Circuit breakers in RVs can trip at any moment, and sometimes without warning. For many RVers, this event is the last thing that they want to happen while they are outdoors.
Troubleshooting a tripped circuit breaker box will allow you to find the source of the problem. But you need to locate the RV breaker box location first. Now you’re wondering, where is the circuit breaker in my RV?
The best way to find the RV fuse panel location is by consulting your vehicle’s owner’s manual. However, if you do not have it, continue reading to know how to locate the RV fuse box location.
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Where is the Fuse Box in an RV
The RV circuit breaker location differs for each camper, motorhome, and travel trailer. It is best to consult your vehicle’s owner’s guide to help you locate the fuse box.
Here are some examples of circuit breaker locations in different travel trailers:
- Winnebago Vista 31BE: The electrical fuses are in the circuit breaker panel behind the door or pull-off compartment located in the lounge area or on the floor underneath the bed.
- Jayco Mini Motorhomes: This Jayco circuit breaker location should be close to the brake pedal, beneath the RV dashboard.
- Fleetwood Bounder 36H: Check behind the camper for the electricity load system.
- Thor A.C.E. 30.2: Inspect the area underneath the dashboard or the hood.
- Coachmen Freelander 31BH: The panel should be near the stairs of your RV.
In certain cases, the travel trailer circuit breaker location will have a fairly clear label on its box or panel. You may need to move some appliances around, such as the air conditioner, refrigerator, or water heater, to see the fuse container.
Why Does the Circuit Breaker in the RV Keep Tripping
Different reasons exist for why an RV circuit breaker trips regularly. These causes can either be blown fuses, electrical problems, or short circuits.
In this section, take a look at these reasons in more detail:
Blown RV Fuses
In general, campers have two types of electrical currents: AC and DC. A blown fuse requires you to replace the faulty switch with a compatible model to your RV’s main source of power.
Keep in mind that a blown fuse is sometimes a sign of a faulty electrical device. Therefore, you should also have the connected product check and replace the broken circuit.
Electrical Problems
Electricity issues can come from the RV itself. Some examples include a loose wire or a problem with the vehicle’s 12-volt system.
If so, park your RV at a safe site for a quick yet thorough maintenance session. Then, start by checking the fuses and electrical connections. Inspect the switch panel for tripped circuits. Additionally, make sure that the wirings in the vehicle are intact.
If you see a tripped circuit, return it to the on position. On the other hand, if you see a loose wire, reconnect it and ensure that the connection is tight.
Additionally, check your RV’s batteries. In some cases, the battery will be the main culprit. If your vehicle’s battery is malfunctioning, consider replacing it with a new unit.
Short Circuits
As mentioned previously, a faulty electrical device can be the culprit of circuit breakers tripping repeatedly. It is because a malfunctioning appliance will tend to use more electricity than normal.
Take note that RV batteries have limits to the amount of usable energy they can deliver to connected devices. If connected devices are drawing more power than average, the breakers will trip.
Another instance is when you are using too many electrical devices in your motorhome or travel trailer at the same time. Therefore, the vehicle’s power supply cannot keep up with the significant electricity demand, causing the fuses to short circuit.
Remember to stay vigilant in using devices in your camping vehicle. You can use a power meter display or other electricity monitoring devices to prevent short-circuiting fuses.
How to Reset a Tripped RV Circuit Breaker
In cases wherein you cannot turn on some or all appliances in your motorhome or travel trailer, you should check your vehicle’s fuse panel. Assuming that you know the location of the circuit breaker panel in your RV, here are the steps to reset a tripped breaker.
- Identify the tripped breaker. A circuit that trips will most likely shift from the on position to the off spot.
- Turn off all appliances in the RV. An appliance that remains on while you’re resetting the tripped circuit will be at risk of malfunctioning. Also, do not forget to turn off the lights in the vehicle for safety.
- Flip the breaker switch. Return the flipped switch to the on position. In turn, the breaker should return power to connected devices.
If the same fuse or switch trips frequently, avoid resetting it many times. Doing so will increase the risks of harming the RV’s electrical system.
Additionally, make sure that you are wearing protective gear like gloves when resetting the switch. In some cases, a broken switch can induce an electrical shock.
You can also check out the following video for a visual representation of how to reset tripped switches in your RV.
What to Do When You Can’t Reset a Breaker
Sometimes you might run into an issue wherein a breaker on your RV’s electric panel won’t reset. If so, it might not yet warrant an immediate fix. The problem may come from a bad connection or a faulty appliance.
Keep in mind that circuit breakers do not have repairable designs. In other words, if the circuits in RVs trip frequently or break, you need to replace them. Do not attempt to repair a broken switch as it can introduce more problems.
Follow these steps to replace a broken breaker in the RV fuse panel:
- Turn off the main power source in the vehicle.
- Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves and grasp the malfunctioning or broken breaker.
- Pull out the faulty circuit off the bus bar.
- Disconnect the black wire connecting the switch to the panel.
After replacing the breaker with a new model, test it out by turning it on and by making sure that it stays in that position. If the new switch continues to trip, you may need to do more diagnostic work.
At this point, consider consulting the services of a professional electrician. Aim to hire an expert with expertise in repairing RV circuit breakers so you do not have to waste valuable time and money.
Conclusion
Now that you are at the end of this guide, you should have an answer to the question, ‘Where is the circuit breaker in my RV?’ Check out this short summary on how to find the location of your vehicle’s electrical switches:
- Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the circuit box location.
- Move appliances and furniture and search for a switch panel or compartment.
- Ask the vehicle’s manufacturer for the location of your RV’s fuses.
Hi, I am Joseph. Carpe diem! Seize the day! That’s always been my life motto. If you haven’t seen some of the most beautiful places in the country, you are missing out on incredible adventures.