Elec. Power Distribution Center

[AVTravler]

Just a heads up. I had a hum/buzz coming from the area of the Electrical Distribution Panel/Converter in my 2005 Montana Mod.#3295.
Doing a search on this I found a number of articles, so I unplugged the power to the rig, began to remove the lower section with the Circuit Breakers and found one of the White wires to the Buss Bar had about an inch of the insulation burned off. In touching this wire I noted that the Screw to hold the wire in place had apparently vibrated loose allowing the wire to Arc. Thankfully we didn't have a fire loss. It might be advisable to regularly check these screws to see that they stay tightened and eliminate any problems. I thought I was losing the Converter due to the hum, but the Converter checked out ok.

[CORattler]

Good info, thanks!

[Exnavydiver]

Because of the forum I had the dealer tighten all the panel wiring screws. After our first trip I pulled the panel and retightened all the screws. Most needed tightening so I am guessing the dealer lied about doing it. Richfaa nearly had a fire in his rig because of loose and rubbing wires and I was following his posts..

[WeBeFulltime]

Thanks for the heads up.

[1retired06]

Once every six months or so, I go around and tighten everything, bolts, screws, whatever. Travel vibration a good reason for Loctite.

[Ozz]

First thing I did when I bought my rig, tightened all the connections in both boxes, some of them were finger tight. You would think they would make that a priority at the factory. The biggest factor is heat, expansion and contraction. A guy should tighten them every 2 years or so. I tightened mine in 2007, I just checked them a few days ago and all were still tight.

[DQDick]

Good reminder, Thanks!

[BB_TX]

Have not tightened mine in a couple years. Need to do that again.

[richfaa]

We just finished doing that for this year in the 13 Big Sky. We did it when we got it home after delivery and found many, many loose connections. We did have what we call our "meltdown on our first long trip in our then new 2006 3400 when setting up in Quartzsite. We would not have been able to see the improperly routed and not insulated from the frame wire as it was in the underbelly. We did have a fire that melted all the wiring in the front of the Montana. I was outside unhooking as Helen was bringing out the slides when smoke poured out of the front compartment. I was quick to cut the power at the pedestal as I was standing right beside it preventing a total loss. It was a instinctive reaction and at times I wonder about that.

Check every connection on a regular schedule.

[CORattler]

Bump for good safety info.

[Ozz]

Thanks Jay, great idea.... and Merry Christmas/Happy holidays

[kdeiss]

Do not forget the Electrical Panel in your home!