Fixing A Blown Fuse: Camper Edition

A blown fuse in your camper can be a frustrating experience, especially when you're in the middle of a camping trip and your RV furnace suddenly stops working. Fortunately, this is usually an easy fix and just requires you to replace the blown fuse with a new one. In this article, we will guide you through the process of identifying and replacing a blown fuse in your camper, as well as offer some tips on preventing fuse blowouts.

First, let's understand what a blown fuse is and why it happens. A fuse is a safety device that protects your camper's electrical system from damage. When there is too much current running through the circuit, the fuse blows or melts, interrupting the flow of electricity and preventing potential damage to wiring and other electrical components. Now, let's go through the steps to fix a blown fuse in your camper:

1. Locate the fuse box: The fuse box in your camper is usually located on the wall near the floor, just inside the door. It might be labelled or you might need to refer to your owner's manual to find it.

2. Identify the blown fuse: Open the fuse box and look for any fuses that appear burnt or discoloured. You can also refer to the labels on the fuse box or consult your trailer's owner's manual to identify which fuse corresponds to the appliance that has stopped working.

3. Turn off the power: Before proceeding, make sure to turn off the power to the fuse box by unplugging your RV. You will also need to isolate your battery by switching it off or removing the leads.

4. Test the fuse: To confirm that the fuse is blown, you can use a multimeter or a test light. If you're using a multimeter, set it to the ohm setting and touch the leads to each end of the fuse legs. If the reading is low, the fuse is good. If you see OL (out of limits), the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.

5. Replace the blown fuse: Once you've confirmed that the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same amperage value. Make sure not to use a fuse with a different amperage, as this could create a fire hazard.

6. Turn on the power and test: After inserting the new fuse, turn on the power and test your RV's electrical system to ensure everything is working properly.

In addition to knowing how to fix a blown fuse, it's also important to understand how to prevent fuse blowouts. Here are some tips:

- Practice proper RV fuse maintenance: Don't overload your electrical system and be mindful of how much power you're using at any given time.

- Regularly check your fuses: Inspect your fuses before taking a long trip in your camper, even if you're not having any problems.

- Carry spare fuses: It's always a good idea to have a set of spare fuses with you in your camper, so you can quickly replace a blown fuse if needed.

Identify the location of the fuse box

To identify the location of the fuse box in your camper, you can start by looking on the wall near the floor, just inside the door. The fuse box (or fuse panel) is usually located here, and it will contain several fuses with different amp ratings. If you can't find it in this spot, check your owner's manual, as fuse boxes can sometimes be located in less obvious places or hidden behind doors. It's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the fuse box's location before you set off on your trip, so you can quickly find it if any issues arise.

In trailers and fifth-wheel RVs, there is usually only one fuse box for the interior of the unit. Motorhomes, on the other hand, may have four or more fuse locations. So depending on the type of camper you have, you may need to look in multiple places.

Check for a blown fuse

If you suspect a fuse has blown in your camper, the first thing you should do is locate the fuse box. This is usually found on the wall near the floor, just inside the door. If you can't find it, check your owner's manual.

Once you've found the fuse box, open it up and take a look inside. You should see a number of fuses, each with a different amp rating. Familiarise yourself with your fuse box before you set off on your trip so that you know where each fuse is located, what they look like, and how they are labelled.

The easiest way to tell if a fuse is blown is simply to look at it. A blown fuse will usually have a dark or discoloured band across the middle of it. If you can't tell by looking, you'll need to test the voltage with a multimeter.

Before testing the fuse, turn off the power to the fuse box by unplugging your RV and isolating your battery by switching it off or removing the leads. Check your owner's manual to know how to do this.

Then, remove the fuse you think is blown. To test it, set the multimeter to the "ohm" setting. Touch one of the leads to one end of the fuse legs, and the other lead to the other leg.

If the reading on the multimeter is low (e.g. "0.2"), your fuse is good. If the reading is "OL" (out of limits), the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.

Test the fuse

Testing a fuse is simple and can be done in a few ways. Firstly, you can try to identify a blown fuse by sight. Blown fuses often have a dark, discoloured band or smear across the middle. You may also be able to see a break in the metal wire inside the fuse.

If you cannot tell by looking at the fuse, you will need to test the voltage with a measurement device. The best way to do this is with a multimeter, which can be set to the "ohm" setting. You can also use a test light, which is a cheaper option that will simply light up if the fuse has a current running through it.

To test a fuse with a multimeter, touch one of the leads to one end of the fuse, and the other lead to the other end. A good fuse will have a low reading, which may look like "0.2" or something similar. If the reading is low, the fuse is working. If the reading is "OL", which stands for "out of limits", the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.

To test a fuse with a test light, first, clamp the test light's alligator clip onto any screw on the fuse box to ground the test light. Then, touch the test light probe to each side of the fuse. If the light doesn't turn on for one or both sides, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced. If the light turns on for both sides, the fuse is working, and the problem is elsewhere.

It's important to make sure you turn off the power to the fuse box before testing or replacing any fuses.

Replace the fuse

Now that you've identified which fuse is blown, it's time to replace it with a new one. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Purchase a replacement fuse: It's important to get a replacement fuse with the same voltage and amperage rating as the blown fuse. You can usually find this information written on the fuse itself. Generic fuses are inexpensive and readily available online or at auto parts shops. It's a good idea to carry spare fuses of different amperages in your camper so that you can replace them easily if needed.
• Turn off and unplug the electrical appliance: Before replacing the fuse, make sure to turn off the power to the electrical appliance that corresponds to the blown fuse. If possible, unplug the appliance as well to ensure it's not connected to any power source.
• Remove the blown fuse: Use fuse pullers or needle-nose pliers to gently grip the blown fuse and pull it straight out of the fuse block. Fuse pullers are plastic pincers designed specifically for this purpose and may be included with your camper's electrical compartment.
• Insert the new fuse: Position the new fuse so that the amperage number is right-side-up and facing you. Push the fuse gently into the empty space from which you removed the blown fuse until it is securely in place.
• Test the new fuse and appliance: Use a test light or multimeter to check both sides of the new fuse. Plug in the electrical appliance that wasn't working and try turning it on to ensure that the new fuse has resolved the issue.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively replace a blown fuse in your camper, getting your electrical appliances up and running again.

Check for other issues

Once you've fixed a blown fuse in your camper, it's important to check for other issues that may have been caused by the blown fuse or that may have caused the fuse to blow in the first place. Here are some things to look out for:

• Short circuits: A short circuit occurs when the current flowing through the fuse is greater than what it's rated for. This can be caused by incorrect wiring or a problem with an electrical component. Check your wiring connections and look for any signs of damage or corrosion. If you find any issues, repair or replace the affected components.
• Overload: An overload happens when you try to draw more power than the fuse is rated for. This can occur when too many appliances are plugged in at once or when using a high-power appliance. Ensure that you don't exceed the power capacity of your camper's electrical system. If you're frequently experiencing overload issues, consider upgrading your electrical system or using power management techniques.
• Defective components: In older campers, a faulty electrical component may have caused the fuse to blow. Check for bad fuses or wiring issues. Replace any faulty fuses and repair or replace any damaged wiring.
• Loose connections: Loose connections can cause fuses to blow. Inspect your fuse box and battery connections for any loose connections and tighten them if necessary.
• Appliance issues: The problem may lie with the appliance connected to the fuse. Check the appliance for any signs of damage or malfunction. If the appliance is faulty, repair or replace it.
• Breaker issues: If your electrical issue is with a power outlet that uses 120v, the problem is likely with the breaker rather than the fuse. Check if the breaker has been tripped, and reset it if necessary. If resetting the breaker doesn't solve the problem, you may need to consult an electrician.
• Battery issues: If you're experiencing frequent fuse blowing or electrical issues, check your battery and its connections. Ensure the battery is properly connected and in good condition.
• Converter issues: If you're dealing with multiple blown fuses, the problem could be with the converter. Consult a professional to test and diagnose any issues with the converter.

Remember to practice proper RV fuse maintenance to avoid blown fuses. This includes not overloading your electrical system, being mindful of your power usage, and regularly checking your fuses. By being proactive, you can help prevent blown fuses and keep your camper's electrical system in good working order.

Frequently asked questions