLOS.

Jassica, your battery may just be old and not holding a charge, or, you were draining it with DC powered items like the lights, the water pump, the refrigerator or the furnace. In my trailer, it had a radio/cd/vcr player that was ALWAYS on even when the Master Switch was in the traveling position that should have shut everything off - it would drain the battery in a couple weeks if it was not getting a charge.

It sounds like you had a blown 30A fuse in the converter that is supposed to protect against a reverse battery connection? I've had one or both of those fuses blow for no good reason and I finally just replaced the OEM Elixer Converter with a better one.

It would be good to have at least a small generator (1000 Watts) on hand for power if you need it and mine can be connected directly to the battery to charge it if I want.

Otherwise, a good set of jumper cables that can be used to supply battery power to the trailer battery from your tow vehicle would be prudent.

- Jack