Main Breaker

[Tiger's Husband]

Hello to All!

Late last year we plugged into the power at a campground and blew the main breaker when we turned the air conditioner on. Service person at campground came out and repaired their power box. Things appeared to work after that. I do remember that the main breaker in the camper was really hot. Just turned on the air conditioner and it ran for about an hour, then blew the breaker. You could smell it as soon as entering the camper. Question is: Was the main breaker weakened from the the first incident, or do I have other issues?

Thanks for your input

[PNW Fireguy]

This really isn’t something to answer in a short response. However you should check or have someone competent check from the 50A power inlet in your rig to the connections at the main breaker. You should be looking for loose terminal connections, evidence of moisture at the inlet, any high resistance connections. The main breaker is only about a $20 part and I would not hesitate to replace it but not without addressing the other items.

[Tiger's Husband]

Thanks for your input.

[BB_TX]

Nothing at the park breaker should have any affect on your trailer breaker. But it should not get hot. Warm maybe. Not hot. Breaker should trip before it gets that hot.

These things are notorious for having loose wire connections in the 120 vac circuit breaker panel and the 12 vdc fuse panel. You, or someone knowledgeable, should go thru both panels and tighten every hot, neutral, ground, and 12 volt wire connection. With all power off of course.

If it still gets hit, then replace it. Or go ahead and replace it when you check the wire connections. Breakers are relatively inexpensive.

[Tiger's Husband]

Thank you for your response. You were right, there were loose wires feeding the 50 amp breaker. The breaker had melted, could hardly get it out. Checked all the wires and two others were loose. Hope that is the end of the matter.

[WeBeFulltime]

I've bought 3 new Montanas and on all 3 the first thing I did was check ALL wiring connections for tightness. Found several on all 3 that weren't tight enough.

Another thing that MUST be checked for proper torque are the U-bolts on the axles. Learned this on my 2008 when I took it to a semi trailer shop to have wet bolts installed. Most nuts on both axles could be removed without wrench!

[amyed]

Remember, once a breaker trips, it has done what it is designed to do. Should not expect it to be good for a 2nd time.
Just saying...