Lights not working

[Campermouse]

We have a 2003 Jayco Kiwi 23b. We took it out on our first camping trip last week - great trip, everything worked fine. Plugged it in at the house to take care of some things and all of a sudden the lights stopped working. A/C and all outlets still work but none of the lights work (including the range hood). Checked all 15amp fuses and camper breakers - they're fine. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help!

[wags999]

Lights work off the 12 volt system. Could be as easy as your battery is hooked up wrong, which, will cause the converter to cut out when on shore power. You have two electrical systems in your rig, one for 120 volts and one for 12 volts. Outlets, AC, MW, operate off 120 volts most of the rest off the 12 volt system.

[bucko]

Check the fuse (usually a 30 amp) by the 12V battery.

[namusmc65]

Have you had any luck? What's the update?

[Campermouse]

Thanks for all the suggestions! We discovered the issue. Over the battery there are 3 positive (black) wires tied together with a large wirenut. One of them came loose from the wire nut. Not sure this wirenut on top of the battery is proper - anyone else have this set up?

[norty1]

Finding and fixing this type of trouble gives you confidence that you can handle this camping thing.
Most of the problems we have are relatively simple to fix once you find it.

Good job!

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Campermouse

Thanks for all the suggestions! We discovered the issue. Over the battery there are 3 positive (black) wires tied together with a large wirenut. One of them came loose from the wire nut. Not sure this wirenut on top of the battery is proper - anyone else have this set up?

Yes. I replaced mine with a waterproof wire nut. I picked up a pack of 4 at Home Depot for less than $4. Not cheap, but cheap enough, and the improvement is certainly worth it to me.

Added: I also secured the wires with some electrical tape before I put the new nut on to help stabilize the bundle and then secured the rest of the wires with nylon wire ties. It's all clean and secure up there now, and that confidence is worth the price of admission.

[norty1]

Liquid electrical tape can be purchased at most any Auto supply. Just dab it on your wire nut or any made connection, soldered ot with a wire nut.

4 oz. Black Liquid Tape | U.S. Plastic Corp.