DC Fuses Keep Burning Out - 1976 Camper

[jstrembiski]

I just bought a 1976 used Jayco camper, having trouble sorting out the DC power..I am new to campers and DC power...

I have 2x24v batteries in parallel feeding the unit, there is a 12 v distribution panel, All the DC fuses seem to blow instantly, so nothing on the DC line works. The AC items work, but only when i am plugged in to an outlet.

Question 1 : Do i need to switch to 12V batteries instead?
Question 2 : Are the AC receptacles supposed to work off the batteries when not plugged in?
Question 3 : Are the fuses maybe wrong? can i add a fuse that lets more current flow?

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by jstrembiski

I just bought a 1976 used Jayco camper, having trouble sorting out the DC power..I am new to campers and DC power...

I have 2x24v batteries in parallel feeding the unit, there is a 12 v distribution panel, All the DC fuses seem to blow instantly, so nothing on the DC line works. The AC items work, but only when i am plugged in to an outlet.

Question 1 : Do i need to switch to 12V batteries instead?
Question 2 : Are the AC receptacles supposed to work off the batteries when not plugged in?
Question 3 : Are the fuses maybe wrong? can i add a fuse that lets more current flow?

Not surprising as it seems you have no understanding of the power grid and the facts about RV electrical systems. 110 V only works when you are plugged in to shore power [power pedestal] and there is no 24V battery. The 24 label on the battery indicates the size not the volts. All car type batteries are either 12 or 6 volts. 2 batteries hooked up like I suspect yours are will yield 12volts.

The first thing I would check is the polarity of your battery connections. It may be hooked up in reverse with positive to neg and neg to positive. That will blow fuses as soon as you connect. If it is all the 12v system not just a single circuit, its likely a problem with the connection or there is a direct short in the battery cable feeding into and connecting to the converter inside the unit. Ask a friend who has some experience to take a look. This is NOT a slam to you, there are a lot of RV things that new converts will have to become familiar with. It will take some time and we are all still learning. Since this is an older unit and may have been sitting unused for a while there could be all kinds of issues with the electrical. One could be damage caused by rodents or rusted connections. Do a good visual of the wiring from the battery area back to where it enters the trailer and look for the obvious. If you replaced old batteries you may have reversed or crossed the wiring. If these are still old batteries they need to be replaced before you go any farther. Find a friend to help you work thru this.