3120rl problem w slides closing on 12v

[Brynjohn1]

When I try to close my back hydraulic slides on battery power w more than 13v the slides will go part way in and the IN-Comand will shut off and have to reset itself. Does not do this when plugged in. Any suggestions as to why and what to do? Thanks!!

[Mikendebbie]

I think that means your batteries are low.
Also - in my experience - and it still happens 5 years later (today) from time to time…if my finger is not “on the button” just right on the in command screen - the slides will stop. I have to adjust my finger position and touch again to continue. It’s annoying - but not really a problem.

[Foldbak]

Welcome to the MOC

[Daryles]

Is your hydraulic system on its own 80A circuit breaker?
There was a TSB put out by Lippert about that a while back.
Copy of it in the files section.

[Brynjohn1]

Thank you found it. Are they talking about the main breaker in the breaker panel inside the coach?

[BB_TX]

Try monitoring the battery voltage while the slides are moving. And put the meter leads on the battery cables rather than the actual battery posts.

Two possibilities; battery may be weak and voltage dropping when pulling high amps, or possibly more likely, poor or corroded battery wiring connections limiting current flow and causing a voltage drop on the wiring even though the battery is good.

[AZ Traveler]

Originally Posted by Brynjohn1

Thank you found it. Are they talking about the main breaker in the breaker panel inside the coach?

No, check out this thread: https://www.montanaowners.com/forums....php?p=1286269

[OShag]

Hey there. I had the exact problem during a trip south to Arizona earlier this year. We have a 2020 3120RL that was doing the same thing. Sucks to have to stop 3-4 times waiting for the system to reboot while just trying to put the slides out/in. The problem also happened when trying to lift the 5er off the truck using the front jacks. I also thought it was a battery so I replaced that first. Turns out it WAS the lack of an 80 amp fuse as per the hydraulic pump specs already mentioned in this chain.

Since we were travelling after the problem started, and after research on the forum, I made a stop at the local Napa auto parts and bought an overpriced 80 amp fuse, some 4 Ga battery cable - by the foot, a couple lug ends, solder and a torch. Nothing like not having any of my electrical tools with me. The self-resetting fuse is about $20 on Amazon, or $50 for the non-self-resetting one at Napa. Anyhow, soldered the ends onto the cable and went into the front bay where the battery and hydraulic pump are.

Picture 1 shows the two factory self-resetting fuses. They trip when they reach their limit (20, 30 or 40 amps, I don't remember). Because they are the first thing between the battery and EVERYTHING else in the 5th wheel, everything shuts off - including the In-Command. They reset in a second or two, and the in-command takes a while. Then you get another 5-10 seconds of hydraulic pump before another reset. The pump draws more amperage at start up, which is why the company says to put an 80 amp breaker instead of what Keystone did.

I simply:
1. Disconnected the wire to the hydraulic pump from the output side of the fuse (it's easy to see which one since the big battery cable comes in one side and the same size big cable leaves the other side to the pump;

2. Attached one end of my new cable where I took the pump one off; and

3. Attached both wires to either sides of the new 80 amp fuse and screwed it to the wall (the wall is wood so a couple course-thread screws held it on just fine.

Since we had the problem when using the front jacks too, we did the repair during our trip. Many folks have used an 80 amp self-resetting fuse (that automatically resets like the underpowered ones) but I couldn't get one at the auto parts store while travelling. So I'll have to open the door and flip it back on if it trips. But, I have made two trips since then and have had no problems at all. So I haven't purchased a new fuse - I'm living with what I did in the field since it hasn't tripped one since then.

So, the right sized fuse is what was needed. No problem. Also, short term, as long as you're hooked up to shore power it shouldn't be a problem.

Best of luck and safe travels!

[Brynjohn1]

Thank you everyone! Finished the 80 amp CB install today. Was not bad once I looked at all the cables closely a couple of times and thought it thru. Tried the slides several times an no resets. Woo hoo!