No DC power? - Montana Owners Club

capn chris · 03-19-2014, 08:36 AM

While loading the rig today, all of a sudden lost all DC power. Checked battery and charged it (new). Tightened and cleaned battery connections. Re-did ground connection to frame. Shut off all power and checked connections in the fuse panel. Re-connected AC power and DC came back (converter as battery was disconnected). When I was feeling good, went to reconnect Neg. cable and lost DC power, again. Any ideas???

K0LCB · 03-19-2014, 08:55 AM

Is your battery reversed?

capn chris · 03-19-2014, 09:12 AM

Len,
Double checked that. Worked fine for 24 hrs. when we brought it home from storage. Lights, jacks/Level up, and slides worked fine. Hmm.

**Rondo** · 03-19-2014, 09:57 AM

Must have something to do with the "feeling good" idea you were in! LOL

Bet Jim F. or John K will be along shortly to give you an answer!

HOOK · 03-19-2014, 03:28 PM

Chris, George Person had a similar problem. Check the ground to frame connection on the frame to the right of battery box. His was loose.

bncinwv · 03-19-2014, 03:57 PM

And check the four 25 amp reverse polarity fuses on the upper right hand side of the fuse/breaker panel. If you accidentally did my trick (reverse battery hookup), they will blow and all must be replaced at the same time.
Bingo

capn chris · 03-21-2014, 08:58 AM

Talked w/Keystone and checked most of the above. RV Mobile tech came and searched for a short (frame was carrying positive power). Traced main power cable to battery switch in the underbelly and found melted cable and hydraulic lines! Pulled battery switch off convenience center and found it had grounded to the frame behind it. Long posts on the switch contacting the aluminum frame. 3 fried hydraulic hoses and wiring! Yikes.

H. John Kohl · 03-21-2014, 10:06 AM

Please go to this link if you want to comment on the FUSE or ask questions. I started a thread there so I would not hijack this topic. Thanks.
Chris,
Your problem is the main reason I have installed this fuse on my battery feeds for my RV. (note I have two six volt banks in series so each cable off the positive 12 volt bank has this fuse on it.) I am using a 300 AMP fuse at each fuse location. Some other members have had the positive wire rub against the frame and short out causing a fire.

edit 3/23/14 A smaller fuse can be used depending on your demand. I have a high demand for my 2500 watt inverter

BLUE SEA 5191 MRBF FUSE BLOCK 30-300AMP

This should prevent a fire, melted wires or melted hydraulic lines that run parallel with the wires.

For safety reasons, I do not understand why all RV manufactures don't already install them. Oh yes it does cost more.

Good luck with a speedy repair. Sorry it had delayed your trip to Florida.

capn chris · 03-21-2014, 11:37 AM

Thanks, John. Keystone politely declined to take responsibility for the electrical short(s). Not even a "good luck" from customer service. Not happy at all. Just "not our problem." I did make follow up contact w/a supervisor I have known and worked w/in the past, and he is willing to consider estimates and ideas for fixing the situation. We'll see how that turns out next week. Sure glad Lynn and I have a place to sleep that's warm and dry during the interim?!!!

davidaf · 03-21-2014, 01:51 PM

Good call John, I contacted a local marine shop and they have 5 in stock. Going to run down and pickup four this weekend (4 T-105 batteries). Looks like good insurance to me.

Chip · 03-21-2014, 02:19 PM

My battery switch failed at the rally last fall. Got the part from my tech and replaced it before any damage.

John, where did you place the fuse? From battery to fuse then on to rig?

pineranch · 03-21-2014, 02:26 PM

Chris,
You validated another reason every semi mechanically inclined RV'er should drop the belly cover, convenience center partition,rear basement wall and inspect for wiring and plumbing not properly secured. I must have installed 20-30 tie wraps and chaffing pads before I felt comfortable. I will be installing a fuse block next. Thanks John, any more little pearls of wisdom?
Mike

H. John Kohl · 03-21-2014, 05:19 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Chip

My battery switch failed at the rally last fall. Got the part from my tech and replaced it before any damage.

John, where did you place the fuse? From battery to fuse then on to rig?

Chip. yes the leg with the hole and red cover mounts right on the battery terminal. Then the trailer load wire is mounted on top of the fuse.

This way the only want to have a short is to have the connection actually touch the battery terminal. Less likely.

Safe travels.

Exnavydiver · 03-21-2014, 05:28 PM

I believe it was Richfaa that had an almost fire when the 12 volt wiring in the belly rubbed on the self tapping screws through the bottom of the frame that held belly pan in place. The first time I had down I used a whole bag of tie wraps to suspend and separate both the 12v and the 120 v wiring as well as the hydraulic hoses. none of the wiring or the hoses touch each other now. I read about this situation in 2007 before we got our rig. Hopefully this will all be read by a new owner and it with save the damage. P.S. And maybe Keystone will start stepping up and taking care of these issues!

Phil P · 03-22-2014, 01:00 AM

Hi John Kohl

I was wondering where your picture was taken?

Phil P

Phil P · 03-22-2014, 01:01 AM

Hi

For ease of installation I put mine on the negative terminal.

Phil P

steves · 03-22-2014, 10:19 AM

Am very surprised at the CS taking a hands-off decision on a new rig that has an obvious wiring issue...Like who did the wiring....duh!

**Rondo** · 03-22-2014, 04:24 PM

Chris if it was me I'd be heading for Goshen and be on someone's desk stomping for a repair and rewiring job at least in the belly area anyway. They'd have to lie on their backs with the belly cover down but maybe they'd learn to put the wires and hydraulic lines separately and not rubbing up against each other. This may have to be a point to bring up at the Fall Rally this next fall!

Captain Joe · 03-23-2014, 03:56 AM

Thanks John, mine is on its way. Thanks Amazon.

richfaa · 03-23-2014, 05:42 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Exnavydiver

I believe it was Richfaa that had an almost fire when the 12 volt wiring in the belly rubbed on the self tapping screws through the bottom of the frame that held belly pan in place. The first time I had down I used a whole bag of tie wraps to suspend and separate both the 12v and the 120 v wiring as well as the hydraulic hoses. none of the wiring or the hoses touch each other now. I read about this situation in 2007 before we got our rig. Hopefully this will all be read by a new owner and it with save the damage. P.S. And maybe Keystone will start stepping up and taking care of these issues!

yep it was myself at quartzsite. It was a nightmare under there. Used many tie wraps. Will be doing the same on this 13 when the belly is down to replace the two leaking holding tanks. have already been behind the convenience center and other places. It was better than a almost fire.due to quick thinking by myself and Helen.Just a lot of smoke and charred wireing. Damm thinking fast.... Keystone was on the spot finding us a Keystone dealer in "Q" and giving a blank check to repair the damage.That was the first problem we had in the first 6 months of ownership.

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