Towlite won't lift

Hi,
I have been reading but I am confused I have had a Towlite for over 10 years with no lift issue so this is new to me.
I have exterior terminals on my batteries and I can jump it off and get the trailer to rise. I have installed 2 new batteries but I can only get it to rise by jumping it off. I have it connected to shore power too. Recently it was serviced new awning not anything related to this issue and now it isn't working. Batteries read 13.1. Thank you for your help.
lincow
2202 Towlite
9216 Towlite

That's certainly puzzling, lincow. When you say your batteries read 13.1V, I'm guessing that's with shore power connected? That voltage reading sounds like what the converter charge voltage would be.

If you disconnect shore power and let everything sit for 6-12 hours, without putting ANY load on the batteries at all, what voltage would you read? If your batteries are new and fully charged, they should read about 12.7V.

From your post, it sounds to me like your trailer batteries are weak or not connected properly. If you can get the top to rise using jumper cables, then the outside battery is bypassing the onboard batteries and is supplying the needed current.

If the trailer batteries had an internal short, I'd suspect the top would not rise because they'd absorb all the "jumping" current. This leads me to think they may not be connected at all, and the voltage you are seeing is just the converter output.

If you see less than 12.7V after a non-charging resting period, then recheck all your battery connections.

I hope I haven't confused you. If I have, come back with your questions.

- Jack

I did something wrong. I found a 7.5 fuse on the ground under the battery box. Where and what fuses are in the battery box? What is in the white container a fuse?
Thanks
lincow

Look for the circuit breakers in the battery/pump box. They are little metal boxes with threaded electrical posts, and safeguard the main power from the battery to the trailer and the lift system. If they are manual reset type there will be little reset buttons on them. Try pushing the buttons to reset them. If there are no buttons they are automatic reset breakers. One of them is directly related to the power to the lift.

Rich's post relates to a condition that would effectively disconnect your trailer batteries from the trailer (and the lift system). In my trailer, the circuit breakers automatically reset shortly after the problem that caused them to open is removed. As he said, some must be reset manually.

The white thing in your last post looks like it could be a fuse holder. It may protect the tongue jack lifting system if yours is electric or it COULD be to a light on the tongue jack. I doubt this has anything to do with your top lifting system.

- Jack

lincow, I would check that fuse in the WHITE thing, if it's a blown fuse and you replace it, something might start working. As Jack says, it may not relate to the lifting problem, but may solve another (unknown) problem.
The two circuit breakers in the battery compartment is one of the first things I change, so I know they are good. Available a good auto shops. I prefer the manual reset type. This will tell me I have a problem, and so I'll correct it instead of having a bigger problem after a wire melts or worse. Just my 2 cents.
Tree

Make sure your terminals are clean. Just because your battery says 3.1 does not mean the AMPS are there. This happened to me.

Travis

I always carry a jumper wire with me. It is a length of electrical wire with alligator clips on each end. Just clip the alligator clips on each terminal of the 12v breaker. This bypasses the breaker and lets you know if it is the problem. If problem still exists, remove the jumper wire and go to the next 12v breaker. Hope this helps with your troubleshooting.

Bob

The breaker was bad that is why it wouldn't lift the trailer
Lincow
92 19
2202

Nice to get your problem solved.

I bet you are relieved to get this problem solved. Your follow up answer may be helpful to someone else. Breakers don't cost all that much. Happy camping adventures.