New owners need help with their fridge - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

RichR · 03-29-2016, 11:00 AM

I am placing Hikinggma's message here to get them help:

Hi all , My husband and I bought a 1995 Funlite Hi Lo last Sept with the hopes of getting it out last fall. That didn't happen Unfortunately the guy we bought it from did not tell me to shut the refrig off when the top was down and I think I have ruined my refrig. We kept it plugged in all winter with the top down and I did winterize it. When I went to put it up this spring it went up fine but the refrig was not running . Then when we unplugged the camper from the outlet and put it down to move it and we had to charge it up overnight again to raise the top. Have a trailer guy coming out today to try to figure out everything. The brakes are also locked on the camper and we think its due to the connector plug on our truck. More explicit directions would have been nice to have had. New to all this stuff and I have to learn everything as my hubby forgets things or expects me to do them!! Hopefully we can get this all taken care of to enjoy some fun times this season.??

renoites · 03-29-2016, 03:45 PM

I would say that your break-away switch is engaged. It will drain your battery very fast and lock the wheels up. Located on front tongue of trlr underside. Has a cable that is supposed to wrap around the TV hitch to pull if break-away occurs. It has a plastic "key" that fits into the switch and gets pulled out when energized.
Check that first.
Check the fuses at the box for voltage.
Check incoming voltage for the fridg. Change it to propane and light.
If it works on propane. the power just needs to be figured out.

These trlrs a very easy to work on, and lots of repairmen don't have a clue of where to start until you pony up the $.

Refrig running during winter should not be an issue. It will not run the battery down if plugged into 120v.

JackandJanet · 03-29-2016, 06:50 PM

I have to ask, "How do you know the refrigerator is not running?" It takes a LONG time for the refrigerator to cause the interior to cool (at least 24 hours in warm weather) and it may not even be running if you live where it's cold. You won't hear it run (like a home refrigerator).

I think renoites was correct too when he told you the trailer breakaway switch was probably opened. It's possible that having the trailer plugged in has kept the battery somewhat charged.

So, Hikinggma, if you want to come in to this thread and give us a bit more to go on, I'm sure you'll get plenty of help - some of it may even be useful!

- Jack