Amperage Draw

[Mel Goddard]

Can anybody tell me how much current the lift motor draws?
I want to install a "Catastrophe Fuse" in the main battery cable, (as found in http://www.rvsolartips.com/2013/02/is-your-rv-protected-with-catastrophe.html) to protect against accidental 'shorting' of the main cables.
They suggest a typical rating of 300 Amps fuse, but I need to know what size I need for my 2308C Hi-Lo.

 

[Richard-HILO]

Hi Mel, I don't know what the lift motor current is, but it is wired directly to the battery through a solenoid so the chance of a catastrophic short occurring is very slim. But as an industrial panel builder I can assure you that you before you will blow a 300 Amp fuse in a 12 volt DC circuit, you will have a serious explosion or fire. The main power circuit for the trailer is eight gauge copper which is rated at 50 amps and protected by an in line circuit breaker in the battery compartment. I suggest if your are concerned about accidental shorting of the main cables, that you instead look for ways to protect the exposed, uninsulated terminals.

 

[garyk52]

Go here, read this post, then download the pdf file from Monarch website and match up the size of your motor. ( http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f22/hydraulic-pump-info-514/ ) From what I read it looks like the draw could be over 200 amps depending on the psi to lift the top. My 1000 watt inverter which pulls 83 amps at a 1000 watts uses a 150 amp fuse in the positive line for comparison.

 

[JIM L-HILO]

A number of you have wondered how many amps the Hyd pump pulls when lifting the top. I put a amp meter on mine and lifted the top 3 times and the pump pulled 104 amps each time. This will vary due to the weight of the top and the age/condition of the lift system.

 

[JackandJanet]

Thanks, Jim! Certainly explains how trying to raise the top with discharged trailer batteries drawing power from the tow vehicle will blow the little 30 Amp fuse in the trailer battery charging circuit!

- Jack