Charge wire not fused at the coach

[LMagelitz]

I decided to rework the daisy-chained mess that surrounded the 12v batts in our 310gk, before I install the genny and take up most of the working room. The batt covers were never installed properly either. I installed a ground bus, a 12v bus, and otherwise inspected what feeds what. The 10ga charge wire coming from the truck is NOT fused on the coach end (at least not in the front compartment). For any fault on that wire, even tho the truck fuse will clear, the coach batts will continue to feed the fault until the wire burns up. Maybe mine is one of a kind, but others might want to check.

[Soundsailor]

I decided to rework the daisy-chained mess that surrounded the 12v batts in our 310gk, before I install the genny and take up most of the working room. The batt covers were never installed properly either. I installed a ground bus, a 12v bus, and otherwise inspected what feeds what. The 10ga charge wire coming from the truck is NOT fused on the coach end (at least not in the front compartment). For any fault on that wire, even tho the truck fuse will clear, the coach batts will continue to feed the fault until the wire burns up. Maybe mine is one of a kind, but others might want to check.

Thanks for the heads up. Yes, there are quite a few head-scratchers on how GD does their wiring. One on my coach is the lack of any fusing on the leads from the solar panel.

[Tom Traveler]

I decided to rework the daisy-chained mess that surrounded the 12v batts in our 310gk, before I install the genny and take up most of the working room. The batt covers were never installed properly either. I installed a ground bus, a 12v bus, and otherwise inspected what feeds what. The 10ga charge wire coming from the truck is NOT fused on the coach end (at least not in the front compartment). For any fault on that wire, even tho the truck fuse will clear, the coach batts will continue to feed the fault until the wire burns up. Maybe mine is one of a kind, but others might want to check.

You have hit on a big issue in my opinion. I’ve read a post on this forum somewhere (I looked but couldn’t find it again) about someone who suffered a significant fire in the front of their RV because of a short in the tow vehicle wiring somewhere between the 7-way plug and the battery compartment - exactly the situation you bring up. As you state, this should only apply to the +12v feed from the truck, the only one connected to the RV battery. Before my next trip, I’m going to find the end of that wire where it connects to the RV 12v wiring and put a fuse in it. Your picture should help in locating it. Thanks.

[jjbbrewer]

Before my next trip, I’m going to find the end of that wire where it connects to the RV 12v wiring and put a fuse in it.

This is good info. Instead of a fuse, I might suggest this device & pick the amperage of your choice.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LYG7ZYF

[ajg617]

You have hit on a big issue in my opinion. I’ve read a post on this forum somewhere (I looked but couldn’t find it again) about someone who suffered a significant fire in the front of their RV because of a short in the tow vehicle wiring somewhere between the 7-way plug and the battery compartment - exactly the situation you bring up.

That was the class action post against Forest River.

You have to like consistency - note the nice little cover we have. Ignore the wires going everywhere - was in the middle of re-installing the lithiums that the dealer tech obviously did not know how to install.

[Redapple63]

How many amps should that be fused for?

Saw the link @jjbbrewer, do you think 60 amp is too much?

Bill

[dryfly]

As you state, this should only apply to the +12v feed from the truck, the only one connected to the RV battery. Before my next trip, I’m going to find the end of that wire where it connects to the RV 12v wiring and put a fuse in it. Your picture should help in locating it. Thanks.

Wouldn't that +12vdc line be protected by a fuse in the truck?

[ajg617]

How many amps should that be fused for?

Saw the link @jjbbrewer, do you think 60 amp is too much?

Bill

Wouldn't it be same amperage as the truck fuse? I'm trying to think what the RV batts would feed in the truck?

[Redapple63]

Wouldn't it be same amperage as the truck fuse? I'm trying to think what the RV batts would feed in the truck?

The truck feeds the battery. 12v pos from 7 pin charges the batts when connected. The truck is fused, but the wires from the 7 pin on the rig to the battery is not protected.
Never really thought about it until the class action. Never had an issue, but the cb is cheap insurance.

I’m thinking 20 or 30 amp maybe.

Bill

[LMagelitz]

The truck feeds the battery. 12v pos from 7 pin charges the batts when connected. The truck is fused, but the wires from the 7 pin on the rig to the battery is not protected.
Never really thought about it until the class action. Never had an issue, but the cb is cheap insurance.

I’m thinking 20 or 30 amp maybe.

Bill

My charge wire is a 10 gauge. I wouldn’t fuse higher than 30a if yours is the same.