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07-14-2021, 02:58 PM #1
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What "type" of electricians work on travel trailers?
Hi all,
Couple of electrical issues that I'd like to have addressed, but local RV shop is backed up for next 2 months and would like to do it more quickly. Believe the issues are fairly straightforward (ensure trailer is grounded properly; diagnose whether electrical "event" over the winter affected any fuses or my board), so looking at contacting a "regular" electrician, but don't want to do anything stupid.
In your experience, have "regular" electricians been able to troubleshoot and fix electrical issues on travel trailers? Do you think a generic "electrician" search in the online yellow pages is sufficient? Or should I use some qualifiers in my search?
Thx in advance for your time!Dave Gaines
Kentucky Gentleman Farmer
1997 F-350 Quad Cab
2020 Grand Design 315RLTS
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07-14-2021, 03:10 PM #2
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For sure
Rv dealers are actually quite inexperienced to fix most issues
An electrician
A plumber
A trailer shop
All have more experience than a dealership would imo
2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 Crew 1840lb payload
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07-14-2021, 03:18 PM #3
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Run all of your appliances and accessories and see if everything works. If it all checks out save your $$$. There's no reason to troubleshoot something that works. If you have anything that is inoperable, then approach that and see what's wrong.
Bottom line... If it ain't broke, don't fix it.2010 Jayco 26(SOLD)
2011 Keystone Outback 277RL(SOLD)
2021 Grand Design 268BH
2013 Ford F250 XLT, 6.2L Gas
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07-14-2021, 04:34 PM #4
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A travel trailer has three electrical systems: 1) 120VAC "house" system (ACs, microwave, TV, electric for the HWH, heating elements for the RV fridge, converter/charger to charge the battery and supply 12VDC, and anything else you plug into the 120VAC outlets); 2) 12VDC "house" system (lighting, control voltage for the RV refrigerator and air conditioners, water pump, etc.), and 3) 12VDC automotive system for brakes, running lights, and such. A household "regular" electrician would be familiar with the 120VAC system, but not perhaps with the 12VDC systems. I have experience with, and am comfortable working on, just about everything electrical on an RV. If I weren't, though I would call a certified RV technician. I've used this tool several times with good success (for other issues):
http://rvservicereviews.com/
RobU.S. Army Retired
2012 F350 DRW CC LB Lariat PS 6.7
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes,
Sailun LRG tires, solar, DP windows, W/D
(Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
Full time since 08/2015
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07-14-2021, 05:20 PM #5
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07-16-2021, 06:45 AM #6
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I agree with @Second Chance and @DECelt.
What are the issue that you are experiencing? Maybe we can guide you. There's lots of knowledge and experience on here.Steph & Lise
2019 F150 Lariat 2.7 EB
2020 Imagine XLS 22MLE
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07-16-2021, 07:13 AM #7
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Hi Steph & Lisa, agree with the depth of knowledge here, it's the best forum I've ever been part of.
So ... over the winter, we were staying at a friend's with unreliable power, so much so that our power would cycle on and off due to surge protector tripping. I therefore removed the surge protector, and after some time, loud noise in cabinet where fuse box is, followed by small cloud of white smoke that was fairly odorless (didn't smell like "electrical smoke"). Cursed myself and my friend, reinstalled surge protector and went to check damage. Didn't find any blown fuses and only inop appliance was the washing machine so had yacht service center (was in Florida at the time) service the washer, whereupon he found an internal component had blown (forget the exact component, but made sense at the time). He also pointed out that my trailer is not properly grounded and that I should look into it. In my mind, that explained perhaps why my kitchen/dining area GFI would trip from time to time.
Bottom line, need someone to check the trailer grounding, inspect the back of the fuse box and inside the cabinet to see what caused the cloud of smoke, and then also quote putting in a hard wired surge protector and possibly soft start A/C capability. Thx for reaching out, looking forward to folks' thoughts. I have basic electrical skills, but not super confident about doing more advanced stuff.Dave Gaines
Kentucky Gentleman Farmer
1997 F-350 Quad Cab
2020 Grand Design 315RLTS
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07-16-2021, 08:26 AM #8
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A recreational vehicle has the hot, neutral, and protective ground connections just like your home. But unlike your home, the RV has no permanent ground connection. I wonder if the guy from the yacht service understands this. You didn't mention that it's not, so I assume your converter/charger is still working (charging the battery, providing 12VDC to lighting, etc.)?
RobU.S. Army Retired
2012 F350 DRW CC LB Lariat PS 6.7
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes,
Sailun LRG tires, solar, DP windows, W/D
(Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
Full time since 08/2015
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07-17-2021, 08:13 AM #9
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Dave Gaines
Kentucky Gentleman Farmer
1997 F-350 Quad Cab
2020 Grand Design 315RLTS
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07-17-2021, 05:02 PM #10
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U.S. Army Retired
2012 F350 DRW CC LB Lariat PS 6.7
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes,
Sailun LRG tires, solar, DP windows, W/D
(Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
Full time since 08/2015
Momentum/Solitude TSB 24-001 for...
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